You have just discovered that you are pregnant and you are overjoyed. You want to take the best care of yourself possible. You know you should eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest. You have always sworn by chiropractic services in the past but you are afraid that you may not be able to during your pregnancy. You should know that chiropractic treatment is safe when you are pregnant. There are even special treatments just for pregnant ladies.
Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Morning sickness is one of the main problems for women who are pregnant. Chiropractic care has been shown to help with nausea. When a chiropractor adjusts a spine, it helps to improve the nervous system’s overall function. When your nervous system is functioning properly, you will have better hormone balance and that means you will not get nauseous as often.
Women with poor spinal alignment often have breech births. This means that the baby comes out feet first. This happens because the baby does not have enough room to get into the proper position. When your spine is in perfect alignment, it will help the baby to get into the best position to come out feet first.
Carrying a baby causes most women to experience some back pain. When you are pregnant your body’s hormonal balance changes. A hormone called relaxin is produced which loosens ligaments around the pelvis to begin to prepare your body for delivery. The trouble with this is that those ligaments support the spine. When they loosen and weaken it puts pressure on the spine and that’s what causes your back to hurt. A properly aligned spine is a strong one. Chiropractic treatments can relieve some of that pain.
Most women change the position in which they sleep in the later stages of pregnancy. This can also put too much pressure on your spine. Chiropractic treatment is especially beneficial in the latter stages of pregnancy.
Delivery will be much less painful if you have chiropractic treatment first. When your hips and spine are aligned, your nerves will be able to work the way they are supposed to. Your cervix goes through contractions when you are giving birth. Your nervous system controls these contractions. If your nervous system is working properly your contractions and dilations will be smoother and your birth will go faster.
Risks Associated with Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Any physical treatment comes with some risks. Although it is rare, chiropractic treatment can sometimes result in herniated disks or compression of the nerves in the spinal column. There are no specific risks associated with treatment during pregnancy.
Some women experience vaginal bleeding or placenta previa when they are pregnant. Chiropractic care may be dangerous for women with those conditions.
Make sure to research a clinic before you go in for an appointment. Read reviews on the internet and make sure there are no complaints about them with the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine. If you are pregnant, you should only go to a chiropractor who is trained in prenatal care.
What Is a Prenatal Chiropractic Session Like?
When you first go to the office, you will have a brief assessment where you will be asked some questions about your medical health. The chiropractor will look at the alignment of your spine. In some cases, they may take X-rays. They will evaluate the information and you will discuss a treatment plan. The chiropractor is likely to contact your obstetrician to find out if chiropractic treatments would be safe in your case. They may recommend a diet and vitamin regime as well.
Many chiropractors will use the Webster Technique when treating pregnant women. They will adjust the sacrum which is a large bone that sits at the end of the spine. They may also massage the center of your belly, This is to help pull the baby downward when it is time for delivery.
The chiropractor will use a special table designed for pregnancy. It would be hard to lie down on an ordinary table when your stomach is so big. The table should have equipment that cradles your belly.Pregnancy is a joyful time, but it can also be a stressful time. Chiropractic treatments help to alleviate stress by making the nervous system work better. Chiropractic care combined with a healthy diet and vitamin regime can make a woman’s pregnancy and delivery much easier.
