By Dr. Lisette Miller
“Chiropractic care saved me during my pregnancy!” This is something I hear often from patients describing their chiropractic experience. From pre-conception to post-partum, the role of chiropractic care during all stages of pregnancy cannot be ignored.
Chiropractic care is a safe and natural way to address common pregnancy related challenges such as:
- Aches and pain
- Pelvic pain
- Morning sickness
- Carpal tunnel
- Acid reflux
- Restless sleep
- Swelling
- and more!
Whether it is your first baby or your fifth, chiropractic care can positively influence your pregnancy, as well as your baby’s journey into the world.
Pregnant patients enjoy discovering that they can comfortably lay on their stomachs during a chiropractic adjustment! In our office, as in most chiropractic offices, there are tables specifically designed to fit a pregnant belly. After a thorough health history assessment, a chiropractic examination will be performed to locate areas of the spine that are restricted or “stuck.” We determine these areas by palpating, or feeling, each vertebral segment and how they relate to the one above and below. We pay close attention to the lumbar, pelvic and sacral areas, as well as the sacroiliac joint. These areas are most commonly and significantly affected by the biochemical and biomechanical changes of pregnancy.
Chiropractic care supports the spine during these changes in a safe, effective, and natural way. In early pregnancy, hormones are adjusting to a new normal and muscles are being lengthened in preparation for the growing belly. The body’s center of gravity is constantly changing as the baby grows which puts more and more pressure on the lumbar spine and sacrum. The body and spine are consistently adapting and compensating for these changes. Later in pregnancy, the hips and pelvis start to open up and the ligaments may become strained. By aligning the spine, your body can adapt to these changes more effectively and improve comfort levels. In terms of the growing baby, optimal pelvic alignment reduces intra-uterine constraint which ensures adequate room to grow and develop. Unilateral or unequal torsion on uterine ligaments can interfere with the baby’s instinctive ability to properly position itself for a natural delivery. sThese ligaments are directly affected by chiropractic adjustments.
In summary, the most notable benefits of chiropractic adjustments when pregnant are: maintaining a healthy pregnancy without the use of medication, controlling morning sickness and nausea naturally, avoiding a possible caesarian section, reducing various aches and pain, and reducing labor and delivery time. Studies show that 84% of pregnant patients receiving chiropractic treatment report improvement of their lower back symptoms. Another study showed that labor time was reduced by 31% by those who sought chiropractic care. Lastly, one research study showed that women receiving chiropractic care in their third trimester stated they were “able to carry and deliver with more comfort” and indicated that the need for pain medication during delivery was reduced by 50%.
Pelvic and sacral alignment, the structure of your spine, and the ability of your nervous system to function optimally all play a vital role in every stage of pregnancy. I also encourage you to consider integrating other natural, drug-free modalities into your care plan, such as acupuncture and nutritional counseling, to fully support yourself and baby during this precious time of change and growth. Please feel free to visit www.ICPA4kids.org for more information about chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Dr. Lisette Miller
Dr. Lisette Miller is a Chiropractic Physician and Certified Acupuncture Provider at First State Health & Wellness—Brandywine. She integrates chiropractic care with acupuncture for optimal pain relief and healing. First State Health & Wellness has been providing award-winning healthcare and education for over 30 years. If you’re ready to discuss conservative wellness options for you and your family, visit www.firststatehealth.com, call 302.475.4200 or e-mail lmiller@firststatehealth.com to schedule a consultation.