Innova Pain Clinic
Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. Some techniques and applications may be more tolerated than others. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. But if a chiropractor has not maintained that training since moving into practice, he may have to refresh before taking on a pregnancy related back pain case.
Chiropractors that have been trained to work with pregnant women may use special tables that adjust for a pregnant woman’s body, and they will use techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen. In our St George Utah chiropractic office, we use a Lloyd Galaxy table which has a special break away section which reduces pressure on the belly so the woman can lay comfortably, even face down.
A chiropractor who is trained in the needs of women who are pregnant will also provide you with exercises and stretches that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Why should one have chiropractic care during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. The following changes could result in a misaligned spine or joints:
- Protruding abdomen and increased back curve
- Pelvic changes
- Postural adaptations
Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. Breech and posterior positions can interfere with the natural ease of labor and lead to interventions such as c-sections.
Note the significant forward shift in the center of balance seen in the image above. That shift dramatically alters and interferes with the regular posture of the spine, causing pain.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide benefits for women who are pregnant. Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
- Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
- Controlling symptoms of nausea
- Reducing the time of labor and delivery
- Relieving back, neck or joint pain
- Reduce risk for potential cesarean delivery
Talk to Your Health Care Provider:
As more women are seeking the benefits of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, more health care providers are seeking trained doctors of chiropractic in their communities to refer their pregnant patients to. Discuss these options with your health care provider. If they are not yet familiar with chiropractic care in pregnancy, ask them to find out more about its many benefits. Most importantly, seek options that support your body’s natural abilities to function and find a team of providers who are respectful of your choices.