If you’ve ever been pregnant, you are already familiar with the symptoms such as nausea, back pain, and fatigue that are common health concerns among pregnant women. If you haven’t been pregnant, then you’ve certainly heard all about the symptoms that come with pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the female body goes through a lot of physical and physiological changes, in order to create the healthiest possible environment for a growing baby. Sometimes these changes only cause pain and general discomfort; however, sometimes these changes put women at risk for longer labor and delivery times and other serious complications, such as breech birth and C-section delivery. A chiropractor uses adjustments and other treatments that can reduce certain pregnancy symptoms and help expecting mothers benefit from healthier pregnancies and birth outcomes.
The following are the main benefits of being adjusted during pregnancy:
- REDUCED NAUSEA: This is a very common symptom of pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments help by re-aligning your spine and improving overall nervous system function.
- RELIEF OF BACK PAIN: During pregnancy, the body will produce a hormone called Relaxin. This hormone is responsible for relaxing and loosening all ligaments and joints in the lower back and pelvic area. This causes instability in the joints in your spine which can cause back pain. Posture is also affected as the baby grows and causes an abnormal distribution of weight which causes the back to arch more and be thrown out of alignment. Adjustments help to put the spine back in alignment and improve posture.
- OPTIMAL BABY POSITIONING: A baby that is not in the correct position at the time of labor is in the breech position. This can increase the risk of complications during delivery. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help to align the pelvis, which will allow the baby more room to move around and get into the correct position for delivery.
- EASIER LABOR AND DELIVERY: Chiropractic care during pregnancy can keep your spine, pelvis, and hips in alignment, which will ensure proper nervous system function. Nerves and hormones are responsible for contractions and dilating the cervix during labor. By making sure the nerves are working correctly, it can help shorten labor and delivery.
- HEALTHIER OVERALL PREGNANCY: The goal of chiropractic care is to address and remove nerve interferences in the spinal column that may be preventing your organs and immune system from functioning at optimal levels. The stronger and healthier your immune system, the stronger and healthier your baby’s immune system will be at the time of birth. Prenatal chiropractic care can contribute to improved overall health for both you and your baby, and may reduce unwanted symptoms so you can experience a safer, more comfortable pregnancy.