Pregnancy is considered to be one of the most transformational experiences a woman can experience.
Your bundle of joy is on the way and you are probably feeling excited about the future! But let’s be real- a lot changes. Your sleep pattern might be different, you might be feeling aches you haven’t felt before, and there’s a high probability of an achy back. A lot! No wonder, huh?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy has a lot of benefits but it’s not just about making the pregnancy easier – it can also speed up the labor and shorten the recovery process.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy: Help your body
Your body is going through severe physical changes and the most obvious effect on the spine is during the second trimester. Your pelvis starts to shift in preparation for delivery and you start leaning somewhat backward when you stand or walk. These changes can place pressure on the pelvis, joints and the ligaments causing pain and discomfort.
And it’s not just about the back and pelvis; you might be feeling pain in your knees, ankles, and feet. One of the most common chiropractic adjustments is targeted at the lumbar spine and the sacroiliac joint, shifting the vertebrae back into alignment. This may relieve lower back pain but it will also ease the pressure on the sciatic nerve which can help you sleep more soundly at night.
A good night sleep is always important, especially during the pregnancy. You may have noticed that you’re suddenly experiencing more sleep disturbances; heartburn, shortness of breath, snoring, leg cramps, nausea…The list can go on forever. If you already had bad sleeping habits, pregnancy usually just compounds them. It’s natural and you’re not alone but there are ways chiropractic care can help you. You’ve visited your chiropractor before you fell pregnant and he helped you with your aches and pains, right? Why stop now?
Chiropractic care for easier labor and delivery
Did you know that chiropractic care can decrease labor times by 24 percent in first births and up to 33 percent for second or third births? The sooner you start the better!
Chiropractic adjustments can help babies to get into the optimal birth position. When the mother’s sacrum has displaced, the diameter of the pelvis is reduced, which prevents the baby from comfortably getting into the best position for delivery. By aligning your spine and hips, with your nerves and muscles free, labor can progress with ease and it usually takes less time. If the baby’s position moves during birth, the labor becomes slower. So it’s not about the size of the baby – it’s about the baby’s presentation interfering with the normal process.
The results of the previously mentioned study also showed that moms having their second baby labored approximately 9-10 hours and with chiropractic care, this time was reduced to 4-5 hours of labor. It’s shown that the likelihood of delivery complications and preventable interventions might be reduced.
If you are considering natural labor, don’t hesitate to visit your chiropractor – these treatments will align your spine which will leave more space in the pelvis.
Chiropractic care after pregnancy
You’ve been carrying a baby in your stomach for nine months and your body has gone through some serious changes. Thanks to the hormone called Relaxin, your ligaments became laxer in order for you to have a successful delivery. Now that the Relaxin left your system your spine and pelvis are probably not in good alignment. What comes next is the constant strain on your back muscles and your pelvis – each time you reach into the crib. Mums also notice that their bodies are not moving as they did prior to pregnancy.
If you had chiropractic adjustments before, you may need just a couple of session to get back up to speed. Your chiropractor will ensure that your body is functioning optimally and that you’re ready to get back to everyday life and activities. Chiropractic treatment after pregnancy shortens the recovery process and it helps you overcome postural issues, but it can also rehabilitate your pelvis, treat pregnancy-related sciatica and helps you to avoid postpartum depression.