Pregnant, Can Chiropractic Help?

Yes. Chiropractic care can help you and your baby achieve a healthier pregnancy and delivery. It is gentle and safe. The health benefits have been demonstrated in clinical studies.

In one of the studies, conducted by Irvin Hendryson, M.D., a member of the American Medical Association board of trustees, it was shown that women who receive chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester of pregnancy were able to carry and deliver children with more comfort. Also, well-known orthopaedist Per Freitag, M.D., conducted a hospital study that incorporated chiropractic adjustments during the patient's pregnancy. He found that the need for pain killers during delivery was reduced by half.

Women have special needs during pregnancy.
During pregnancy many physiological and endocrinological changes take place, all for the purpose of creating an optimal environment for the developing baby. This complex process involves every system of the pregnant woman's body. The musculoskeletal systems are affected bu the protruding abdomen, duck-like walk, and increased lower back curve. The pelvis changes early in pregnacy due to the release of estrogen and/or relaxin. These hormones cause the ligaments to relax and soften, which together with increased synovial fluid widens the pelvic joints. This increased mobility is not restricted to the pelvis only, but may be noticed in other joints and muscles as well.

As the uterus enlarges and expands forward, the center of gravity is displaced. Subluxations of the spine may occur, and this results in associated muscle cramps and nerve pain. This change in posture puts more strain on the lower back and pelvis, which may result in lower back pain. Fifty percent of all women complain of low back pain during pregnancy.

Subluxations of the neck may be caused as it compensates for the changes in the lower spine by moving forward. This results in various symptoms, including headaches, nausea, or insomnia.

When should you be checked for subluxations?
The best time to be checked for subluxations is before you would like to become pregnant. This will ensure proper pelvic and spinal alignment. If you are already pregnant, chiropractic adjustments can be given throughout your pregnancy and directly after your labor and delivery.