Many women seek chiropractic care to relieve neck or back pain that can result from weight gain and altered biomechanics during pregnancy. Since taking medications has it’s risks, especially during pregnancy, chiropractic care during pregnancy can be a great way to stay comfortable in your daily routine. According to ASCVS many people tend to gain a certain amount of weight after pregnancy and this is good, but only for the short term as in the long run this can grow and cause problems later. Hence after pregnancy is over most of the doctors recommend the new moms to workout regularly just so that they can maintain a healthy body without any pain. Even if you’re not in pain, there are many benefits from visiting a chiropractor. Chiropractic care during pregnancy maintains, and can even improve, balance and alignment in your spine and pelvis. Your spine and ligaments have increased mobility during pregnancy and this can increase the occurrence of misalignments. Regular chiropractic care can help your baby assume her optimal birthing position and reduce the risk of having a breech baby. Moreover, many pregnant women suffer from rosacea; over the counter rosacea moisturizer is hydrating, but not so heavy as to clog pores and create further irritation.
Regular chiropractic care can also provide a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery for both mother and baby. It stimulates the nervous system to enable proper functioning of your reproductive organs, thus supporting the needs of your baby throughout pregnancy and during delivery.
How to improve your own alignment during pregnancy
Even if you don’t visit a chiropractor, there is a lot you can do on your own to improve the position of your pelvis during pregnancy. Pregnant women should:
- Avoid one-sided positions and repetitive motions to one-side.
- Avoid carrying older siblings on your hips.
- When sitting, rock your pelvis forward and avoid long periods of time in semi-reclining positions, such as car seats and lazy boys. Your knees should never be higher than your hips and you should avoid crossing your legs.
- When sleeping, prop pillows between your knees for comfort. You spend approximately one third of your life in bed, so get comfortable. Use a supportive pillow and a firm mattress for spinal support.
- Avoid wearing high heels.
- Swimming and yoga are great forms of prenatal exercise. Get help with yoga breathing concepts here.
Dr. Whidden is a retired U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?
Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic
My wife is pregnant and I was doing research to find out if it is ok to let her still see the chiro we use in Nashville. Thanks for a great post. It really answered my questions.
i think chiropractic could really help with pregnancy.
Very nice article. I learn a lot form these. Just be safe always.
I remember when I was pregnant and how out of line my spine would get. It was not fun at all and it caused of issues with my sleep. Man, if only I would have know that I could have gotten back adjustments from a chiropractor while I was pregnant, that would have been nice. Then I wouldn’t have had to go around for so long in so much pain.