Pregnancy is a joyous time, but the physical changes can also make the anticipation uncomfortable. Pregnant women may experience a sore back, aching shoulders, and an unreliable bladder (actually caused by a weak pelvic floor.) Do you have to accept these symptoms as “just part of being pregnant,” or are there proactive measures you can take to make pregnancy more pleasant? Most pregnant women know that taking pain relievers is not recommended, and they can turn to massage or exercise to stretch out aching muscles. But they may be missing out on one of the best ways to feel great throughout those nine months – regular visits to a prenatal chiropractor.
Like traditional chiropractic services, prenatal chiropractic treatments target spinal and pelvic adjustments to alleviate back pain and tension. But prenatal chiropractic also works to optimize pelvic alignment, which assists with labor and vaginal delivery and ensures the baby has lots of room to grow and develop throughout the third trimester.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
If you’ve ever laid face-down on a chiropractic table, you may wonder how to continue to do so as the pregnancy progresses. Chiropractors who provide prenatal services are prepared, however, with specialized and adjustable tables that will accommodate a growing belly all the way through to delivery. These tables, often used in tandem with a special bolster or pillow, keep the belly safely cradled while the head, shoulders, hips, and legs are still adequately supported.
As mentioned, you can expect the adjustment to focus on pelvis alignment. However, your chiropractor will also address any other areas of tension or pain without triggering discomfort.
When is Prenatal Chiropractic Care Appropriate?
You can start prenatal chiropractic care at any point during the pregnancy. Still, women will achieve maximum benefit from seeing a chiropractor before even getting pregnant – or at least as soon as they learn of the pregnancy. The earlier that care begins, the stronger the pelvic floor and back, which can mitigate complications and pain throughout the pregnancy. Remember, chiropractic treatment is not essential for successful delivery – but it can certainly help to prepare for labor and help the body to be relaxed and aligned for the big event.
It is also important to point out that even if you have never been to a chiropractor before pregnancy, it is safe to begin treatment once pregnant.
Did You Know? The ideal time for a pelvic alignment check is between 24-28 weeks, which helps the baby to settle in the pelvic bowl correctly before full term.
Can Prenatal Chiropractic Treatment Cause Complications?
It would not be unreasonable to wonder if chiropractic care during pregnancy could cause complications such as preterm births or miscarriages. However, there is no evidence that care from a pregnancy-specific trained chiropractor presents any medical risk to mothers or babies. Genetic factors, infections, hormonal imbalances, or immune system responses typically cause miscarriage or preterm birth.
Overall, seeking prenatal chiropractic care offers significant benefits. Prenatal chiropractic care improves the function of the pelvic floor, resulting in healthy birth outcomes and easier postpartum recovery. It can also enhance the quality of life for pregnant patients by alleviating many common pregnancy complaints, including hip pain, lower and middle back pain, sciatica, restless leg syndrome, and headaches.
Dr. Ryan Johnson has treated women in all pregnancy stages and even adjusted babies immediately following their birth. Call our offices today to learn more about the therapeutic benefits of pre-and post-natal chiropractic care.
Don’t forget! If you are visiting the Sarasota area or on vacation, you are welcome to schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson. We’d love to meet you.
