How Pregnant Women Can Benefit From Prenatal Chiropractic Care

If you're an expectant mother, you'll probably be excited for all that's yet to come. But while pregnancy can be thrilling, there are undoubtedly a number of challenges that women face during this time in their lives. The physical changes experienced by countless pregnant women can be draining, uncomfortable, and even painful. Proper prenatal care is essential to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of both mom and baby -- but regular visits to your primary care doctor may not be enough to ensure your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.

What you might not realize is that a professional chiropractor can help to alleviate pain and discomfort while setting you up for a healthier pregnancy and easier delivery. Let's take a closer look at why finding the right chiropractor during your pregnancy can be highly beneficial.

Is it Safe to See a Professional Chiropractor During Pregnancy?

First, let's discuss what many expectant mothers want to know: is chiropractic treatment safe during pregnancy? Chiropractic care involves specific types of physical therapy and joint adjustments to reduce nerve stress and promote improved alignment of the body. Since it does not involve the use of drugs or invasive procedures, it's typically a preferable treatment method overall (but even more so for pregnant patients). While you should always obtain approval from your doctor before starting chiropractic care, this type of treatment is believed to be safe -- and often comes highly recommended -- for pregnant women.

That said, you should set your sights on finding the right chiropractor who specializes in this type of treatment. Although all licensed chiropractors will receive training related to pregnancy, it's typically best to work with a chiropractor who is more experienced in prenatal care. Keep in mind that there are some health conditions (such as vaginal bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, toxemia, or placental abruption) that may affect whether chiropractic care is a viable prenatal care option. As long as you discuss this treatment with your primary care physician first, you should be in excellent hands (literally).

Which Prenatal Conditions Can Be Addressed By Quality Chiropractic Care?

While many people have a limited view of the conditions that can be helped by chiropractic treatments, the reality is that spinal adjustments can have major impacts on your posture, your gait, and your overall comfort level during pregnancy.

Roughly 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancies -- and with good reason. A growing baby can put a lot of strain on the back and compress the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints. According to the American Chiropractic Association, muscle tightness and altered walking patterns can contribute to this problem. In addition, many women continue to experience this pain postpartum. Fortunately, your chiropractor can make adjustments to properly align the lower back and the pelvis, which can provide physical relief.

Many pregnant women also experience painful changes to the pelvic area. These changes can result in anything from the development of sciatica to instability when walking or moving. A chiropractor may not only provide adjustments but can also guide a patient through stretches and other exercises that can mitigate painful symptoms and relieve pressure.

Another way your chiropractor can help you is to make your baby's delivery a lot less painful (or even less dangerous). The adjustments made by a chiropractor can have positive effects on pelvic alignment, which can help to ensure that the baby is in a better position for delivery. In many cases, having a more balanced pelvis can reduce the risks of a breech delivery.

Why Finding the Right Chiropractor For Prenatal Care Should Be a Priority

Finding the right chiropractor for any situation might seem like a difficult task. But for expectant mothers, it's key to find a chiropractor with prenatal experience. By prioritizing this type of treatment just as highly as your other medical visits, you'll likely be able to experience diminished pain and discomfort while setting both you and baby up for success once labor begins. For more information on chiropractic care for pregnant women, please contact us today.