Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy 

Did you know that chiropractic care can be very beneficial to pregnant women? Most people think of chiropractic treatments as something that you would do if your back or neck were stiff, hurting, and/or out of alignment. That’s not wrong: the vast majority of chiropractic patients do seek help for those specific reasons. However, research is revealing that chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for many different issues. For those who are expecting, it can become a key aspect of self care, which is crucial at this special time. Read on as a Burnsville, MN chiropractor answers some basic questions about chiropractic care and pregnancy.         

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe. In fact, there are no known contraindications to getting chiropractic adjustments while pregnant.

Chiropractors that work with pregnant women have been specifically trained in this field. In fact, some work closely with wellness care centers, while others work with women who are trying to conceive.  

However, pregnancy is very complicated, so it’s important to talk to your doctor and follow their advice. 

What Are The Benefits Of Chiropractic Care?

As you may know, chiropractic care centers around the health of the spine and spinal column. Chiropractors are specifically trained to be able to manipulate the body’s joints and vertebrae without the use of drugs or surgery. Helping to realign the spine helps the body in many ways: it improves circulation, reduces stiffness, and relieves pain, to name just a few.

Pregnancy is a magical and amazing experience, but it can definitely take its toll. The body undergoes several major changes and adjustments to provide support for the growing baby. The developing baby will affect the woman’s posture and center of gravity. There is also that additional weight to carry around, as well as all of the hormonal fluctuations. This results in some natural shifts, such as a greater back curve, and also affects posture and stride. These can upset the pelvic balance and alignment, causing pain and discomfort.

How Do I Choose A Chiropractor?

If you’re seeking out chiropractic care specifically because you are pregnant, you may want to seek out a chiropractor that has done additional training in this niche.

Here are a few designations you may want to look for:

• DACCP – Diplomate with ICPA
• CACCP – Certified with the ICPA reflecting advanced training
• Member of ICPA reflecting special interest
• Webster Certified – trained to work specifically with pelvic balance in pregnancy

The DACCP diploma is definitely the gold standard, as that is the highest level of training one can achieve in this specific area. A CACCP also indicates that the chiropractor has done some advanced training in regards to chiropractic care for pregnant women. Someone who is Webster Certified has also done additional training in regards to the pelvis, pelvic balance, and pelvic alignment during pregnancy. And even being a member of the ICPA reflects a high level of interest and dedication.

What Training Do Chiropractors Need To Work With Pregnant Women?

While in some ways, chiropractic adjustments would be very similar for someone who is pregnant as they would for someone who isn’t. However, there are definitely quite a few things they will do a bit differently than a chiropractor would for a typical session.

Here are a few examples: 

• Tables: They may use tables that are specifically made to work with the body of a pregnant woman, adding space for that baby bump.
• Techniques: Chiropractors may utilize different techniques when working with someone who is pregnant. The main focus will be to avoid putting any extra or unnecessary pressure on the belly and torso. As the pregnancy progresses, they may also focus on helping the fetus move into the ideal position for labor and delivery. 
• Suggestions: Chiropractors also know what is and isn’t safe for pregnant women. They will be able to advise you on exactly what you exercises and stretches are safe.

If you are interested in learning more about chiropractic care during pregnancy, reach out to our chiropractic care center. 

What Are The Dangers Of A Misaligned Pelvis?

The woman’s pelvis is shaped to assist with giving birth, but that in and of itself isn’t enough to guarantee a smooth delivery. Pelvis alignment becomes very, very important at that point. A misaligned pelvis may actually lessen the amount of room the baby has, and may can even cause an issue known as intrauterine constraint. Plus, it could make it harder for the baby to get into the optimal position for delivery. This, in turn, can interfere with the birth in some very dangerous ways. Breeched births, for instance, can cause complications, and may require intervention, such as a cesarean section.

What Are The Benefits Of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

The main benefit of chiropractic care is the same regardless of whether the subject is pregnant or not: proper alignment of the spine. The spine is the body’s information highway, and the spinal cord and nervous system are the  hub for all actions and reactions within the body.

Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy:

• Reduced nausea
• Reduced time spent in labor 
• Easier delivery
• Lower Risk Of C-section
• Ease pain in the neck, back, and hips
• Reduced postpartum pain
• Less back/neck pain after breastfeeding

Ask your doctor and chiropractor for more information. 

What About Chiropractic Care And Breech Deliveries?

About four percent of pregnancies are breech. This may result in severe complications, and may even result in the need for c-sections. 

While there are no guarantees, there is solid evidence that chiropractic care can help prevent breech births. A series of chiropractic adjustments and analysis was developed by the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association). Dr. Larry Webster focused on this area specifically. His work allowed chiropractors to get better insight into what is needed to help achieve better pelvic balance and reduce stress on a pregnant woman’s uterus and ligaments. His efforts also led to the development of a specific chiropractic technique which helps the fetus get into the best position. This is called the Webster Technique. The results and early research are quite impressive. In fact, according to the July/August 2002 issue of The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractors that were utilizing the Webster Technique to help babies turn vertex had a whopping 82 percent success rate. That’s pretty powerful!

Timing also comes into play here. It’s not uncommon for babies to be in breech position until the third trimester. In fact, it’s not even considered a concern until the 37^th week of gestation. Studies show that it may be most beneficial for the Webster Technique to be utilized starting in the 8^th month of pregnancy.

When Should Pregnant Women Seek Chiropractic Care? 

The recommendation from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) is that pregnant women should receive chiropractic care throughout the course of their pregnancy. This helps ensure that the pelvis remains balanced, and also helps maximize the available space for the little one.

Conclusion: Chiropractic care can be a very safe and gentle addition to a woman’s self-care routine during this special time. If you want to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care for women who are expecting, reach out to our Burnsville, MN chiropractic care center anytime. 

Make An Appointment At Our Burnsville, MN Chiropractic Care Center

Do you want to learn more about chiropractic treatments? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your Burnsville, MN chiropractic care center, we are here to help!