Chiropractic Adjustment During Pregnancy

While chiropractors are generally concerned with the overall health of the spine and body, the field has many things to offer pregnant women. All chiropractors are trained to treat pregnant women, but some have received special designations, due to advanced study and practice in that field. Look for those with a DACCP or CACCP certification, in addition to being a member of ICPA and Webster certified, which means they have been specifically trained to deal with breech positions.

A chiropractor is a great resource for stretches and strengthening exercises for your back. She will know exactly what works best for pregnant women. When performing chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy, a good practitioner will have proper equipment to accommodate pregnant women. They will have tables equipped to accommodate her belly and know that serious pressure on the abdomen needs to be avoided.

With all of the changes that occur in your body during pregnancy, there is a good chance that your spine will become misaligned at some point, simply due to the pressure of your growing stomach, and hormonal changes that cause softening and stretching of tissue. A chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy can establish pelvic balance and realign the spinal column.

This can lead to a reduction in back pain, as everything is brought into alignment so that pressure on soft tissues is relieved. The primary goal is to prepare the mother for birth. Her body should be functioning optimally, with everything in the correct position.

Soft tissue can be manipulated as well through massage and pressure point work. This reduces spinal stress, keeps the muscles relaxed and flexible and results in reduction of muscular aches and pains.

Some additional benefits realized by chiropractic care are controlling symptoms of morning sickness, reducing labor and delivery time, avoiding a potential caesarean section, relieving back, neck and joint pain, and bringing about a healthier pregnancy in general. Additionally, if a baby is in the breech position, the Webster Technique can be used to establish balance in the pelvis and make it possible for the baby to turn to the correct position.

There is some evidence that regular chiropractic care during pregnancy will actually reduce time spent in labor. In addition, it appears that chiropractic patients have less postpartum pain as well.

Currently, many medical professionals believe that regular adjustments with a good chiropractor are highly recommended. Chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy ensures that the pelvis is balanced, creating extra room for the baby, and reducing pain throughout the body, as the spine is brought back into alignment.

Chiropractic care has become so popular for treating pregnant women, that there are even programs available to help cover the cost of treatments. Chiropractic care is still relatively inexpensive compared to most medical options, so you will probably find it quite affordable, even without assistance.

Since many medical options are not available for pregnant women who are dealing with back pain and other issues, chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy can yield a number of benefits, both in terms of immediate symptom relief and long-term health of the mother and baby.