Are you unsure about the safety of chiropractic adjustments while carrying a baby? Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, but it can also bring about various physical discomforts. Many expectant mothers wonder if seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy is a safe option.
Chiropractic care has often been surrounded by misconceptions, especially when it comes to its safety during pregnancy. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction to make an informed decision for your well-being and that of your baby.
Pregnancy is a delicate phase, and any medical decision must be carefully considered. Chiropractic care can relieve common pregnancy discomforts and contribute to a smoother birthing process when administered by a qualified professional.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is generally safe during pregnancy, but there are some exceptions. The American Pregnancy Association says that chiropractic care is safe as long as you work with a chiropractor who is trained in prenatal techniques and your OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist)) approves. You should also listen to your body and let your chiropractor know if you experience anything abnormal or if an adjustment doesn’t feel right.
Chiropractic care may not be safe if you have vaginal bleeding for unknown reasons or preeclampsia.
It is safe to visit a chiropractor during and after pregnancy as the biomechanics of the pelvis can change, causing discomfort when walking, nursing, or sleeping after birth.
Debunking common myths of chiropractic care during pregnancy
Myth 1: Chiropractic care is unsafe during pregnancy
Chiropractic care is not only safe but also advantageous for pregnant women. Chiropractors with specialist training can make spinal adjustments to relieve back discomfort. Optimising pelvic posture lowers pelvic misalignment and may make birth easier.
Myth 2: Only women with severe pain should consider chiropractic care
Chiropractic care can be beneficial for pregnant women experiencing a range of discomforts, from mild to severe.
Myth 3: Chiropractic adjustments are painful during pregnancy
This is a common misconception. Chiropractors who specialise in prenatal care use gentle techniques specifically designed for pregnant women. The focus is on comfort and relief, not causing pain.
Myth 4: Chiropractic adjustments are too forceful for pregnant women
Chiropractors who are informed about prenatal treatment are skilled at modifying their approaches to meet the special needs of pregnant women. They use gentle, low-force adjustments to ensure the safety and comfort of both mother and baby. Pregnancy-specific chiropractic adjustments include the Webster technique, which focuses on adjusting the pelvis to achieve optimal balance and function.
These adjustments use minimal force and are carefully matched to the pregnant woman’s developing body, resulting in a safe and effective correction.
Myth 5: Joint hypermobility makes chiropractic adjustments unsafe
Another common myth is that pregnancy hormones, such as relaxin, produce increased joint laxity and hypermobility, rendering chiropractic adjustments potentially dangerous. While relaxin can improve joint flexibility, professional chiropractors are trained to work with these physiological changes. Chiropractors familiar with pregnancy care have the knowledge and experience to adjust for greater joint mobility.
They recognise the particular needs and concerns of pregnant women and tailor their treatments accordingly. Chiropractors can treat discomfort and misalignments while maintaining joint stability by making gentle and precise adjustments.
Myth 6: Chiropractic adjustments can induce labour
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Chiropractors are trained to avoid techniques that could stimulate contractions. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach that creates a favourable environment for a more comfortable and natural birth.
Benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy
Pregnancy causes numerous physical changes that might impact the musculoskeletal system. Weight gain, postural adjustments to support the growing fetus, and joint loosening due to hormone changes can all cause discomfort and misalignment.
Here are some ways chiropractic treatments can aid you during pregnancy:
1. Better pelvic balance
Chiropractic adjustments help balance the pelvis, reduce the likelihood of intrauterine restriction, and potentially result in a smoother delivery.
2. Relief from back pain
As the centre of gravity moves forward, many women feel lower back pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help straighten the spine, reducing tension and pain in the back.
3. Reduced pregnancy symptoms
Regular chiropractic care can assist in alleviating symptoms like nausea and headaches by enhancing overall body function.
4. Improved nervous system function
Proper spinal alignment ensures that the neurological system functions efficiently. This is especially important during pregnancy since the nervous system coordinates the fetus’s development and helps prepare the body for birth.
5. Posture
Chiropractic adjustments can help improve your posture and stability, which can help ease back pain and improve your comfort through delivery.
Final thoughts
Chiropractic care is not only safe during pregnancy, but it can also offer many benefits for both the mother and the baby. By debunking the myths surrounding this form of treatment, pregnant women can feel confident in seeking chiropractic care to alleviate discomfort and promote overall wellness.
So, if you’re expecting and experiencing back pain or other issues, don’t hesitate to consider chiropractic care as a safe and effective option. Your journey to a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy starts now!
Book an appointment at True North Chiropractic for personalised chiropractic care and a treatment plan.
Author
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Dr. Rebecca Nasserallah is a passionate and dedicated chiropractor with a strong background in sports and fitness. A former sports trainer for a local football club, Dr. Rebecca combines her firsthand experience with athletes and her academic excellence to provide comprehensive care tailored to her patients' needs.
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