PREGNANCY & CHIROPRACTIC
Pregnancy can be an extremely blissful, peaceful time in a woman’s life; it can also be the most terrifying experience, worrying about all of the possible outcomes that may occur. It is especially daunting when it’s a first pregnancy for a woman - the thoughts I oftentimes hear from women: “Am I doing anything that could cause the baby harm?”, “Is there anything I should be doing differently to produce the most perfect baby?”, “I’m scared to let anyone (nail technicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, doctors, etc.) treat my body in fear that it might cause an issue." - the list goes on.
I, myself, had so much anxiety and fear when I was pregnant with my daughter. I was always nervous I wasn’t doing enough to foster the most ideal environment for her while she was cooking for 9 months. I was also nervous to see new healthcare providers or someone I wasn’t familiar with in fear that something preventable may happen.
The good news is - babies are SO safe inside our body. The other great news - chiropractic is a wonderful treatment method to aid in pregnancy pains, pelvic misalignment, and overall body function.
Regular chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy help alleviate back pain, pelvic discomfort, and other musculoskeletal issues that arise due to the constant physical changes associated with pregnancy. There is also a special chiropractic technique designed specifically for the pregnant woman - The Webster Technique. Continue reading to learn more about what it is and how it works.
There are many different changes happening inside a woman’s body when pregnant. One major player in pregnancy is the pelvis. The pelvis oftentimes becomes misaligned and imbalanced for a number of reasons. First, when a woman naturally gains weight throughout pregnancy (especially in the abdominal area), there is more weight exerted on the pelvis and lower back. Also, as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, the mother’s center of gravity shifts forward altering posture. This shift causes additional stress on the low back and pelvis leading to muscle tension and misalignment. Next, certain muscles and ligaments inevitably become tight or tense, while others weaken due to weight distribution and hormonal influence. Throughout pregnancy, the body naturally releases more relaxin, which is a hormone that causes muscles, joints, and ligaments to relax, allowing the tissues to stretch as the body grows. Finally, the position of the baby in the uterus can also influence pelvic alignment. Babies in breech or posterior positions may exert pressure on specific areas of the pelvis, potentially leading to discomfort and misalignment.
This is where The Webster Technique shines. The Webster Technique is a gentle, noninvasive approach focusing on restoring proper pelvic alignment and balance. By addressing the misalignment and related issues, it aims to optimize pelvic biomechanics, potentially creating more space for the developing fetus. When the pelvis is realigned, it allows the fetus more space to move in a more optimal position.
If you are pregnant and seeking chiropractic care, always consult your OBGYN first to ensure it goes along with your prenatal care plan and medical history. Also, be sure to choose a qualified and experienced chiropractor who specializes in prenatal care in order to maximize safety and effectiveness.
Any questions? Feel free to reach out to our office via phone or text: (310) 880-9663. Happy healing!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this chiropractic blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this blog is solely at your own risk.