It’s probably safe to say that most expectant mothers will feel some level of discomfort, or even pain, during pregnancy.

Common areas of complaint during pregnancy are the lower back, hips, sacrum, and round ligaments.  Many might think that pain and discomfort are just a normal part of pregnancy. They are, in fact, a sign of biomechanical dysfunction caused by subluxations.  Subluxations block the nervous system’s ability to effectively coordinate the function of muscles, organs, and tissues.  A biomechanically dysfunctional pelvis can potentially lead to complications further along in pregnancy. These include dystocia (obstructed labor), increased labor time, and increased pain.  The best way to address and correct biomechanical dysfunction and subluxation is with specific chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic is the science, art, and philosophy that utilizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without drugs or surgery.  

Chiropractic care is gentle, safe, non-invasive, and proactive. The chiropractic adjustment treats subluxations to work with your body’s own healing processes. This creates a more comfortable pregnancy for both baby and momma.  Many chiropractors are trained specifically in pregnancy and pediatrics. They will adjust their technique and pressure for each individual. Making it completely safe not just during pregnancy, but from infancy to old age.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is vital to assist the normal physiological function of both mother and baby in pregnancy and birth. 

There are three main reasons why chiropractic should be a part of every pregnancy:

1. Regular chiropractic care helps provide structural balance and stability for the mother, resulting in a more comfortable pregnancy.  It reduces interference to the mother’s nervous system. Which coordinates all of the systems and functions in her body as well as the baby’s development.
2. Research studies have proven that pregnant mothers who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy tend to have a shorter labor with less medical intervention.  Chiropractic adjustments prepare the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth and reduce or remove tensions on the ligaments that support the uterus, allowing for a safer and easier birth and decreasing the potential for dystocia (delayed birth) and interventions (such as emergency c-sections).
3. Chiropractic care can help to create a healthier and more comfortable in-utero environment for the fetus.  Creating more room in the uterus allows the baby to develop. Without restrictions  its forming skeletal structures, spine, and cranium can grow to their full potential. It also allows the baby room to move into the best possible position for birth.

The pain you feel during pregnancy could be caused unbalanced biomechanical forces on a strained body.  

Chiropractic care balances the pelvic neurobiomechanics by removing sacral and other subluxations that put stress on ligaments and soft tissue.  By removing the cause of the stress, we remove the cause of the pain.  As your body changes during pregnancy, your chiropractor can provide support for postural changes that occur by making sure your body is functioning properly, and able to adapt to those changes.  

When looking for a chiropractor, make sure they are trained specifically in pregnancy care.  

The International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association (ICPA) is the oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of quality, evidenced based care for families.  They offer advanced post graduate training in the care of pregnant mothers and children. They also offer a list of ICPA-trained providers on their website.  A chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique will have received additional education. This will allow them to evaluate and make specific adjustments to balance your pelvis. Allowing your uterus to maintain optimized function. Which in turn allows the baby to move without interference and find its way into the birth position.

Your chiropractor can assist with more than just immediate pain, too.

 A chiropractor that is connected to the birth community can be a holistic guide for birth.  They can make recommendations for birth care providers in your area – not just doulas and midwives, but acupuncturists, prenatal massage, placenta encapsulation, lactation support, cloth diapering, and anything else you may have questions about.  They can provide nutritional advice and recommend supplementation to make sure your body has the building blocks it needs to support itself and a growing baby.  But most importantly, your chiropractor – like all your birth providers – should be there to support your decisions about the kind of birth experience you want to have.

Written by Dr. Sarah Watson. Click here to find out more about, The Momma Chiro