Pregnancy and Chiropractic
Additional weight is added to the front of a woman's pelvis during pregnancy. This causes stress to the joints of the pelvis and low back. As the baby grows, the added weight increases the curvature of her lower back, which puts extra stress on the fragile facet joints of the spine.
Pre-existing spinal problems are exacerbated as the spine becomes increasingly stressed.
About half of all expectant mothers develop low-back pain during their pregnancies, usually during the third trimester. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can help relieve the pain and discomfort and can create an environment for an easier, safer delivery.
Physical stress is relieved by restoring a state of balance to the spine and pelvis. Many women find that chiropractic care helps them avoid the use of pain medications during pregnancy. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments also help reduce time spent in labor.
Chiropractic tips for pregnant women:
- Get adjusted regularly. Chiropractic care will help maintain a healthy skeletal structure and nervous system throughout a pregnancy and childbirth.
- Do some gentle exercise each day. Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling are good cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women. Avoid activities that involve jerking or bouncing movements. Stop exercise immediately if you notice symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or weakness.
- Wear flat shoes with arch supports. Your feet become more susceptible to injury during pregnancy due to rapidly increasing body weight and the fact that the ligaments that support your feet become more lax.
- When lifting, bend from the knees, not from the waist. Your low back is more prone to injury during pregnancy.
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. This takes pressure off your lower back. Full-length "body pillows" or "pregnancy wedges" can be helpful.
- Eat small meals every few hours rather than three large meals per day. This will help alleviate nausea and stabilize blood sugar. It will also allow your body to extract the maximum amount of nutrition from your food.
- Take folic acid - at least 400 micrograms every day; 800 micrograms is even better. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects in a developing fetus. Check with your doctor before taking any pre-natal vitamins or herbalsupplements to make sure they are safe.
Your chiropractor should be your partner for a healthy pregnancy. They can provide adjustments, as well as offer nutritional, ergonomic and exercise advice to help address your special needs.