Going through pregnancy can be difficult for a woman, both physically and emotionally. Creating a life is a lot of work and it is important for women to be as functional as possible during that important time in their life. Chiropractic care for pregnant women because spinal health is important to maintain function throughout the pregnancy.
Optimal Function
During pregnancy, a woman can experience headaches, low back pain, sciatica, hip pain, pubic pain, carpal tunnel pain, ankle swelling and so on. These symptoms are simply telling you that your body isn’t functioning optimally and isn't adapting to the changing environment within your body.
Pelvic Alignment & Hormones
During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin. This hormone causes the mother’s ligaments to become more elastic. This change allows the pelvis to change shape and expand to accommodate the coming delivery. While this is a good thing for the pregnancy, the increase in ligament laxity can predispose the mother to painful misalignments in the pelvis. Pelvic alignment is also quite important for giving the baby the best possible space to pass through the birth canal. Further, when you are in pain, your body produces stress hormones and other unhealthy chemicals. When you consider the fact that the baby shares your blood supply you can see the importance of keeping mommy comfortable. If mommy feels good, the baby feels good.
Nervous System
The pelvis is very important when it comes to pregnancy, but the rest of the spine and extremities are also important for optimal function. The nervous system is in charge of every single cell in the body, and chiropractors help to remove interference to the nervous system. Pregnant women need the best possible environment within their body to create the best environment for their growing baby.
Webster Protocol
Chiropractors receive extensive training in all types of patient care from pregnancy to pediatric to geriatric. There is additional training that some doctors elect to undergo. The most common type for pregnancy is a certification in the Webster Protocol. (All of our doctors are Webster Certified.) This method has been time-tested to help mothers achieve the best possible alignment of the pelvis during pregnancy, and for birth.
Chiropractic Care & Muscle Therapy
Preventative care is the best option, but some women have their first visit at 39 weeks, so it's never too late to come in. At our office, we combine chiropractic care and muscle therapy to give you the best possible care for you and your baby. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
