Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

 

The most common reason women seek chiropractic care during pregnancy is for relief of pains associated with pregnancy from the feet all the way up to the neck and head, with special attention to pregnancy back pain, especially pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain, neck pain and joint pain. During pregnancy, a woman’s posture changes to adapt to the growing fetus. There can also be pelvic changes and potential joint and spinal misalignment from a protruding belly and an increased curvature to the back — all of which can cause back pain, neck pain, and joint pain and stiffness.

Chiropractic adjustments relieve pain caused by these postural adaptations, pelvic changes, spinal misalignments and joint stiffness; as well as help maintain joint mobility. Additionally, a specialized technique known as the Webster Technique is a special protocol that can be used throughout pregnancy. This procedure entails a certified doctor, such as Dr. Renn, performing an analysis of the mother’s pelvis. The doctor performs gentle adjustments to restore normal function and movement to the pelvic structures to reduce tension on the pelvic muscles and ligaments. This is important because if the pelvis is not balanced, the uneven pulling on ligaments and muscles can potentially prevent the baby from getting into the optimal position for birth.

A 2012 review published in African Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health examining 12 studies into the benefits of chiropractic and pregnancy found that “chiropractic treatment can offer relief to women with musculoskeletal complaints.”

Restoring muscle tone and function to the pelvis, and reducing nerve system stress, naturally results in the pelvis being able to have more power during pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments aim to establish pelvic balance, which in turn provides room for the fetus to grow and get into position for delivery. This also serves to reduce low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, as well as the likelihood of back labor and dystocia (difficult labor). When the uterus has power, and the passage is open and flexible while the baby is comfortable, it decreases the need for interventions during delivery.

In addition, because a misaligned pelvis can restrict space within the uterus, there may be an increased risk unless women make a prenatal chiropractor visit. Chiropractic care can bring the pelvis back in alignment, allowing for the fetus to have as much room for growth in the uterus as possible.

To summarize, the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:

• Relief of pain and discomfort in the back, neck and joints
• Reducing labor and delivery time
• Reducing instances of breech position and the need for a Cesarean delivery
• Reducing the risk caused by restricted space in the uterus due to a misaligned pelvis
• Generally maintaining a healthier pregnancy
• Reduces interference to the mother’s vital nerve system, which coordinates all body systems and functions

When a mother’s body is healthy and functioning normally, it helps reduce pain and discomfort. This creates an optimal environment for the baby to grow and reduces the risk of a difficult labor.

Benefits of Chiropractic Pregnancy Are in the Numbers

A study involving 11 women meeting the criteria for sacroiliac joint dysfunction was published in the Family Practice Research Journal in 1991. The 11 women underwent chiropractic treatment of the sacroiliac joints. Upon the conclusion of the study, 10 of the 11 women had experienced pain relief and no longer exhibited signs of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Within the Journal of Manipulative Physiologic Therapeutics in 1991, a study showed 84% of patients receiving chiropractic treatment reported relief of back pain during pregnancy. There was a significantly less likelihood of back labor when spinal manipulative therapy was used during pregnancy.

The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association in 1982 highlighted a study of 500 women during labor. Of the 500 participants, 352 experienced pain in the lower back during labor. Pressure to the lower back area during labor reduced the need of major narcotic pain medication and minor tranquilizing medication.

Safety of Chiropractic and Pregnancy

Of course, the big question on most women’s minds (as well as for the men in their lives) is: Is it safe? And the answer, in a word is: Yes.

The American Pregnancy Association approves of chiropractic care during pregnancy. In answer to the question — “How safe is chiropractic care during pregnancy?” — it reports on its website, “There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy.”

In a 2007 Journal of Chiropractic Medicine narrative review of 33 references on pregnancy and chiropractic, the conclusion drawn was that: “Chiropractic evaluation and treatment during pregnancy may be considered a safe and effective means of treating common musculoskeletal symptoms that affect pregnant patients.”

In conclusion, chiropractic care during pregnancy is not only a safe and proven method of relieving the pain and discomfort of pregnancy but it is widely recommended by experts in chiropractic and pregnancy care alike for helping maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Ravenswood Chiropractic During Pregnancy

With his Webster Certification and years of experience in treating pregnant women, Dr. Renn is focused on creating the perfect environment for babies, while improving maternal comfort. He believes in a holistic approach and often incorporates prenatal and postnatal massage therapy with acupuncture into his treatment plans to address a wide variety of pregnancy-related issues such as: back pain, headaches, pelvic imbalance and morning sickness. This is done naturally and without medication. Speak to one of our expert team members today to schedule your appointment, or request an appointment online.

We encourage all mothers to receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy to be in the best possible health during pregnancy, delivery and post-delivery. It is never too late to start chiropractic care and get the wonderful benefits of a balanced pelvis for pregnancy and delivery.

We empower you to trust your body’s innate potential for normal and natural function during pregnancy, labor and delivery.

Dr. Renn participated in a hospital birth of his oldest daughter and home birth of his youngest daughter. He has a great deal of experience working with pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy. If you’re concerned about how to relieve back pain or other symptoms during your pregnancy, a chiropractor may be able to help. Contact Ravenswood Chiropractic & Wellness Center today to make an appointment.