Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother. Her systems and organs are now providing for two and their optimal function is critical for the baby’s healthy development. The mother’s spine and pelvis undergo many changes and adaptations to compensate for the growing baby and the risk of interference to her nervous system is increased. Specific Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy works by enhancing nervous system function providing greater health potential for both the mother and baby.
Chiropractic care through pregnancy is not only safe, it is essential. We can look at the implications of subluxation from a biomechanical, hormonal and neurological standpoint. It is easy for all of us to see postural changes through pregnancy – the center of gravity changes, the weight of the baby places increased pressure on the spine and pelvis, and towards the end of the pregnancy, changes are seen in gait pattern (also known as the “waddle.”) What we can’t see are the millions of different hormonal changes and chemical reactions occurring both in the mother and the developing baby – all of which are controlled and coordinated by the nervous system.
Another important reason for care throughout pregnancy is to help establish balance in the mother’s pelvis. Williams Obstetrics Text tells us that “Any contraction of the pelvic diameters that diminish the capacity of the pelvis can create dystocia (difficulty) during labor.” They further state that the diameter of the woman’s pelvis is decreased when the sacrum is displaced. Also, if the bones of the pelvis are out of alignment or subluxated, this will directly affect the way the uterus will be supported. Unequal ligament support of the uterus will twist/turn the uterus reducing the amount of room for the developing baby. The term used to describe this is intrauterine constraint.
The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, is a specific Chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers. Working to correct sacral subluxations, this technique, which has a reported success rate of >85%, balances pelvic muscles and ligaments in the woman’s pelvis, removes constraint and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. Both mothers and babies are spared the irreparable damage caused by the growing number of c-sections.
Chiropractic care can help you and your baby achieve a healthier pregnancy. It is gentle and safe. Healthier pregnancy means an easier labor and delivery and a better transition for the baby into life outside the womb. The health benefits have been demonstrated in clinical studies.
In one of these studies, conducted by Irvin Henderson, M.D., a member of the American Medical Association board of trustees, it was shown that women who received Chiropractic adjustments during their pregnancy were able to carry and deliver children with more comfort. Also, well-known orthopedist Per Freitag, M.D., conducted a hospital study that incorporated Chiropractic adjustments during the patient’s pregnancy. He found that the need for painkillers during delivery was reduced by half.
Adjustments result in easier pregnancy, significantly decreased average labor time, and assists new mothers back to prepartum health. In one study, women receiving Chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had 24% shorter labor times than the group not receiving Chiropractic, and those having additional pregnancies reported 39% shorter labor times. Thirty-nine percent – that’s a massive difference. In addition, 84% of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with Chiropractic care.
ALL pregnant women need Chiropractic care