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Pregnancy & Chiropractic
One of the best times to begin a wellness lifestyle is during pregnancy. Today women have become increasingly concerned about their health during pregnancy. Eating healthy foods as well as avoidance of alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes are to be congratulated. Today's' mothers are more aware of how prenatal care effects fetal health. Chiropractic care should be an integral part of prenatal care.
During pregnancy a women's body releases many hormones. One of these is Relaxing, which purposely reduces ligament tension. This has the effect of "relaxing" or loosening the ligaments and allowing more movement of the structures to which they are connected. This is necessary because of the many postural changes that occur during pregnancy.
A women's center of gravity changes due to the increase in weight and the size and position of the fetus. Not only do the ligaments of the spine become relaxed, but so do the ligaments of the pelvis to allow for stretching during delivery. The curve in the lower back increases during pregnancy and may cause back and leg pain.
All of these changes make the spine more flexible and therefore less stable. This can be compounded by an already unstable spine. Since all nervous system control flows through the spine, chiropractic care is a necessity in maintaining proper control of body functions thru spinal health. Many symptoms such as back pain, leg pain and morning sickness can be helped with chiropractic care. Chiropractic care will help to normalize the functions of the nervous system and improve overall health. Optimal functioning of the mother's body directly influences the proper development of the fetus.
Chiropractic features many different techniques. Modifications to chiropractic techniques and equipment during different the stages of pregnancy make adjustments for pregnant women gentle and comfortable. Many women report that deliveries were shorter and more comfortable than those before chiropractic care. A properly functioning nervous system is an integral part of total health during pregnancy to reduce stress on the spine and pelvis as well as producing healthier infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus. Spinal adjustments are especially gentle during pregnancy as far less force is required to correct subluxations. This is due to the increase in hormones causing significant muscle and ligamentous relaxation. Special "adjustive" positions are also used to provide comfort and safety for both mom and fetus.
How Often Should I Receive Chiropractic Care During My Pregnancy?
The frequency of care varies for a number of different reasons. Typically, regular care during a non-complicated pregnancy will range from once per week to once per month.
Chiropractic and Pregnancy Scientific Studies
Low Back Pain During Pregnancy
In this study, researchers identified the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis (frequently "adjusted" by chiropractors) as being responsible for the majority of low back pain cases in pregnancy. This is due to the significant number of hormonal and biomechanical changes occurring in the pelvis during pregnancy. Researchers found 7/10 women were helped by spinal manipulation in this study.
Bery G, Hammar M, Moller-Nielsen J et al. Obstet and Gynecol, 72:71-75, 1988.
TextBook on Chiropractic & Pregnancy
According to Dr. Fallon, author and internationally recognized "chiropractic pediatrician", statistics from her office "have demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments effectively reduce the average amount of time spent in labor." Her data shows a nearly 25% reduction in the average labor times in those receiving chiropractic care versus the generally accepted average labor time - in women who had given birth in the past, there was a 33% reduction in average labor time.
Fallon J. International Chiropractic Association. 1994 - Arlington, Virginia.
Italian Study on Chiropractic & Pregnancy
Postpartum pain was relieved in 90 of 120 patients who received chiropractic adjustments.
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