Chiropractic Solutions for Pregnancy
Bodily aches and pains are a common, and uncomfortable, aspect of pregnancy. Finding easy, natural solutions to relieve discomfort helps take care of yourself and your baby. Easing these pains lets you focus on your overall well being and the excitement of welcoming your child!
Approximately 50% of pregnant women experience back pain, in particular, during their pregnancy and up until birth. Chiropractic care offers simple solutions for pregnant women to lessen this pain without needing further medical assistance.
Dr. Justin Lewis outlines the importance of chiropractic care during pregnancy, including commonly asked questions from his pregnant clients.
Is it safe to see a chiropractor during pregnancy?
At the core of the practice, chiropractic care is the maintenance and adjustment of the spinal column and joints. Chiropractic solutions are natural, so they do not involve medications or surgery. The objective of chiropractors like Dr. Justin Lewis is to reduce spinal nerve stress and promote overall well being. Complications from standard adjustments and other chiropractic solutions rarely have complications. Dr. Justin Lewis confirms that based on modern studies and practice, chiropractic care is understood to be safe during pregnancy.
“Chiropractors are always careful, but extra caution and procedures are taken when a patient is pregnant,” explains Dr. Justin Lewis. “Whether the woman is a week pregnant or 9 months pregnant, all pregnant women can be adjusted.”
Of course, there are some instances where chiropractic care may not be the best solution for you during your pregnancy. Dr. Justin Lewis does not recommend seeking chiropractic care if you are experiencing situations such as vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, ectopic pregnancy, among other health concerns.
All licensed chiropractors receive training related to chiropractors, while some specialize in prenatal care. Like all medical choices, Dr. Justin Lewis emphasizes speaking to your primary doctors and your obstetrician before including chiropractic care in your routine. Dr. Justin Lewis will adjust the exam tables to accommodate all pregnant patients, and does not apply any pressure to the abdomen during the practice.
“Along with adjustments, mobilizations and stretches are key in the treatment plan to help with mobility and pain control since the woman's body is constantly changing from day to day,” states Dr. Justin Lewis.
What benefits does chiropractic care offer during pregnancy?
Hormonal and physical changes are abundant during pregnancy, and some of these may impact your posture and comfort. As your baby grows, your body shifts with your center of gravity. Your posture adjusts to match this change, which can lead to pain.
Often, physical changes to your posture during pregnancy are the cause of aches due to a misaligned spine or joints. Your rounded abdomen results in an increased curve in the back, along with changes to your pelvis as your body prepares itself for labor. Incorporating routine chiropractic visits during your pregnancy can aid in these issues before they severely impact your overall well being and alignment.
“Since the pelvis of a pregnant woman is gradually opening to prepare for giving birth, the lower back joints tend to compress and put extra pressure at the base of the low back,” details Dr. Justin Lewis. “Precise adjustments and mobility exercises/stretches can help to reduce pain symptoms and tension and allow for greater mobility.”
When this discomfort is relieved, you can focus on maintaining the health of both yourself and your baby. Chiropractic care eases this pain, allowing you to have a more comfortable pregnancy. Prenatal chiropractic care will focus on common problem areas, such as the back, neck, hips, and joints. Chiropractic care has also been known to relieve nausea, which can be very helpful for those experiencing morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum.
Can prenatal chiropractic care benefit the baby?
Pregnant women often experience a misaligned pelvis, as their babies continue to grow in-utero. The restriction to the amount of space available for growth can obstruct their normal movements and make your delivery harder. If the baby has ample room to move, their natural movement towards a rear-facing, head down birth position becomes easier.
A balanced pelvis, overall, leads to a lower chance of the baby moving into a breech or posterior position. A baby in a non-optimal birthing position often leads to a longer, more complicated delivery.
How do I know if chiropractic care will work for me during my pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is typically a safe and effective practice to incorporate during pregnancy. It can help manage pain in your back, hips, and joints, while establishing pelvic balance and providing your baby with as much space as possible.
“Extra safety procedures are always taken when a woman is pregnant to ensure both the mom and child are safe and healthy, while limiting any added stress on the body both mentally and physically,” outlines Dr. Justin Lewis. “Chiropractic care during pregnancy is both safe and effective to limit pain, improve range of motion, and to help limit stiffness throughout the body.”
If you’re currently pregnant, book a prenatal appointment with Get Adjusted Chiropractic! Call our office at 845-809-8300 to schedule time with Dr. Justin Lewis.
