It’s hard to find someone who wouldn’t support the idea of chiropractic care. After all, it’s the non-invasive maintenance of the spinal column, discs, and related nerves through joint realignment. What’s not to love?! When chiropractic treatment is joined with pregnancy, though, there can be very real questions. This is especially true of moms to be who may worry that they have to put their existing chiropractic treatment on hold. Is it safe to seek or continue chiropractic care during pregnancy? Or is it best to hold off on your chiropractic adjustments until after the baby arrives? Let’s find out the answers to these questions and more about chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Understanding Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a truly unique process with a myriad of benefits. Specialists use adjustments — or manual manipulation of specific joints — to aid the musculoskeletal system in healing itself of ailments like sciatica, herniated discs, and more. This is particularly relevant to pregnant women, who often suffer with sciatic nerve disruption, postural changes, and a variety of spinal issues while expecting.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
While miraculous, pregnancy can bring about unique physiological and endocrinological changes that impact the spine and joints. These can include pelvic changes, back curvature, and postural changes. These and other symptoms can not only create discomfort for the mom-to-be, but they can also impact the developing baby. For instance, pelvis misalignment can reduce room for the developing baby and even make it difficult for the baby to get into the proper position for delivery. In addition to generally reducing neck, back, and pelvic pain, chiropractic care has been attributed with easing nausea and leading to generally easier deliveries.
Choosing a Chiropractor
Chiropractic care is safe for pregnant women, but that doesn’t mean you can go to just any chiropractor. In general, while all chiropractors receive special training to handle pregnant women, it doesn’t hurt to find one who specializes in prenatal chiropractic care. These specialists will have adjustable tables designed for a pregnant body, and will incorporate techniques that minimize pressure on the abdomen. What’s more, chiropractors specializing in treating pregnant women will be able to recommend stretches and other exercises you can do at home to minimize back, neck and pelvic discomfort.
Chiropractic treatment has earned a reputation for being relatively gentle, non-invasive and effective for all kinds of patients, including those expecting a baby. If you’re pregnant and hope to begin chiropractic work or simply want to continue getting adjustments through your pregnancy, contact a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Dundalk, MD, to discuss your options.
Thanks to Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into going to see a chiropractor while pregnant.
