Can I See A Chiropractor While I’m Pregnant?
A woman’s body changes in a number of ways when she becomes pregnant. The last thing she wants is to be in pain during her pregnancy. She might notice a change in her weight, as well as overall changes both physically and mentally caused by a new influx of hormones throughout her body. Specifically, a hormone called relaxin plays a major role in loosening the ligaments in the spine and pubic symphysis (pubic bone) to make it easier for the mother to deliver her baby. This can cause problems with pain in the back, as well as pain in the pubic bone called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. The back pain and the pubic bone pain during pregnancy can affect the mom-to-be emotionally as well.
As the baby continues to grow, there is an unequal distribution of weight to the front side of her body, contributing to back pain and sacroiliac pain due to the strain on muscles and ligaments. In addition, this added weight in the abdominal region can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, a large nerve that runs from the end of one’s spine all the way down to the toes. This nerve pressure, called sciatica, can leave the expecting mother with pain, tingling or even numbness while walking, sitting, or even lying down. The stress of wondering if she will have to feel like this until she delivers the baby is an added burden.
Many people with these types of pain would often turn to taking a pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen; however, this places pregnant women in an unfair group of pain sufferers, as it is not recommended to take such medications when pregnant. Thankfully, chiropractic care is a proven and safe treatment for a pregnant woman to utilize during her pregnancy. Chiropractic care can help the pregnant mother-to-be feel her best throughout the entire pregnancy.
Is it Safe to see a Chiropractor if I’m Pregnant?
Although many people think of only seeing their OBGYN during the course of their pregnancy, many other doctors are suggested to be seen to make sure both the mother and baby are happy and healthy. The Mayo Clinic actually recommends chiropractic care² to expecting mothers, to alleviate the back and neck pain that usually comes along with the joy of pregnancy. Plenty of research has been conducted and there were no complications found with seeing a chiropractor while pregnant. In fact, there is no research that shows that pregnant women being treated by a chiropractor would harm her or her baby. ³
Throughout the course of their education, chiropractors learn how to treat pregnant women in a safe and effective way. Instead of lying on their stomach for therapy and treatment, most doctors will opt for their patient to sit upright in a chair and then lay on their side to treat the lower back. Getting treated by a chiropractor who has experience treating pregnant women is key for a successful outcome.
Other Benefits of Chiropractic Care when Pregnant
Besides alleviating back pain, neck pain or pubic bone pain that comes with pregnancy, chiropractic care can help pregnant women in many ways that one might not originally have thought. Many times, the pelvis will come out of alignment when pregnant without the mother realizing, causing complications during delivery. A chiropractic adjustment can help to align the pelvis to be in an 
optimal position to give birth naturally. Seeing a chiropractor while pregnant can also help ones posture, which is another thing that changes when pregnant. When the spine is properly aligned, the body is able to work in the best possible way, allowing for proper communication between all of the systems of the body, especially the nervous system.
Why Our Chiropractic Office?
At the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, our experienced doctors treat pregnant women multiples times a week, and specialize in helping pregnant women with the common pains of pregnancy we’ve described above. Our chiropractors use nothing but the best and safest techniques to ensure the comfort of the expecting mother as well as the safety of her growing baby. With a combined 40 years of experience in the field, you are in not only experienced hands, but caring hands as well.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us now at 860-583-4346 . If no one answers, leave a detailed message we will call you back ASAP; we want to help, and cannot wait to hear from you!
Sources:
1 Conditions-Chiropractic-Care-Can-Improve-During-Pregnancy – ACA
2 Back pain during pregnancy: 7 tips for relief – MayoClinic.org
3 Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Is It Safe? – usnews.com
