Pregnancy and Chiropractic

Anticipating the birth of a child is a time filled with emotion, excitement and joy. A woman's body will undergo a series of remarkable changes during pregnancy. Some of the changes will ease the physical strain of childbirth, while others will cause pain and discomfort. It is important to understand that pregnancy is designed to be the healthiest time in a woman's life, the natural occurrence that should not cause any undue stress or trauma. That is not always the case.

The complaint of lower back pain in pregnant women is not new. In fact, it is the second most common elements next to nausea. An increase in the lower back curve cause by weight gain the is the main culprit. Also, during pregnancy, the entire pelvic region experiences tremendous fluidity of movements due to hormonal changes. This "relaxation" of the muscles and ligaments surrounding the pelvis combined with the extra weight create pressure on the vertebrae of the lower spine. This often causes a subluxation or misalignment of the vertebrae, which can result in irritability and pain in the lower back, buttocks and down the leg. Some women who had a history of back problems prior to pregnancy will actually benefit from the hormonal affects of relaxation and experience less pain during pregnancy.

Lower back pain is the main reason many pregnant women decide to see a chiropractor. But it should not be the only reason. Other conditions often associated with pregnancy can be helped with chiropractic care.

Bell's palsy: a general paralysis that usually affects one side of the face. The cheek muscles are most commonly affected, but it may involve all parts of the face, from the brow to the chin. A common cause of Bell's palsy is a subluxation in the cervical spine (neck), the result of changes that occurred during pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments will help this condition heal quickly and more completely.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: 1/5 of all pregnant women complaint of pain in hand. Most have carpal tunnel syndrome, defined as compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrists. While the numbness and pain are observed in the wrist, a misalignment of the cervical spine is usually the cause of the irritation. Again, subluxations play a major role in the formation of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially during pregnancy.

Headaches: the majority of women will complain of headaches at some time during their pregnancy. Most are tension type headaches and our subluxation in induced. 90 percent of all headaches are the result of spinal problems. Chiropractors can help alleviate the pain without medication. This approach is safer for both mother and baby.

General well-being: every tissue and organ of the body is connected to and controlled by the nerves from the spinal cord and brain. The role of a chiropractor, especially during pregnancy, is to prevent any interference to the flow of nerve energy that could cause a disturbance of delicate bodily functions.

Chiropractors work with mothers to be in various stages of their pregnancy. The first visit should be within the first trimester, at which time a frank discussion on eating habits, posture and lifestyle is advised. A thorough hands on spinal examination is important to detect any problems, which could be aggravated by the pregnancy, spinal adjustments performed by a chiropractor or can relieve pain and discomfort at any time during a pregnancy.

Chiropractic care tends to make the delivery process easier for both mother and child.

Regular spinal adjustments during pregnancy may help decrease the intensity of morning sickness, help reduce lower back pain, and tend to make the entire delivery process easier and less traumatic for both mother and child.

By paying attention to diet, exercise and the mobility of the spine and pelvis, a woman can affect the course of her own pregnancy. With the help of a chiropractor or she is able to enhance the mechanics of her body, keeping it functional and ready for labor. Chiropractic care will not only ease some of the pain and discomfort associated with being pregnant, but it can make a pregnancy a pleasant experience it was meant to be.

(This article was reprinted from Lindenwood Chiropractic web site)