Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is a very exciting time in a family’s life. With pregnancy it can also bring about pain and/or discomfort for the pregnant mom. This can happen because the woman’s center of gravity shifts forward to the front of the pelvis which increased stress on the pelvis and/or low back. This becomes especially problematic if the stress on the pelvis causes a subluxation to occur. Subluxation is the misalignment of a joint that causes improper motion which results in pressure on the joint and any nerves in the area. Long term this can lead to arthritis and degenerative disc disease. In the immediate term this will cause pain due to inflammation in the joint and cause restrictions to movement, affect posture and affect ability of nerve flow to get to the organs, muscles and cells of the body. In pregnancy as the baby grows in the womb it changes the curvature of the mother’s spine creating extra stress on the facet joints of the spine. Any pre-existing issues in a women’s spine can become exacerbated during the pregnancy. Studies show that half of all pregnant moms experience back pain during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester.
Here at Actus Chiropractic, Dr. Val H. Tompkins, D.C., focuses on the detection and correction of subluxations in the body so that the expectant mother can enjoy the pregnancy experience and not spend this time in pain. Let’s look at the 8 benefits that Chiropractic care during pregnancy has for the mom.
- Pain relief: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate common pregnancy related pain, such as back pain, sciatica and other joint related pain. In one survey, greater then 80% of women receiving at least 1 adjustment in pregnancy reported reduced back pain. With regular chiropractic care, misalignments can be corrected and help alleviate the pressure causing the pain.
- Improve Posture: As the body changes during pregnancy, chiropractic care can help maintain good posture reducing the strain on muscles and joints. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association recommends chiropractic care for women during pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimize the space for the baby to develop. Good posture reduces stress on the system and allows for the body to work more efficiently. Improving posture and movement in the joints of the body is also important for the babies positioning. For a baby that is breech (head up instead of down) it is possible that misalignments in the pelvis is creating tension on the ligaments and tendons of the uterus which does not give baby room to move into the proper position. Using chiropractic adjustments and the Webster Technique it is possible to restore movement of the body and allow for more room for baby to have the chance to get into the correct position. This is not a guarantee that the baby will move as there may be other underlying factors at play, but it will give the baby the best chance to get into the proper position.
- Enhanced Mobility and Nervous System function: Chiropractic care can improve flexibility and range of motion, making it easier for pregnant women to move comfortably. Misalignments of the vertebra will affect this and cause pressure on the nerves. By removing this stress on the nerves, it allows for better function of your organs, muscles, cells and glands in your body.
- Labor Preparation and potential for shorter labor time: Chiropractic care can help prepare the pelvis for labor and delivery by ensuring proper alignment and balance potentially leading to a smoother and faster birth. Studies show that women who use chiropractic care have shorter labor times. Since your body will be in proper alignment and the baby in the proper position labor time may be shorter and the need for cesarean delivery or other medical interventions are reduced.
- Better Sleep: By reducing discomfort and easing stress in the body, chiropractic care can improve sleep quality during pregnancy.
- Reduced need for pain medication: The number of women who pledge to make it through the delivery and birth without needing any pain medication is usually much higher than the amount who can do it. It’s not because of a lack of will or determination, its because the process is quite painful. Many women get to a point where they simply need relief. One chiropractic benefit to regular care during pregnancy was 50% of the women needed reduced amounts of pain medication.
- Lower Likelihood of Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is a serious condition that many women suffer through, and it can affect their lives for quite some time. In severe cases postpartum depression has been blamed for new mothers harming their babies. This is a situation that requires a medical doctors care. However, Chiropractic care during and after pregnancy can stimulate endorphin release which has been clinically shown to improve a person’s mood. Be sure to seek appropriate help for this situation.
- Faster Physical Recovery: By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, chiropractic care may aid in faster physical recovery. After the baby is born loosened ligaments, nerve issues and misalignments that occur during the pregnancy can be helped with chiropractic care. Your chiropractic care will restore nerve function and communication, it will correct subluxation that may have occurred during the delivery, and it can help with breast feeding. Pregnancy is an intense physical event. Seeing a chiropractor afterwards will help restore your body to its proper function and condition.
Commonly Asked Questions about Pregnancy and Chiropractic at Actus Chiropractic:
Is it safe to receive chiropractic care during pregnancy?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Dr. Val is specially trained to provide effective adjustments that are safe for pregnant women. Techniques are used that are suitable for all stages of pregnancy and Dr. Val takes into consideration unique needs of the expectant mother.
Can Chiropractic care help with common pregnancy discomforts?
Yes, chiropractic care can help to alleviate common discomforts associated with pregnancy. Dr. Val addresses issues in the body such as back pain, sciatica, pelvic pain, round ligament pain and more by removing misalignments and restoring optimal function in the body.
Can Chiropractic help with a baby that is breech in position?
Chiropractic care can help optimize the position of your baby. Dr. Val is trained in the Webster Technique which focuses on balancing the pelvis by removing subluxations (misalignments) allowing for proper function of the body allowing the baby to have a more favorable environment to move into proper fetal positioning.
Can Chiropractic Care help with postpartum recovery?
Yes, chiropractic care can be beneficial for postpartum recovery. The physical stress of pregnancy and childbirth affect the alignment of the spine and pelvis. Chiropractic adjustments help restore alignment, relieve tension, and promote healing during the postpartum period. Dr. Val can also provide guidance on exercise and stretches to support postpartum recovery.
When is the best time to start chiropractic care during pregnancy?
Any time during pregnancy is going to be better than not, to start chiropractic care. However, starting care early in your pregnancy will have big benefits in setting up a good plan and be able to help you as your body changes with the pregnancy. Dr. Val focuses on the detection and removal of misalignments in the spine called subluxations which cause dis-ease in the body and lead to improper function. With guidance on exercise and stretching chiropractic helps to keep pregnancy an exciting event in your life.
How often should I receive chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy?
The frequency of chiropractic care during pregnancy is dependent on each individuals needs. Dr. Val will do a full exam on your first visit and come up with a personalized plan based on your specific condition and stage of pregnancy. This allows Dr. Val to help maintain proper alignment and address any discomforts or issues that may arise.
Are Chiropractic adjustments safe for both me and my baby?
Yes, chiropractic adjustments are safe for both you and the baby. Gentle techniques are used for babies and pregnant women. Adjustments are non-invasive and pose no risk to the baby.
Can Chiropractic care help with labor and delivery?
Yes, chiropractic care can help with labor and delivery. Alignment of the pelvis and spine thru chiropractic care optimizes the birthing process by potentially resulting in shorter labor times, reduced intervention rates and can also help with a smoother delivery. Dr. Val works with each patient on good exercises and stretches to prepare the body for labor.
Do I need a referral from by obstetrician to receive chiropractic care during pregnancy?
No, a referral is not needed for chiropractic care. However, it is good for a Patient to communicate with their doctors on what they are doing. Dr. Val is happy to work with other Doctors, midwives, doulas, and others so that the patient can have the best pregnancy experience possible.
Please reach out to my office with any questions you might have contact me here or you can call the office at (925) 516-2363 to schedule your appointment at Actus Chiropractic with Dr. Val H. Tompkins, D.C.