Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Chiropractic care is essential for soon-to-be mothers. Many expectant mothers experience joint and back pain and chalk it up to the process of carrying a baby on board. However, this discomfort can be eased with regular chiropractic care. There are actually a variety of benefits pregnant women can be the recipient of with regular visits to the chiropractor.
Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and regular adjustments are safe and advisable. Some chiropractors seek additional training that specifically focuses on the prenatal or postnatal experience of women. A common training and certification in this specialty is the Webster Technique.
What is the Webster Technique?
According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), “The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated.” In essence, the Webster Technique makes pregnancy and the birth process easier by focusing on pelvic balance and making adjustments to the pelvis throughout the pregnancy and immediate post pregnancy term.
The Benefits For Mothers
Mothers’ bodies experience tremendous stress while their babies grow from little seeds to babies inside the uterus. In addition to the Webster Technique, a chiropractor visit can also relieve spinal nerve stress. As a baby grows and takes up more space, the body’s joints and muscles can become misaligned from the increased pressure. This growth influences posture, the curve of the back, and the body’s overall stance, all of which can be kept in alignment by receiving regular chiropractic adjustments.
The Benefits For Babies
Chiropractic care isn’t just beneficial to the overall comfort of expectant mothers, it can be advantageous for babies as well. If the spine is misaligned, the baby may end up with less space for development. This lack of space can constrict or limit your baby’s position and consequently cause complications during delivery.
When Should Expecting Mothers Get Adjusted?
Start early! There’s no time table for when you should start getting chiropractic adjustments but your chiropractor can help you determine the recommended schedule and frequency of your visits. Beginning early on in pregnancy is suggested to better optimize your body during this exciting time of growth and change.
Sources:
https://icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/
https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647084/
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/chiropractor-while-pregnant#1