Chiropractic and Pregnancy
Chiropractic care in pregnancy is vital to the normal physiological function of both the mother and baby throughout pregnancy and birth. More women and birth providers are discovering the many benefits associated with chiropractic care in pregnancy and recognize this area of expertise.
why chiropractic care during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care received during one’s pregnancy provides more opportunity for a healthy and natural birth. Reduction of dystocia (i.e.: difficult labor for the mother), reduced need for interventions, and a safer, more comfortable birth are a few of the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy.
The mother’s pelvis and spine become balanced through using specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment techniques. When irritation of the nervous system is removed we can restore proper communication between the brain and body. The need for a pregnant woman to receive chiropractic care is vital to the mother’s well being and the baby’s development and wellness. The mother’s well-being is connected to her baby’s future wellness. A mom’s healthy nervous system in pregnancy will have a lifelong impact on the future health of her baby icpa4kids.com.
Conditions associated with pregnancy
Many women seek chiropractic care in pregnancy to promote a healthy pregnancy and birth. However, during pregnancy the mother’s body is constantly changing and adapting to the growing miracle within her. All these changes have an affect on the mother’s physical body. See the diagram that shows some common postural changes and symptoms associated with pregnancy.
Chiropractic care can help common issues of pregnancy including: pelvic imbalance, sleep, rib pain, lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, indigestion, round ligament pain, and pubic bone pain.
Chiropractic care can address many of the changes that happen within a mother’s body. The treatments can help the body adapt easier to pregnancy. It promotes overall well-being and improves the function of both mama and baby. This allows the mother to enjoy her experience of being pregnant even more! The benefits are so far reaching it is imperative to have your spine checked.
the Webster technique
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment to a woman’s pelvic region. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce interference to the nervous system. As well as, creating balance in the pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments.
The Webster Technique is used when a misaligned sacrum causes the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. It is these tense muscles and ligaments which may prevent the baby from achieving the best possible position for birth. Sacral subluxation may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia), caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby mal-presentation. Correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all these causes of dystocia.
Dr. Katie Miller and Dr. Bethany Radziwon are certified in the Webster Technique. They realize the importance of caring for a mother through her pregnancy. Their passion is supporting woman through this exciting time.
For more information and research about the Webster Technique click below:
Fourth Trimester
After welcoming the new little bundle of joy into your life it is imperative to have both the mother and baby checked by a Family Wellness Pediatric Chiropractor. The birth process itself is one of lots of changes to the mother’s pelvis and body. Everything that has been worked on up to this point is now different. The mother’s birth process creates a different experience for her body.
After birth the mother’s body is healing, re-balancing, and recovering. During this time the relaxin hormone continues to surge through the mother’s body. Relaxin hormone is a pregnancy hormone that increases the size and elasticity of the connective tissues; i.e.: ligaments, tendons, muscles. This hormone will remain in the body for up to 5 months after birth. The body continues to adapt as physical and hormonal changes occur. Chiropractic care can support the mother's body during this delicate time.
The fourth trimester is one that can not be overlooked. After going through the birth of your baby, whether its naturally or with interventions it is important to give you body what it needs. Plenty of sleep, water, healthy nutrition, and activity along with a proper functioning nervous system. That is where a Family Wellness Chiropractor comes in to help your body heal, re-balance, and recover!
what to expect at your first visit
Here at Pura Vida, we realize that you may feel a little uneasy when visiting a chiropractor for the first time during your pregnancy; therefore, the doctors will do everything she can to make sure you and your family feel right at home during your treatment. We have various tables and supportive cushions to allow a pregnant woman to lay face down comfortably. Our tables have a breakaway section in the abdomen area that allows the mother to lay comfortably removing any undue pressure on the abdomen. Moms love this!!!
To start the initial visit, your doctor will go over your health history, your current conditions (if any), and goals that you wish to achieve during your pregnancy and birth. They will then perform a thorough exam to determine what is going on in your spine and pelvis area. Your doctor will explain everything clearly prior to giving any treatment. We can assure you that our doctors will take the time to answer all your questions and make you feel safe. They are here for you and your baby!
Once we have a clear understanding of your body we move forward with the treatment. Many mothers experience complete and total relaxation during and after the adjustment. When we create balance in the body and in the nervous system true healing can take place. There are many gentle ways to adjust pregnant women. This allows the mother to be at ease when seeking chiropractic care during this very special time in her life. All techniques are modified to the patient and performed with gentleness and care. After an adjustment, some mothers reported increase in movement of the baby. This is completely normal and if a mother has a baby in a malposition, this is a good thing!
Dr. Katie and Dr. Bethany will work closely with you, making recommendations based on their experiences and what is going on in your life and body. They share their passion to work with mothers and promote a beautiful experience during pregnancy. With the right people and providers supporting you during this time, the experience can be blissful and other worldly. We look forward to working with you during this amazing time in your life.
