Visiting a Chiropractor During Pregnancy by EIH

Many women believe back and hip pain are unavoidable symptoms of pregnancy. Indeed, about half of all expectant mothers experience this discomfort at some point along the way. Fortunately, if you’re suffering from pregnancy back pain, visiting a chiropractor may provide the relief you need.

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care is the art and science of spinal manipulation. It aims to realign the spine and other joints of the body to reduce nerve compression, support a healthy nervous system and promote overall wellbeing – all without drugs or invasive procedures.

Compared to other treatment options, chiropractic care is deemed incredibly safe for pregnant women. In fact, there are no known conditions that would make spinal manipulation inadvisable during pregnancy. Plus, some chiropractors take a special interest in prenatal and postnatal care to ensure you receive the best experience possible with no unnecessary pressure on your abdomen.

The Webster Technique

This technique, determined to be a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function, was developed by the late Larry Webster, D.C., to release stress on the pelvis, relaxing surrounding ligaments and reducing the sacral subluxation to restore more normal function.

Why should pregnant women seek chiropractic care?

Your body undergoes several physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy that can impair your comfort, including a protruding abdomen, increased spinal curve, pelvic changes and a higher center of gravity. These temporary changes alter your posture, weaken your joints and damage your spinal alignment, which can adversely affect your nervous system.

Keeping your spine properly aligned throughout your entire pregnancy helps your body work more efficiently. This way, the physiological and hormonal changes you undergo are more bearable. Therefore, visiting the chiropractor is worthwhile even if you don’t have severe back and hip pain.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?

Consider these specific benefits of visiting a chiropractor while you’re pregnant:

Healthier pregnancy: When your pelvis is misaligned, your baby may have less room to grow. This condition, called intrauterine constraint, can cause birth defects. Chiropractic care reduces the chance of this.
Decreased back pain: Three out of four pregnant women who visit the chiropractor report pain relief. This may be extremely beneficial if you suffer from unmanageable back, hip, neck or joint pain.
Less nausea: Chiropractic care has been shown to decrease symptoms of morning sickness in expectant mothers. Since spinal manipulation helps the nervous system function optimally, regular adjustments can help curb nausea.
Faster, simpler delivery: A misaligned pelvis makes it more difficult for your baby to get into the proper position, leading to a longer labor and more complicated delivery. With more room to twist and move out of breech or posterior position into a more optimal birthing position, you decrease the potential for a cesarean section.

Chiropractic care is the ideal way to support your body’s natural functions in a safe, non-invasive way. Effective Integrative Healthcare offers the treatment methods you’re looking for to support a healthy, comfortable pregnancy and a faster, easier delivery. We also have Webster Technique trained and certified providers. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We have convenient locations in Crofton, Millersville and Lanham, MD to better serve you.