Your pregnancy is a time for excitement! During this period of time your body will go through some extreme changes. Some of these changes may be slightly unpleasant (nausea or stiff joints) causing mild to moderate discomfort while other changes may cause more severe pain (sciatica). Don’t worry, Dr. Torres and the staff at One Goal Wellness can help provide relief so you can enjoy your pregnancy.
Chiropractic during pregnancy
Back and joint pain are two of the main reasons women seek a chiropractor during
pregnancy. The spine becomes more arched, especially during the third trimester as the baby grows and the mother carries more weight in the front of her body. This can lead to serious misalignment issues, making getting around and even sleeping painful and difficult. Spinal and pelvic misalignments are not only uncomfortable for the expectant mother, but it also reduces the amount of space available for the developing baby. This can lead to a more difficult delivery or positioning problems (breech baby) which may require a C-section.
Causes of pain during pregnancy
Pelvic misalignments can create symptoms such as pain in the Round Ligament.
Round ligament pain is often felt in the second trimester and can present as a sharp or jabbing pain in the lower belly or groin area. The pain can be on one side or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. Just because it is normal and common doesn’t mean it is unavoidable. Chiropractic adjustments to the pelvis will reduce abnormal tension on the Round Ligament and can give relief from pain.
Many pregnant women also feel pain in the hips, knees, ankles and feet. Regular
chiropractic adjustments help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility so you can continue your daily activities.
Preexisting conditions during pregnancy
Some expectant mothers suffer from scoliosis. Scoliosis can worsen during pregnancy when the hormone Relaxin causes the body’s ligaments to loosen in preparation for the birthing process. Relaxin will affect all ligaments of the body, including spinal ligaments. This then allows for excess movement of the spinal joints leading to a worsening of the scoliosis. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help counteract the Relaxin’s effect on the spine.
Relief from other symptoms
Adjustments can also help with other pregnancy symptoms such as headaches,
nausea, fatigue, stress, inflammation, and swelling. Adjustment can also help with posture and improve quality of sleep. Every bodily function is connected to the spine, so when the spine is properly aligned, the body is in the best able to perform at its best. This means an overall healthier, smoother pregnancy and delivery as well as improved quality of life.
Chiropractic for the baby too
Not only will you reap the benefits of the chiropractic adjustment but your baby will, too! If the mother’s pelvis and spine are misaligned during pregnancy it constricts the soft tissues of the abdomen and pelvis which results in less space for the baby to move. The constricted tissue can put the baby in a less then optimal position and cause muscle spasms and misalignments of the spine which become evident after birth. Moms-to-be, get adjusted and help your baby be healthy!
Chiropractic care isn’t just for during your pregnancy. Proper spinal alignment and nervous system function is very important when you are trying to get pregnant. After pregnancy, it takes 18 months for the mother’s body to recover. In addition, holding your baby, bending and lifting to put the baby into the crib, or spending great amounts of time in a seated position to feed the baby will put new stresses on your muscles and joints. It is important to continue chiropractic care during this time to prevent pain from occurring as a result of these new and repetitive types of activities.
If you have questions about how our team at One Goal Wellness can help you, please schedule a consultation today.
