Carrying a baby, while a very natural part of the human life cycle, puts a lot of strain on the human body. Aches and pains start to happen that were not present before pregnancy. One of the most common places that women experience pain during this time is the back. In fact, 50%-80% of women have reported issues with their backs hurting during pregnancy. Many of these women have discovered that visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy is beneficial, and there are several reasons why.
via: Pixabay
Do I Need to Tell My Chiropractor I'm Pregnant?
If you have already been seeing a chiropractor before getting pregnant for any of the treatments they provide, you might be wondering if and when you should tell them that you are pregnant. The answer is yes. You should always disclose to any technician or health professional that's taking care of you that you are pregnant as soon as possible. There is a chance that they may need to adjust your treatment, and they can't do that if they don't know that they are supposed to be.
What are the risks to visiting Chiropractic during Pregnancy Risks
As with all kinds of health treatments, there are risks to take into consideration when visiting a chiropractor during your pregnancy. While the procedure itself is believed to be completely safe, there are some complications with being pregnant that should be brought to the attention of your doctor including:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Placenta previa
- Placenta abruption
- Vaginal bleeding
If he or she gives the all clear, you shouldn't worry about any issues related to getting an adjustment.
What are the benefits of Chiropractor During Pregnancy First Trimester
To keep your body functioning correctly in a completely natural, drug-free way, chiropractic treatment is the way to go. While getting neck and back adjustments are beneficial for everyone, there are unique benefits for pregnant women.
Reduction in Back Pain
If you're pregnant now or if you've ever been, you've most likely experienced pregnancy-related back pain. Instead of taking drugs with possible harmful side-effects, a chiropractor can find the underlying problem and reduce the pain for a more comfortable day-to-day life.
Alleviate Pregnancy Symptoms
Vomiting, nausea, and morning sickness are symptoms that some women will experience during their time carrying a baby. Some have reported a reduction in those feelings after getting regular chiropractic care!
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Healthier for Mom and Baby
Chiropractors work with the nervous system and spine to be sure that the communication lines are working as they should be within the body. With the right adjustments, that's guaranteed to keep the body in a healthier state, naturally. There are indications that point to a stronger immune system too, that will give the mom a lesser chance of getting sick.
Proper Position for Baby
When it is time for the baby to be born, he or she will do something called "lightening" and move into position for delivery. In some cases, the baby won't do this on their own and will end up sideways or breach. Chiropractors have techniques that they use including making certain the spine is aligned so that the baby ends up where he or she is supposed to be before starting the process of labor.
Easier Delivery
One way to ensure that labor and delivery go as smoothly as possible is by making sure your body is in alignment at the hips and spine. Chiropractors know how to do that. They can also aid in the nerves, organs, and muscles being healthy for an easier labor.
Can a Chiropractor Help with Pregnancy Sciatica
Have you experienced a pain that starts in the lower back and shoots down your leg during your pregnancy? If you have, there's a good chance that it is sciatic nerve pain. It's common in women carrying a child because of the weight of the baby pressing on the sciatic nerve. In most instances, it's not an issue until the second or third trimester.
Chiropractors can perform various motions and adjustments on the spine to alleviate the additional pressure that's being placed on that nerve. In most instances, the chiropractor will use a quick action with their hands and a popping noise will be heard and felt. Relief is instant with most patients.
In Closing
Before thinking, "Should I find a prenatal chiropractor near me?" make sure that it's something you're completely comfortable doing. There are a plethora of benefits to take advantage of by scheduling an appointment. Ask about pregnancy chiropractor cost when talking to a receptionist. Some services may be payable through your insurance.
About Dr. Brent Wells
Dr. Brent Wells is a graduate of the University of Nevada where he earned his bachelor of science degree before moving on to complete his doctorate from Western States Chiropractic College. He founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998.
He became passionate about being a chiropractor in Anchorage after his own experiences with hurried, unprofessional healthcare providers. The goal for Dr. Wells is to treat his patients with compassion while providing them with a better quality of life through his treatment.
Dr. Wells is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684210/
https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/labor-and-birth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1769457/