Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Why is it important to receive Chiropractic care during pregnancy?

Every aspect of a fetus’s growth is controlled by the mother’s nervous system. It is the job of the nervous system to accommodate for the physical, chemical, and hormonal changes that the mother and baby are experiencing during pregnancy. Our spines house the spinal cord, and its alignment provides a healthy nervous system. Chiropractors are the only health care professionals who are trained to detect and correct spinal subluxations, which are misalignments that interfere with the ability for the brain and body to communicate.

The position and function of the spine and pelvis are very important as the baby develops in the womb. During pregnancy, there can be strain and tension on the pelvic ligaments and muscles that surround the baby. Misalignment of the pelvic bones specifically, can cause this strain and tension. This prevents the developing fetus from being able to move freely inside the womb, which is needed for optimal development. Pelvic misalignment also causes pain and stress on the expectant mother.

What are the benefits of Chiropractic care during pregnancy?

Receiving Chiropractic care can help to maintain a healthier pregnancy, reduce delivery times, prevent breech positions, control symptoms of nausea and relieve pregnancy-related joint pain. As the pelvic bones are put back into alignment, there is less stress and tension and more ease on the expectant mother’s pelvis and on the developing fetus.

Is a Chiropractic adjustment safe during pregnancy?

Yes! Chiropractic is very safe during pregnancy. There is a Chiropractic technique for pregnant women called Webster’s Technique. Webster’s Technique is a specific pelvic analysis which looks at the alignment of the sacrum, the surrounding sacroiliac joints, and the pelvic ligaments in an expectant mother. It was developed in order to restore proper pelvic balance, allowing for optimal fetal development to prepare the body for a safer, easier birth. Using specific and gentle adjustments, the pelvis is balanced to facilitate optimal fetal positioning before delivery. This technique gives the fetus the most room to move and grow which can be especially important in the case of breech positioning. You can find a Chiropractor, like San Diego’s local Dr. Emily Mayo, who is certified in this specialty technique on the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) website.

How often should an expectant mother be given a Chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy?

During pregnancy the ICPA, the certifying agency for pediatric/prenatal adjusting, recommends weekly adjustments. Your local San Diego Chiropractor will evaluate you and determine a care plan to fit your individual needs.