Because chiropractic care is becoming more popular, many women used to it might question if they can continue once they become pregnant. There are no known complications to chiropractic care during pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women. Some even have had additional training in specific methods.
When pregnant, you might prefer a chiropractor that uses low-force techniques to avoid any twisting or cracking of the spine during adjustment.
Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?
Getting chiropractic care while pregnant is an effective and safe treatment for both mommy and her baby. If you are already receiving chiropractic care, you can easily continue while you are pregnant. You can even start a new treatment process when you’re just one month pregnant.
The treatment will help you deal with the many changes in your body. Special adjustments designed for pregnant women help balance and rotate the pelvis, reduce nerve irritation in the spine, and help your body feel better and more relaxed.
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association states that women receiving chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy maintain pelvic balance and improve baby development during pregnancy.
Babies have a greater chance of getting into the correct position for birth when the pelvis is balanced. This results in a safer and easier delivery.
Benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy
Receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy can lead to a healthier and better overall pregnancy. Other benefits include:
- Relieving joint, back, and neck pain
- Controlling nausea symptoms
- Reducing the possibility of a cesarean section.
- Reducing the time a woman spends in labor and delivery.
Chiropractors trained in the Webster Technique can adjust when babies are presenting breech. Studies on this technique show an 82% success rate of babies getting into the correct position when the Webster Technique was used.
How do I get adjusted while pregnant?
Many chiropractors have special pillows or tables that are designed to allow a pregnant woman to lay on her stomach during her chiropractic adjustments. When you are still uncomfortable lying this way, you can also be adjusted by lying on your side.
Benefits of chiropractic care after pregnancy
After the birth of your baby, your body’s relaxin supply is reduced. On top of that, your bones and ligament will return to their original position. With chiropractic adjustments, you make sure that everything is perfectly aligned.
Chiropractic is really beneficial in the postpartum process, especially when you have had a difficult pregnancy or rough delivery.
It will also help your body deal with the added stresses and exertion as you care for your baby. Bending, lifting, stretching, holding, and rocking will become part of your daily routine. Your body will have a hard time getting used to these new movements, and chiropractic is a great help.
As more women get chiropractic care to maintain a healthy pregnancy, more healthcare providers refer to chiropractors within their communities. Discuss chiropractic as an option when meeting your healthcare provider. If they can’t tell anything about chiropractic care during pregnancy, prompt them to find out about it.
