Chiropractic and Pregnancy: Your Pelvis Will Thank You For It

By Dr. Molly Casey

Pregnancy is a physically taxing time of mixed emotions and experiences. It's often an exciting time. It can also be a very difficult time -- and frightening -- for a variety of reasons. Many women find themselves asking whether pregnancy and chiropractic go together. The short answer is yes. The longer answers are below; let's take a look at them.

Optimal Communication

One human body is growing inside another human body. There are millions and millions of physiological processes occurring to support this development. The better the mother's brain and body are communicating with each other, the better her body is able to function as a whole. The better the body is able to function, the better it can withstand the stress of developing another human being and the better the chances for that baby to achieve optimal development. It's neither rocket science nor brain surgery: The better the communication, the better the functioning, the better the development.

Chiropractic adjustments promote optimal communication between the brain and the body, therefore it is a wise addition to a pregnant woman's healthcare routine to promote optimal development of the baby.

Structural Preparation

Along with physiological changes, there are obviously structural changes in the mother's body. These structural changes are necessary to carry the baby to full term and to give birth healthily and safely. Nonetheless, these structural changes themselves can be challenging to deal with throughout the pregnancy experience.

Chiropractic adjustments restore joint range of motion, which can help the mother as her spine, pelvis, and body change during the pregnancy. Specifically, there are a lot of structural changes in the pelvis and sacrum; those changes can restrict the baby's space for movement inside the uterus and cause excess pain and symptoms for the mother. It is imperative in the final weeks of pregnancy to not have the baby in a breech position, either bottom down or feet first. Specific chiropractic adjustment techniques are very helpful with getting the baby to turn and correct the breech position to allow for a natural birth.

Chiropractic adjustments help prepare the structure of the body for the greatest ease in the delivery process.

Manage the Symptoms

Even in the best of circumstances, a pregnancy is likely to include low back pain, pelvic pain, headaches, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms. Add to that the hormonal changes, the mental and emotional aspect, all the physiological and structural changes, and you absolutely have a perfect storm for months of discomfort.

But chiropractic can help manage the symptoms. Chiropractic is all about improving nervous system communication and the overall function and health of the body. One great side effect of routine chiropractic care during pregnancy is that pain and symptoms often go away. Lessening or mitigating these symptoms (even if it is only temporary) can be very helpful in the process of making it through to the delivery.

Pregnancies come in all different shapes and sizes just like the babies. One thing is for sure, the healthier Mom is, the healthier the baby has the potential to be.

Chiropractic care can be a safe, conservative, and effective addition to your pregnancy journey. It can improve nervous system communication, support your body as it goes through structural changes, prepare you for the best birth process possible, and mitigate symptoms.

For all mothers-to-be, regularly seeing your chiropractor can be one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.

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