Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy at Ravenswood Chiropractic in Andersonville
Chiropractic
Pregnancy often comes with a host of aches and pains, but just because these are common to pregnancies, it does not mean you need to suffer through them. Seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is a proven safe and effective method for helping alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with pregnancies. What’s more, the range of benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy far exceeds basic pain relief. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Benefits of Chiropractic Pregnancy Are in the Numbers
Safety of Chiropractic and Pregnancy
Ravenswood Chiropractic During Pregnancy
References and Resources
1. “Chiropractic care in women’s health: A midwifery perspective” Shanthi Ramasubramaniam, Rhoda Suubi Muliira, Vidya Seshan, Judith Noronha, Savithri Raman
African Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, Vol. 6, Iss. 2, 18 Apr 2012, pp 98 – 101
2. “Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy” American Pregnancy Association http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/chiropracticcare.html
3. “Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of literature” J Chiropr Med. 2007 Spring; 6(2): 70–74.
4. Webster LL. Chiropractic care during pregnancy. Today’s Chiro 1982:20-2
5. Dashtkian HD, Whittle-Davis HW. Resolution of breech presentation following application of Webster technique: a case report. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health- Chiropr 2011 SPR; 2011(2):40 -42
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7. Drobbin DD, Welsh CW. Chiropractic care of a pregnant patient presenting with intrauterine constraint using the Webster in-utero constraint technique: A Retrospective Case Study. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health- Chiropr 2009 SPR; 2009(2):1-3
8. Thomas JCT. The Webster technique in a 28 year old woman with breech presentation & subluxation. J Vert Sublux Res 2008; 2008(1):1-3
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10. Kunau PL. Application of the Webster in-utero constraint technique: a case series J Clin Chiropr Pediatr 1998;3
11. Rubin DR. Resolution of breech presentation using an activator adjusting instrument to administer Webster’s technique in three women undergoing chiropractic care. JPMFH 2010 WIN; 2010(1):18-21
12. Alcantara J, Martingano S, Keeler V, Schuster L, Ohm J. Resolution of Breech Presentations Following Adjustment of Subluxations Utilizing the Webster Technique: A Case Series. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health- Chiropr 2011 WIN; Dec 12, 2011: 132-138
13. Pistolese RA. The Webster Technique: A Chiropractic Technique with Obstetric Implications. J Manipul Physiol Ther 2002; 25(6):E1- 9
14. Ohm J. The Webster Technique in Pregnancy for Safer, Easier Births. Amer Chiropr 2005;27(4):30-31
15. Ohm J. Chiropractors and midwives: a look at the Webster Technique. Midwifery Today Int Midwife 2001;Summer;58:42
16. Cohain JS. Turning breech babies after 34 weeks: the if, how, & when of turning breech babies. Midwifery Today Int Midwife. 2007;83:18-9, 65.