Finding out you are pregnant and preparing for the arrival of your child is an exciting time. However, for many women, aches and pains in the lower back and pelvis may become commonplace as their pregnancies progress. Many of our clients end up wondering if self-care such as prenatal massage or visiting a chiropractor is okay during pregnancy.
When it comes to chiropractic care, it’s absolutely okay to continue to book sessions during pregnancy. However, it’s always good to provide your chiropractor with all the details of your pregnancy. There may be unique features of your pregnancy that the doctor may need to know. You should tell your chiropractor if you are experiencing:
- any vaginal bleeding
- placenta previa or placental abruption
- an ectopic pregnancy
- moderate to severe toxemia
How Chiropractic Sessions Help During Pregnancy
Pregnant women go through many hormonal and physical changes. Some changes will naturally have an impact on the body’s posture and affect a woman’s general comfort. As the baby grows, it becomes heavier, and the centre of gravity of a woman’s body shifts, making their overall posture adjust accordingly.
These physical changes to posture during pregnancy can lead to a greater load on spinal muscles and change the pressure on joints.
These are not the only change the body will go through, however. Other changes include:
- a protruding abdomen that results in increased curvature of the back
- increased fatigue due to changing energy usage by your body
- increased demands on the muscles due to increased weight you are carrying (you are creating and carrying another human now!)
With regular visits to the chiropractor, these issues can be addressed.
Benefits of Visiting the Chiropractor While Pregnant
Regular visits to the chiropractor have a variety of benefits for pregnant women, including:
- Attaining a more comfortable pregnancy
- Reducing pain the neck, back, and hips
- Allowing you to remain active throughout your pregnancy
Is My Chiropractor Qualified to Adjust Me During My Pregnancy?
While all licensed chiropractors do receive training related to pregnancy, some chiropractors specialize in prenatal care. You can always ask your chiropractor about their specialization in this area or ask your doctor for a referral.
When adjusting pregnant women, chiropractors will typically use adjusting tables to accommodate their growing bellies.
Chiropractic professionals can also show you effective movements and or stretches you can do at home to help relieve tension and ease discomfort between sessions.
How Achieve Health Can Help
If you’re experiencing back, hip or neck pain during your pregnancy, call to book an appointment. Be sure to share with your chiropractic professional complete information about your pregnancy, even if you feel it may not be important.
Your chiropractor can discuss the challenges you’ve been having and come up with a session that will help alleviate the issues you’ve been facing. They can even share helpful movements or stretches to try at home whenever you’re experiencing various levels of discomfort.
If you have questions about chiropractic care during pregnancy, we’re here to help! Contact us today.