Pregnancy should be an exciting time, both for you as an expectant mum, and for your family but it can also bring its fair share of aches and pains.
From sciatica to pelvic and spinal discomfort, a chiropractor is equipped with some great techniques to help ease your pregnancy-related issues.
So, get ready to discover how chiropractic care can make this exciting time in your life a little more comfortable.
Pregnancy causes many changes to your body – weight gain, hormonal changes, and postural issues as your baby grows and moves around. It’s no surprise therefore that these can lead to uncomfortable, if not painful, problems like back pain, sciatica, and stiff joints.
By focusing on the health and alignment of your spinal column, nerves, and musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care can be a great way to help:
A 2018 study for example investigated the effect of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy symptoms such as headache, insomnia, and neck pain. Researchers found that treatment successfully treated pregnancy symptoms in 79.1% of the women after just one session and 71.4% after the second.
Traditionally, chiropractic care during pregnancy has had some very undeserved criticism but today it’s generally considered safe by the wider medical and healthcare professions.
Chiropractic care in the UK comes under the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) umbrella. This just means it doesn’t involve medication or surgery but relies on holistic interventions, like gentle spinal manipulation and adjustments, to help ease pain and improve painful conditions.
All chiropractors also receive extensive training and are taught how to work with pregnant women. They use safe gentle proven techniques that avoid applying too much abdominal pressure.
Additionally, some chiropractors focus on prenatal care. These specialists have specific techniques and equipment, such as pregnancy pillows and adjustable tables, to guarantee your safety and comfort as a mum-to-be.
Many practitioners also hold additional certifications in this field, such as the Webster Technique certification, which focuses on helping pregnant women improve pelvic alignment for a safer pregnancy and birth.
You can safely start chiropractic care at any time during your pregnancy but many women choose to start early in order to maintain their health and reduce the discomfort as their bodies change. Early care can also help establish a strong foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
This will vary based on your unique requirements – what suits you won’t necessarily suit someone else – and what your chiropractor feels will benefit you best.
Some women may benefit from weekly adjustments, especially if they have a lot of discomfort or conditions like sciatica. Others may only need to visit every few weeks.
Chiropractic care can be a real game-changer for expectant mums in terms of managing discomfort, and setting the stage for a smooth, uncomplicated delivery.
In particular, the main benefits of seeing a chiropractor when pregnant include:
Pain relief is probably the most common reason pregnant women seek out chiropractic care. As your baby grows, it adds extra weight to your body and changes your centre of gravity. Your lower back and hips unfortunately bear the brunt of these changes, often painfully as it strains your spine and joints!
Chiropractic adjustments however can relieve the pressure and reduce pain, making it easier for you to move and stay active. This study from Chiropractic & Manual Therapies found that chiropractic care during pregnancy has a significantly positive effect on lower back pain and pelvic pain.
As your pregnancy progresses, pelvic pain, and changes to your centre of gravity, can make it difficult to walk comfortably.
Regular chiropractic care helps keep your pelvis and spine healthy and aligned, which can help you walk more comfortably and maintain an active lifestyle. This is beneficial for you and your baby.
Chiropractors use various techniques to care for pregnant women that focus on safety and effectiveness. They include:
This specialised chiropractic analysis and adjustment technique reduces stress on your pelvis to reduce discomfort and optimise your baby’s position in utero.
Gentle manipulations help keep your spine correctly aligned and functional to reduce nerve irritation and improve overall function.
Massage and stretching techniques help relax your muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain in areas like the lower back and hips.
If your chiropractor thinks you could benefit from specific exercises and stretches, they will likely recommend some that can be done safely at home.
Thus far, we’ve focused on how chiropractic care can help you, the pregnant mum, but it can be great for your baby too!
By helping improve your pelvic alignment and easing stress on your nervous system, chiropractic adjustments can help create a healthy environment and space for your baby to grow.
And, when delivery time comes, having everything lined up well can make the whole process smoother, and safer. It can even reduce the need for interventions like C-sections, which means a natural birth experience and a win for both you and your baby!
Yes, you can! Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to holistically manage the physical challenges of pregnancy, ease discomfort, and prepare your body for childbirth.
Chiropractors are trained to understand and appreciate the specialised needs of pregnant women in order to support both you and your baby.
