Pregnancy Chiropractic Care
Pregnancy does not need to be painful. We can help.
Common ≠ Normal
Prenatal Care
Research Statistics:
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75 - 84% of those seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy find pain relief (1. 2)
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Chiropractic care can reduce labor times by 25% during first pregnancy, and up to 31% during additional pregnancies (3, 4)
During pregnancy, the increased amounts of estrogen, progesterone & relaxin hormones circulating in the blood have effects on the body that prepare it for child birth, such as loosening of the ligaments especially surrounding the pelvis. While this process is normal to assist in the ability of baby to descend into the pelvis and pass through the birth canal, it can result in pelvic hypermobility (excess movements) and decreased spinal stability. Baby may also occasionally rest against the nerves of the low back & pelvic regions causing discomfort for the pregnant person. During pregnancy, there is an increased risk of experiencing low back & pelvic pain (including back labor) from physically strenuous work or due to previous back injury. Roughly 50% of birthing persons experience back pain during pregnancy. (3) A relationship has also been identifies between back pain during pregnancy and longer labor times with a 3 times greater risks of "back labor." (3, 4) Osteopathic medicine also support manipulative therapy during pregnancy with a recent study showing reduced occurrence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and preterm delivery. (5)
By utilizing chiropractic care during pregnancy, someone is less likely to experience improper baby positioning (breech, transverse) and intrauterine constraint where musculoskeletal conditions prevent optimal room for baby to grow - both of which often lead to cesarean section. Chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy and your body will be supported during treatment by the use of pillows, chiropractic tools & the use of Webster Technique.
Postpartum Care & Rehab
No matter what type of birth you have had, vaginal or surgical, the body has the same hormonal and pelvic biomechanical changes that can lead to discomfort while walking, nursing and sleeping. Postnatal chiropractic care works to restore pelvic balance using spinal manipulation (adjustments), exercises and stretches similar to prenatal care. This is important care to fully restore proper posture and biomechanics.
During this time it is also important to address concerns of the thoracic region (upper back), and the neck due to breastfeeding positions, increased breast size/weight, bottle feeding or simply carrying and rocking babies. During these activities, parents have a tendency to flex the body forward or lean forward for long periods of time which aggravates the neck and upper back. We can also help with core stabilization, lasting pelvic pain, and C-section scar repair to prevent tethering and puckering of scar tissue.
Common Pregnancy Related Complaints We May Be Able to Help With:
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Sciatica
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Neck, back, hip pain
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Headaches
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Pubic Symphysis Pain
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Meralgia Paresthetica
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Feet, Leg Pain
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Swelling of the hands or feet
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Round Ligament Pain
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Desire to maintain a healthy pregnancy
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Desire to improve posture
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Reduce the chances of emergency c-section
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Reduce the risks of dystocia (difficult labor)
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Decrease incidence of "back labor"
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Providing pelvic balance (may allow baby optimal positioning)
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Desire to maintain proper nutrition
Nutritionally:
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Morning Sickness (nausea/vomiting)
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Heartburn
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Cholestasis of Pregnancy
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PCOS
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Gestational Diabetes
Have questions about chiropractic care during pregnancy? Please don't hesitate to reach out to us or schedule a free 20 minute consultation where Dr. Kristin will address any questions or concerns.
Research Reference:
1. Shaw G. When to adjust: chiropractic and pregnancy. J Am Chiropr Assoc. 2003;40(11):8–16.
2. Diakow P.R.P., Gadsby T.A., Gadsby J.B., Gleddie J.G., Leprich D.J., Scales A.M. Back pain during pregnancy and labor. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991;14(2):116–118.
3. J.M. Fallon. Textbook on chiropractic & pregnancy. Arlington, VA: International Chiropractic Association; 1994: 52, 109.
4. Fallon J.M. Chiropractic and pregnancy: a partnership for the future. ICA Int Rev Chiropr. 1990;46(6):39–42.
5. King H.H., Tettambel M.A., Lockwood M.D., Johnson K.H., Arsenault D.A., Quist R. Osteopathic manipulative treatment in prenatal care: a retrospective case control design study. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2003;103(12):577–582.
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