More and more people are seeking out chiropractic care to help promote a healthy pregnancy. Chiropractic care is focused on restoring and enhancing the function of the nervous system. Our bodies undergo stress throughout our daily activities; however, during pregnancy a mother’s body undergoes tremendous transformation as it changes to accommodate the growing infant.
WHAT IS PRENATAL CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is focused on balancing the bones, ligaments, and muscles of the pelvis for optimal delivery.
The changes in a pregnant person’s body have a significant impact upon the spine and pelvis. The hormones of pregnancy, including relaxin, allow the pelvic bones to be more mobile to allow for birth. This also means that the pelvis is more likely to shift and settle into positions that are less than optimum for delivery. People who are not already under the care of a Chiropractic Physician when they become pregnant are encouraged to get evaluated early in their pregnancy so that any pelvic traumas that may have happened earlier in life are resolved before the spine and pelvis have to accommodate the pregnancy. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is focused on balancing the bones, ligaments, and muscles of the pelvis for optimal delivery.
The muscles and ligaments of the spine and pelvis are impacted by the changes in pregnancy. As the uterus grows, the muscles and ligaments that attach it to the pelvis and lumbar spine are likely to be directly impacted by the alignment of the pelvis. Unequal stresses through the ligaments and muscles of the pelvis can cause the uterus to undergo torque. Think of the uterus like a hot air balloon. When the tension is even among the ties, the balloon is perfectly shaped. If one of the ties is too tight, the shape of the balloon will be impacted. This can contribute to malposition of the baby (Breech, Transverse, Occiput Posterior presentations, etc).
WEBSTER TECHNIQUE
The combination of bony and soft tissue changes in the pregnant person can impact nervous system function, positioning, and comfort throughout the pregnancy. The Webster technique was specifically designed to address the unique changes in a pregnant person’s body. Through analysis of the sacrum (tailbone), pelvic bones, pelvic muscles and ligaments, the Webster certified chiropractor can specifically target misalignments and restore optimum function to the pelvis. This helps to promote healthy pregnancy and good fetal positioning.
Prenatal chiropractic is especially beneficial for women who have positional changes in their babies. Often we find imbalances in the muscles and ligaments in addition to misalignments of the bones in the pelvises of these folks. Dr. Jeannie Ohm, former President of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, says it best:
REMEMBER: STRUCTURE DETERMINES FUNCTION.
By balancing the pelvis, we enhance its function. According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, “when a mother’s spine is realigned to proper position, a symphony of physiological responses happens immediately in response to the uninterrupted communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.”
It’s no wonder that many people who are under chiropractic care throughout their pregnancies have shorter, easier labor and experience fewer complications as a result. According to one study, women under chiropractic care experienced 25% shorter labor in their first pregnancy and 31% shorter labor for multiple pregnancies[1]. Many birth providers now recommend Webster certified chiropractors as part of a birth team.
Who needs Prenatal Chiropractic Care?
At Seed of Life we recommend that every pregnant person get checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic throughout pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes in the body during pregnancy stress the joints in ever-changing ways. Chiropractic care can greatly ease the aches and pains many associate with pregnancy.
Why should I visit Seed of Life for Prenatal Chiropractic Care?
Dr. Samelak has been Webster Certified since 2011and Dr. Diebler since 2023. They have worked with many pregnant folks since then. Prenatal chiropractic patients at Seed of Life can expect safe, gentle, and effective spinal adjustments as well as soft tissue work to improve the balance of the body. Our Doctors provide home care exercises- including couple’s exercises which help your body maintain your adjustment and strengthen.
Chiropractic care in pregnancy pairs well with other birth workers and we enjoy collaborating in care with your birth team to be sure that you are supported.
Sources:
[1]. Borggren, Cara L. “Pregnancy and Chiropractic: A Narrative Review of the Literature.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 6.2 (2007): 70-74. Web.