Frequently Asked Questions on Chiropractic for Pregnant Women

Chiropractic Care At Auslander Health Solutions

For many pregnant women, stocking the freezer with meals, preparing the nursery and, of course, seeing the obstetrician are of primary importance. With baby growing and developing every day, moms-to-be may not give as much consideration to their spine as they do to diaper sales, but perhaps they should. Though many may not be aware of it, chiropractic can be a safe and effective means of ensuring a healthy and happy pregnancy. Here are some commonly asked questions when it comes to chiropractic and pregnancy.

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the term given to the health and maintenance of the spinal column. It also includes realigning misaligned joints. Chiropractors go through an average of four years of education, learning in detail about the human body and how the spine and joints should be aligned. This training enables them to manipulate the human body safely, without drugs or surgery, to bring health and relieve pain.

Is Chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Research done on the subject says that chiropractic is safe for pregnant women. The lack of drugs or surgical intervention is one reason, but there are others. All licensed chiropractors receive training related to pregnancy. Some even do advanced study on prenatal chiropractic. Correct chiropractic technique will not put pressure on the pregnant woman’s abdomen while adjustments are made. In addition, we use specially designed tables for adjustments for pregnant women to protect the child and mother when she is receiving care.

What benefits does seeing a chiropractor offer a pregnant woman?

Pregnancy can be a challenging experience for many women. Many often experience pain or discomfort as their bodies change and adjust to allow room for their growing child. In fact, studies show up to 50% of women experience back pain at some point in their pregnancy. What kinds of bodily changes can a mom experience before the birth of her child? As baby grows, your center of gravity changes and your posture compensates. Not all these changes are positive for the body, and some can lead to misaligned spine or joints. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help you manage pain in your back, hips, and joints. In addition, we can show you stretches to help you ease the tension and discomfort associated with your pregnancy.There is also some evidence to suggest that chiropractic care during pregnancy can help in controlling nausea and make labor faster and easier. Out of place vertebrae in your spine can pinch nerves. This can lead a woman to experience nausea. By getting a spinal adjustment, you can relieve these pinched nerves in so doing getting rid of the nausea caused by them.

Are there any benefits for baby?

The benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy are not limited to the mother alone. The baby can also gain benefits from an adjustment as he or she develops in the womb. A pelvis that is misaligned can inhibit the space baby has to grow. This can lead to intrauterine constraint, and that can cause mild to serious problems for baby up to and including birth defects. An adjustment of the pelvis during a chiropractic session can realign these bones giving baby the greatest possible space to grow.

A misaligned pelvis can also cause difficulties during delivery, one being that baby cannot move into the ideal position for birth (rear-facing, head down). The American Pregnancy Association reports that in approximately 4% of pregnancies, baby presents in a breech position. A trained chiropractor can perform a technique called the Webster technique. In a 2002 study this technique successfully turned 82% of breech positionings.

Are there conditions under which a pregnant woman should not seek chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is not ideal for every pregnant woman. You should always consult your doctor first if you are considering chiropractic care during your pregnancy. If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, foregoing chiropractic adjustments is the right choice at this point: vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, placenta abruption, ectopic pregnancy, or moderate to severe toxemia

Make your pregnancy a happy one.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about receiving chiropractic treatment. If they give you the go ahead, we will be happy to talk to you about the services we offer and how we can help you have the safest and happiest pregnancy possible. Pregnancy should be a time of joy and positive anticipation. Don’t let a misaligned spine take away from the pleasure you can experience as you prepare to welcome your child to the world. Rest assured, it is a safe and effective way to make sure you and baby are as healthy and as happy as you can be.