Visiting the Chiropractor While Pregnant

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through countless physical and hormonal changes that are needed to provide a healthy environment for a growing baby. The changes not only cause discomfort, such as pain and nausea, but in some cases, lead to protracted labors and difficult deliveries.  The good news is that regular visits to the chiropractor can bring relief to the discomfort of pregnancy and potential difficulties of the birthing process.   

There is no need to stop seeing a chiropractor once you become pregnant, in fact, if you are not getting regular adjustments from a licensed chiropractor, during pregnancy is a great time to start. A trained practitioner may use tables that adjust to a pregnant woman’s growing belly and techniques that avoid putting unneeded pressure on the abdomen, which will allow you to experience the benefits of spinal adjustments during all three trimesters.   

As your baby progresses and becomes heavier, your center of gravity shifts, leading to changes in your posture. These changes are attributed to the aches and pains commonly felt by expectant mothers. Adjustments by a chiropractor may help manage pain in your back, hips and joints by re-establishing balance and alignment to your pelvis and spine. This will not only help you feel better, but can have benefits for your baby as well. When your pelvis is balanced and aligned, your baby will have less intrauterine constraint and make it easier for him or her to move into the best position for birth, which is rear-facing with head down. This may lead to a faster, easier labor and delivery.

Another benefit a chiropractor can provide is to help alleviate nausea, one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester. A spinal alignment can improve nervous system functions, leading to a healthier hormone balance that can lessen or eliminate nausea. If your nausea is being caused by heartburn and indigestion, a chiropractor can use techniques to help improve digestive issues. Not only may your nausea lessen, but improved nervous and digestive systems will lead to an overall healthier pregnancy. 

It is always recommended that you consult with your doctor before receiving chiropractic treatment. If you are experiencing placenta previa or placenta abruption, an ectopic pregnancy, or have moderate to severe toxemia, chiropractic treatment is not typically recommended.  While all chiropractors are trained on how to treat pregnant woman, there are some who specialize in the practice. Ask your practitioner for more details.   

At Spine Wellness Center, we strive to provide the highest level of chiropractic and care for the entire family. If you’re interested in a prenatal or postnatal chiropractic exam or want to learn more about our Clinton, MD practice, now is the perfect time to give us a call and learn more about the pros and cons of chiropractic services while pregnant.