Is Chiropractic Care safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not only safe for the mom and fetus, but essential. There are no contra-indications for Chiropractic care during pregnancy. Chiropractor’s have specific training to help women who are pregnant. Many even take it a step further and get a certification in helping women who are pregnant and children.
- DACCP – Diplomate with ICPA reflecting highest level of advanced training
- CACCP – Certified with the ICPA reflecting advanced training
- Webster Certified – trained to specifically work with breech positions
Why see a Chiropractor during pregnancy?
There are a lot of changes that go on in the body during pregnancy both structurally and biomechanically. These changes in the body respond well to gentle chiropractic adjustments. The changes that occur in the body during pregnancy include:
- Release of hormones, especially ‘Relaxin’ which causes muscles and ligaments to relax – allowing more joint movement
- Increased weight gain – increases stress on joints
- Change in weight distribution – causing changes in posture and biomechanics
Changes to the body’s structure and biomechanics often leads to fatigue and discomfort. Also, these changes can lead to undo stress on the nervous system which is the master control center for maintaining the body.
What is the benefit of seeing a Chiropractor during pregnancy?
The potential benefits of getting your spine examined and adjusted by a Chiropractor include:
- Healthier Pregnancy
- Nausea Control
- Decreases Labor and Delivery Time
- Back, Neck and Joint Pain Relief
- C-Section Prevention
What can Chiropractic do about a breech presentation?
Many Chiropractor’s are trained in the “Webster Technique” which was developed by the founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), Larry Webster, D.C.. This analysis and adjusting technique establishes a balance in the pregnant pelvis, reducing stress on the nervous system, the mom and the fetus. The balancing of the pelvis and its connecting structures allows for the breech child to reposition naturally for a safer birthing process.
“The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique. Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique as soon as the 8th month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech presentation.”(1)
It is most beneficial for women to receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to maximize the benefits and results. A balanced pelvis not only allows the baby a better delivery presentation for a safer birth, it also creates a decreased potential for C-Sections by reducing pelvic constraints due to misalignments.
(1) Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care, American Pregnancy Association
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