During pregnancy, the body is continually growing and changing. Due to the abdomen extending away from the body, a pregnant woman typically feels a pull on her low back as well as pelvic pressure. The increased demand on the spinal and pelvic ligaments and the stretching of these ligaments often leads to low back pain and discomfort. Chiropractic care can help the woman’s body adapt to these changes, resulting in a much more comfortable pregnancy for both the mother and growing baby. In addition, chiropractic care during pregnancy has been associated with decreased labor time and an easier birthing experience.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are no known contraindications to chiropractic treatment during pregnancy. In fact, Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to be safe and beneficial for both mother and baby. As pregnancy progresses there is an increase in circulating hormones, which causes your muscles and ligaments to relax in preparation for the growth your body is experiencing. In light of these changes, our chiropractors will use one of a number of adjusting techniques designed to provide maximum comfort and safety for both the expectant mother and baby.
Pregnancy is a dynamic process with numerous changes taking place within a relatively short span of time. These changes mean regular chiropractic check-ups, pre-pregnancy planning, proper nutrition and regular exercise should be priorities for a mother to be. Chiropractic helps women to get well, stay well and be their best – before, during and after pregnancy.
New Patient? Learn More...What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?
Clinical studies have shown that there are many benefits to receiving chiropractic care before, during and after pregnancy. The results of these studies show that women who receive chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy:
- Carry and deliver more comfortably
- Have less interventions during labor
- Reduce the need for analgesics during delivery by 50%
- Decrease the average amount of time spent in labor
- Experience labor times 39% shorter in women delivering for the second or third time.
Symptoms related to pregnancy:
- Acid reflux
- Headaches
- Knee pain
- Midback pain
- Neck pain
- Low back pain
- Piriformis syndrome
- Pubic bone pain
- Round ligament pain
- Sciatica
- Carpal Tunnel
Webster Technique
The Webster Technique is a special way of adjusting to help maximize the benefits a pregnant woman receives from chiropractic care. It takes into account her changing body and addresses issues specific to pregnancy. Most importantly it helps to restore pelvic and sacral balance and function. Dr. Samuels is specially trained and certified to perform the Webster Technique.
Sacral and pelvic misalignments cause tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. These tense muscles and ligaments and their constraining effect on the uterus sometimes prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nervous system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This technique has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, which relieves stress to the baby's developing spine and nervous system and also allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.