Chiropractic and Pregnancy

BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY

As your belly grows, so does your spinal curvature. The placenta will also start to secrete increasing amounts of a hormone called relaxin that will eventually help the cervix dilate. Prior to labor, relaxin helps loosen your ligaments, allowing the pelvis to soften, so it can accommodate a vaginal birth. All those loose ligaments can lead to hip pain, pelvic pain, and sacroiliac dysfunction.

Chiropractic care can help realign the spine and joints affected by pregnancy. By combining regular adjustments and supportive modalities, such as stretching, acupuncture, and hot and cold therapy, you may find relief from your aches, pains, and muscle tension.

Because musculoskeletal adjustments affect the nervous system, you may also experience additional benefits, such as:

• Reduced nausea
• Fewer headaches
• Less edema (swelling)
• Reduced sciatic pain
• More restful sleep
• Faster, less complicated labor and delivery

WEBSTER TECHNIQUE

There are several certifications that indicate a chiropractor has undertaken advanced pregnancy-related training. One of the most familiar is the Webster Certification or Webster technique, a specific type of chiropractic analysis and adjustment that aims to correct sacral and pelvic misalignment.

The goal of the Webster technique is to help facilitate labor and delivery, but it can also create more room in the pelvis. Ideally, babies should be head down and rear-facing when it’s time to deliver; a baby who is breech, or feet first, could require more interventions (such as a C-section) and a more complicated birthing process. The Webster technique can help ensure your baby is in the optimal position when labor begins.

Rather than toughing it out and waiting until your baby is born to get help, allow your chiropractor to step in and correct your alignment, so you can have the comfortable pregnancy you deserve.