WHY SHOULD I SEEK CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING MY PREGNANCY?
Low back pain is a common complaint in pregnant women. Many mothers are told that pain during pregnancy is normal and that they have to deal with it. Chiropractic care can offer an effective drug-free alternative to living with this “normal” pain.
During the natural progression of pregnancy, there is a forward shift in the body’s center of gravity that is accompanied by weight gain. This forward shift stresses the low back, pelvis, knees, ankles, and arches of the feet.
Late in pregnancy a hormone called "Relaxin" is released and this causes joints to become more flexible, especially in the pelvis and low back. Forward weight movement and the effects of relaxin can cause instability in a pregnant mother’s spine and produce joint pain and muscle pain.
In one study done on women that used Chiropractic Care during pregnancy, it showed that first-time mothers had 24% shorter labor times. Women that had given birth before had 39% shorter labors. In addition, 84% of the women reported back pain relief during pregnancy with Chiropractic Care.
IS CHIROPRACTIC SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Several studies have shown Chiropractic Care to be a safe and effective treatment option for expecting mothers.
Expecting mothers are incredibly easy to adjust due to the effect of the hormone "Relaxin." In preparation for birth all the ligaments of the body loosen up, including the spine. This can cause instability and vertebrae can more easily get stuck in the wrong position! That requires a chiropractic adjustment.
"Expecting moms shouldn't suffer needlessly. In most cases an adjustment takes under 5 minutes and mothers feel immediate relief. Pass the word about Chiropractic and Pregnancy." -- Doctor J
PREGNANCY HEALTH TIPS:
1. Women of childbearing age should supplement with at least 400 mcg of folic acid before they are pregnant to help prevent neural-tube birth defects.
2. Avoid jarring exercises like jogging during pregnancy. Instead try walking or swimming. Also avoid getting overheated, don't overdo it!
3. Please avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Nicotine during your pregnancy because they have harmful effects on baby’s health. However try to avoid any drugs unless they are absolutely neccessary.
4. Arch supports, lumbar supports, and a pillow between the knees when lying on your side may help make you more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
5. Cravings may indicate a deficiency. For instance, a craving for Ice Cream may be a sign of Calcium Deficiency. Take a good multivitamin and get plenty vegetables.
6. Build a better baby. Eat REAL FOOD during your pregnancy. Avoid highly processed foods and include a lot of vegetables, protein, and moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates.
7. Avoid strenuous activity during hot or humid weather.
8. Exercise before pregnancy may result in a shorter and easier labor. Exercise after delivery may be preventative against post-partum depression.
9. Please consider a different birth position than on your back. The natural position for a woman to give birth is in a squat. In this position, gravity assists and the potential space for the baby to travel through is increased. On your back, the point of the “sacrum” acts as a partial roadblock for the baby. This increases the chance of having a C-section, Episiotomy, and a Difficult Labor.
10. Please get follow-up with your Obstetrician. Follow-up care is very important.
11. Up until 6 months of age your baby has passive immunity from the antibodies you have given him or her. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT NECCESSARY TO VACCINATE BEFORE 6 MONTHS! Vaccines will use up baby's passive immunity and leave him or her defenseless until his or her own immune system comes online.
12. Because of the effects of Relaxin you should get adjusted within 2 weeks AFTER giving birth. This will to sure your sacrum and pelvis tighten back up in proper alignment. That can save you from back trouble later on.
We hope this information will help you and your baby stay as healthy as possible.