Your doctor of chiropractic will examine your spinal column for misalignments
(called vertebral subluxation) causing spine and nerve stress. These
subluxations damage the nervous system and affect the workings of the entire
body. If subluxations are present, the chiropractor will correct them with a
gentle chiropractic spinal adjustment in order to release the spinal stress.
Without subluxations the body will function better, have higher resistance to
disease and express more wholeness (health) than a body with uncorrected
subluxations. That is the essential message of chiropractic.
All this is extremely important for the pregnant woman who needs to have her
body as healthy and strong as possible in order to handle the rigors of
pregnancy and childbirth. Chiropractic care will help ensure that the
reproductive and other systems so essential for a healthy pregnancy receive a
nerve supply from the spinal column without interference. The slightest
interference to the nerve supply could adversely affect the mother and the
developing fetus.
Another excellent reason for seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is that it
is a drugless health care system. Drugs, whether
prescription or
over-the-counter, can harm the growing fetus.
There are so many things pregnant women worry about: staying pregnant,
carrying the baby to full term, morning sickness, the baby developing normally,
backaches, leg pain and if their labor will be safe and (hopefully) easy. Over
the past 100 years chiropractic care has proven to help pregnant women by
helping to maintain pregnancy, control vomiting during pregnancy, deliver
full-term infants with ease and produce healthier infants.
Articles about Chiropractic and Pregnancy
Questions & answers regarding chiropractic &
pregnancy:
Is chiropractic safe in 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 Bullock 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.
Is it difficult to receive a chiropractic adjustment when pregnant?
Not at all. Chiropractors are trained in adjusting the spines of pregnant women
and many chiropractic adjusting tables have special modifications and pillows
for the pregnant figure.
How late in pregnancy is it possible to get an adjustment?
Patients have received adjustments even during labor, as that is when
movement/shifting happens in the mother's pelvic area.
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. A 94% success ratio has been noted with Breech
turning to allow for easy delivery.
Can back pain be helped with chiropractic?
Chiropractic is not a treatment or therapy for back or spinal pain. However,
with chiropractic spinal adjustments the body will be better able to heal its
back and spinal pain, as well as many other health problems. Studies have shown
a significant decrease in back and labor pains in mothers receiving chiropractic
care.
Do I have to have a problem in pregnancy to see a chiropractor?
Not at all. Chiropractic should be used as preventive maintenance. Periodic
spinal checkups during
pregnancy should be as common as periodic weight
checkups.
Can my baby receive chiropractic?
Infants a few hours old have been given spinal checkups and adjustments, if
needed.
Can I get adjusted 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.
