5 Advantages of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care is a method to maintain good health conditions of the spinal column, discs, related nerves and bone geometry without drugs or surgery. Chiropractors describe it as "the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints of the body, especially of the spine." Spinal nerve stress is greatly reduced through chiropractic care, which promotes health throughout the body.

During pregnancy, physiological and endocrinological changes occur, creating an environment for the developing baby. This involves weight bearing changes that cause added stress to the spine. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help you stay more comfortable and facilitate birth.

Pelvic Alignment During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the pelvis can become misaligned, which greatly reduces the room available for the fetus. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint. Less room may make it difficult for the baby to position properly for delivery. Through chiropractic care, pelvic balance and alignment can be obtained.

Chiropractic care from Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic in Franklin, TN during pregnancy may provide the following benefits:

• Helps maintain a healthier pregnancy
• Helps control symptoms of nausea
• Increases likelihood of full-term delivery
• Can reduce labor and delivery time
• Helps relieve back, neck or joint pain
• Can prevent potential cesarean section

Pain Management Without Drugs

Women often experience pain and discomfort during pregnancy. From pinched nerves to spinal misalignment, pregnancy can create considerable pain. However, chiropractic care may be a better option than medications or invasive treatments.

Avoid Drugs

Pregnant women frequently hear about dangers of taking drugs while carrying a child. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications are not safe during pregnancy. The pain and discomfort from weight gain and carrying another life in your body are hard to ignore. Chiropractic care offers an alternative that does not require drugs.

Better Sleep

Catching good sleep during pregnancy can be challenging, especially during the last trimester. Chiropractic care aligns the spine, reducing aches and pains and increasing comfort. It also reduces stress and tension in muscles and ligaments, which may help improve sleep and reduce insomnia.

Reduce Pain

Research shows that pregnant women can benefit from visiting a chiropractor. One study found that "chiropractic care reduced lower back pain in 52 percent of pregnant women after one week" of treatments. After three months, 85 percent saw improvement. Many women ignore back pain and think it is normal during pregnancy, but studies show those receiving chiropractic treatments experienced significant pain reduction and increased mobility.

Long-Term Pain Reduction

In some cases, pain continues after pregnancy. Women who experience lower back pain while pregnant are at higher risk of ongoing pain after delivery. Research on pregnant women receiving chiropractic care found that long-term pain reduction was possible. "One year after the study, 88 percent of women reported a reduction in pain," showing that chiropractic treatments can prevent long-term pain.

Gentle Care

Some women worry that chiropractic treatments during pregnancy could negatively impact the child. However, chiropractic care is safe for most pregnant women. If concerned, discuss with your doctor and ensure the chiropractor knows of your pregnancy before an appointment.

Dr. Hinz can provide gentle care for pregnant women that reduces pain and improves mobility. He can decrease discomfort, offer advice about ergonomic changes and help improve posture. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is absolutely safe for both mother and fetus. Spinal adjustments are especially gentle during pregnancy due to increased hormone levels causing significant muscle and ligament relaxation, requiring less force to correct subluxations. Special adjustable positions ensure comfort and safety for both.

Importance of Pelvic Alignment for Delivery

Women who receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy maintain optimal pelvic alignment as their baby grows and develops. Proper pelvic alignment is vital for three main reasons:

First, the uterus is suspended from the pelvis by round ligaments. Any pelvic misalignment results in torque or twist on these ligaments, causing pain and putting tension on both sides of the uterus. This tension can pull the uterus tight, decreasing internal space for baby to develop and making it more difficult for the baby to position head-down for delivery.

Second, pelvic misalignment can lead to pubic symphysis misalignment and pain. In some women, this misalignment leads to pubic symphysis diastasis, where the pubic symphysis becomes dislocated during pregnancy or delivery. In these cases, cesarean section is often recommended to reduce further separation risk. Some cases persist beyond pregnancy, causing difficulty walking and chronic pain.

Finally, proper pelvic alignment allows the baby to proceed through the birth canal easily with no restrictions. Most women receiving regular chiropractic care during pregnancy report reduced labor times and decreased pain during labor. There is also reduced risk of cesarean section with a properly aligned pelvis positioned optimally for the birthing process.

Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy

As a pregnant woman adjusts to her new body, it is important to understand the benefits of chiropractic care. Small adjustments may improve overall health as an expectant mother. Chiropractic care is a drug-free approach to pain reduction that eliminates unnecessary complications from medication use. Scientific studies have proven that chiropractic care works.

Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy is proven to restore balance to the pelvis and the muscles and ligaments attached to it. That leads to better deliveries for you and your baby.

Pregnancy should be a time full of health and happiness—not a time to suffer from pain or discomfort. Contact Dr. Hinz and his staff at Cool Springs Chiropractic today. They have specialized training in maternity care and can help you and your unborn child experience the quality of life you both deserve.

Contact Information

3252 Aspen Grove Drive
Suite 13 Franklin, TN 37067
Phone: 615.503.9900
Email: info@coolspringsfamilychiropractic.com