Written by During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of challenges. This is a crucial time in your health as your body prepares for carrying and delivering your child. This is where pregnancy chiropractic care comes in. It is an all-natural, gentle way to keep your body aligned and functioning properly during pregnancy.
When your spine and pelvis are out of alignment, it can lead to several problems, including pain, muscle tension, and reduced mobility. It helps correct any alignment issues so that you can function at your best during pregnancy, reduce pain and discomfort, and stay healthy.
This blog discusses why chiropractic adjustment is beneficial for women during pregnancy and things to keep in mind when choosing the best chiropractors. Let’s get started!
What Causes Back Pain & Spinal Misalignment During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes to accommodate a growing baby. Here are some of the factors that can cause spinal discomfort while you’re pregnant.
- You’re carrying an additional 25 to 30 pounds.
- Your abdominal muscles have weakened.
- The curve in your lower spine is accentuated.
- Your body releases more of the hormone relaxin, which relaxes joints and ligaments. If they loosen much, your joints and ligaments may become structurally unstable and cause pain.
When To Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can be beneficial for managing discomfort and maintaining overall well-being. However, the timing and appropriateness of chiropractic care are very based on individual health conditions. The following are some basic guidelines:
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- First Trimester: It’s generally safe to start chiropractic care during the first trimester, but it’s important to consult with your obstetrician or midwife before. They can provide guidance based on your specific health history and any potential risks.
- Second Trimester: Many pregnant women begin regular chiropractic visits during the second trimester. This is often when the body starts to show more noticeable changes, and discomfort can increase.
- Third Trimester: Some pregnant individuals may choose to increase the frequency of their chiropractic visits during the third trimester to manage more severe discomfort and prepare for labor.
Know How Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Can Help
Safe, noninvasive chiropractic care for pregnancy is the ideal way to support your body’s natural functions during pregnancy. Here’s how prenatal chiropractic adjustments can benefit you:
- Alleviate back pain: About 75 percent of pregnant women report back pain relief after just two chiropractic treatments. This should come as no surprise, considering that chiropractic care helps to relax the spine, reduce muscle tension, and improve the stability of joints and ligaments.
- Restore proper pelvic balance: The Webster Technique is a chiropractic method used specifically for expectant mothers. It works by relieving stress on the pelvis to restore normal function throughout pregnancy, during labor pain, and after childbirth.
- Help reposition the fetus: Babies lying sideways, breech, or with their back along the mother’s spine can increase the potential for a cesarean section. Pelvic realignment achieved with chiropractic care gives the baby more room to get into the optimal position for delivery.
- Shorten labor time: Women who receive potential chiropractic care tend to experience significantly shorter labor times. Chiropractic believes this is because improved pelvic alignment reduces intracranial pressure and allows the baby to pass through the labor canal more easily.
- Reduce postpartum pain: Many women continue visiting a chiropractor after having a baby. After all, breastfeeding can also cause backaches and neck pain because of the prolonged sitting posture associated with nurturing. Chiropractic care reduces your pain and helps you feel your best, so you can focus your attention on being a new mom.
Top Factors To Consider When Hiring a Chiropractor in Port Orange
Choose the right chiropractor in Port Orange for your overall health and well-being. A family chiropractor helps you achieve optimal health while addressing your specific needs. Here are some of the pointers to look after:
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Education and Experience
One of the most important things to consider when selecting a chiropractor is their education and training. A professional chiropractor will hold a doctorate from an accredited institution.
In addition, they should be licensed and have completed the necessary continuing education requirements.
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License and Certification
Your chiropractor should be licensed to practice in your state. In addition, they should have any relevant certifications that show they’re qualified to practice the services you’re looking for.
For instance, if you seek help with a specific condition, such as headaches, look for a chiropractor who has acquired additional training in this area.
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Method of Treatment
When meeting with a potential chiropractor, be sure to ask about their procedure of treatment. Each chiropractor has its own unique approach to care, so you must find one whose methods align with your needs and preferences. For example, if you’re looking for a more natural approach to care, you might want to find a chiropractor who uses manual manipulation rather than stimulation.
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Accessibility and Convenience
The location and office hours of the chiropractic clinic are crucial factors to consider when choosing a chiropractor. You want a chiropractor whose clinic is conveniently located and easily accessible, especially if you require ongoing care.
Make sure that the chiropractor’s office hours fit into your work schedule and inquire about their availability for appointments.
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Reviews and Recommendations
Check online reviews on platforms such as Google, Yelp, and Healthgrades to gauge the chiropractor’s reputation and patient satisfaction. Positive reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the chiropractor’s bedside manner.
Additionally, seek recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care physician. Personal referrals can offer a more personalized and trustworthy perspective.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care during pregnancy offers a natural, non-invasive way to alleviate pain, improve pelvic balance, and potentially shorten labor. Finding the right chiropractor is crucial—look for someone with the right credentials, experience, and personalized approach.
Your comfort and health are paramount, and chiropractic care will be a valuable part of your prenatal toolkit. Take the first step today and discover how a trusted chiropractor can help you enjoy a more comfortable and joyful pregnancy. Your well-being is key to a healthy start for you and your baby.
