A Word or Two about Pregnancy

Consider the following aspects of pregnancy that lead to subluxation;

  • Rapid increase/decrease in weight
  • Postural changes
  • Changes in sleep patterns & positions
  • Altered appetite and eating habits
  • Loosening of body ligaments to allow for growth/labor
  • Flat feet/pronation due to weight gain/loose ligaments
  • Emotional changes (hormonal shifts/new family stress)

***** (Many of these affect Dad-to-be too!!!!)

- All of the above and more can cause subluxation, and this doesn’t even include any of the numerous changes Mom & Dad will both experience after the arrival of the “Little Miracle.”

- Remember, the subluxations you have during pregnancy don’t just affect you! They affect your unborn baby too!! Your baby needs your nerve system to be fully functioning in order to develop correctly.

- Studies have shown that women who have consistent chiropractic care throughout their pregnancies have shorter and less painful labors with fewer complications and fewer interventions.

- Of course, techniques are very different for pregnant women, and we are specially trained in this office to insure you the safest and best possible care throughout your pregnancy.

Minimizing your subluxations before, during and after your pregnancy will allow you, your husband and your new babies every possible advantage!
Common Questions about Chiropractic & Pregnancy

1. Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Of course! A safe alternative to drugs is wonderful for both mother and baby.

2. Is there a time in pregnancy when spinal adjustments should stop?
No! Some women have even received chiropractic during labor to aid in reducing pain with delivery.

3. Should I see a chiropractor if I only have a painful pregnancy?
No! Regular spinal screenings and updates should be common. Remember, your body is changing in many ways and that can place a great deal of stress on your spine and nervous system. So rather than wait for problems to arise, prevent them by frequent visits to your chiropractor.

Is chiropractic safe during Pregnancy?
ABSOLUTELY!

During pregnancy most women experience pain and discomfort as their bodies adapt to many changes taking place inside. These changes not only include hormonal changes but biomechanical changes as the body deals with extra weight and changes to posture. Such changes can affect our spine ultimately leading to complications with nerves, joints, connective tissue, ligaments, posture and stability. At Needham Family Chiropractic we monitor the events taking place with your spine during pregnancy to ensure that complications are avoided and your future spinal health remains optimal. Ensuring that the spine, pelvis and nervous system remain in check is our focus. Being free from subluxations allows you and your baby to function optimally. Pregnant mothers free from subluxations experience greater comfort, less pain, shorter labor and delivery times. As a whole these mothers experience vitality and health throughout their pregnancy and are better prepared to deal with the stress that childbirth can provide.

A common myth exists amongst the obstetrical community that chiropractic has no role in the life of a pregnant individual. This could not be further from the truth and has led to many myths regarding the power of chiropractic. As a result, many have endured unnecessary suffering during their pregnancy.

Once pregnant, women feel they must stop their chiropractic care. This is not true. Regular adjustments can make pregnancy easier, less stressful and delivery more comfortable with fewer complications. Chiropractic care is a valuable part of pregnancy and can be used safely throughout.

Chiropractic adjustments do not harm the pregnant mother or her unborn child. In fact, maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system throughout pregnancy can prevent further postural problems that might occur during and following childbirth.

Chiropractic has documented benefits in reducing back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. The application of chiropractic adjustments during labor and delivery offer a safer method to reduce pain and suffering that are usually dealt with via pain-relieving drugs. This ensures the safety of both the mother and child.

Can Chiropractic Aid with Breech Presentations?
The latest progress in chiropractic prenatal care is a technique to correct breech presentation to ensure the proper positioning of the baby prior to birth. Dr. L. Webster of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, designed a technique to allow chiropractors to release the stress on the pregnant pelvis, relaxing the uterus, allowing the baby to turn naturally into the proper birth position. 

After pregnancy?
Post-partum chiropractic care is a must to ensure pre-pregnant status is achieved. Correcting subluxations within the spine and pelvis are very important considerations to achieve and maintain optimal health potential.

The 9th Month of Pregnancy
According to Parenting (1997) during this time frame, as your baby descends into your pelvic cavity, you may experience sharp, stabbing pains at the base of your spine or in the middle of your pelvic bone. This creates uncomfortable twinges or "pins and needles" in the cervix itself. Pain can radiate down your back or thighs. The increased pelvic aches and pains are likely due to the relaxation and stretching of your pelvic ligaments in preparation for labor. These discomforts can be dealt with by changing positions. A chiropractor experienced in working on pregnant people may be able to help with pelvic adjustments to help balance the hips and pelvis. It is our personal theory that chiropractic care in pregnancy can help to avoid or relieve back pain and also prepare your back and pelvic structures for the stresses of labor and delivery.

The 9th Month. W. Sears, MD, M. Sears, RN. Parenting, June/July 1997.