Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy
Dr. Elizabeth Whooley is a chiropractor practicing in Winter Park, FL. Dr. Whooley specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patient's functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis... more
Congratulations! You're pregnant! You're eating better, drinking more water, and less caffeine. Maybe you stopped smoking. Looking into Lamaze classes, Mom groups, preschools, and prenatal massage. All parents want the best start for their children. What better way than to make sure that the pregnant mom is as healthy and active as she can be?
I've said it before and I'll say it again...chiropractic care is for everyone. If you've had chiropractic care before, you will notice certain changes in the way you're adjusted. You can most likely still have the same adjusting techniques as long as all involved are comfortable with this. High-risk pregnancies would see the biggest modifications so that both mom and baby are safe. Some chiropractic tables have an abdominal piece that goes down to allow the expectant mother to lie face down and not put pressure on her baby.
Routine chiropractic care, beginning before you get pregnant and continuing on until you deliver, can help manage lower back pain, hip pain, and balance the pelvis. This can provide your baby with as much space as possible and allow you to feel more comfortable. Some moms-to-be suffer from headaches, sciatica, reflux, and wrist pain to name a few symptoms. All of these symptoms have been known to respond favorably to chiropractic care.
Your body is changing quicker than ever over the course of those special 40 weeks. As the baby grows (and you gain weight), you might notice that the curve in your lower back is getting deeper. This is called hyperlordosis and it's the way your body compensates for the change in location of your center of gravity. It can also mean an increase or onset of lower back pain.
I loved being pregnant and I was adjusted throughout all three of my pregnancies. After talking with other moms and hearing their stories, I am glad that chiropractic was there to support me. I believe that it helped me have easier pregnancies and deliveries. I was able to continue seeing patients all the way up to my deliveries. My water broke with my firstborn while I was waiting for a patient at the office!
As soon as you get the positive result, let your chiropractor know, ask questions, and get adjusted. You'll be glad you did!
