During pregnancy, a woman’s body must undergo many physical changes. These changes are natural and it helps prepare for childbirth. However, these changes can sometimes lead to a range of issues. Pregnant women may experience postural changes leading to back pain, hip pain, pelvic pain, headaches, and general discomfort. While some pregnant women can address these aches and pains without treatment, others have symptoms more severe and cannot. Chiropractic care can help relieve some pain women face during pregnancy.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care has to do with the maintenance of the spinal column and the adjustment of joints of the body. It is a type of therapy that does not require surgery or the use of drugs. Also known as spinal manipulation, chiropractic adjustment is a technique where a practitioner uses their hands or a device to apply a controlled thrust to a joint of your spine. The thrust moves the joint more than it would on its own. It helps to reduce spinal stress, thus promoting health throughout the body. A trained Chiropractic doctor who performs this type of treatment is referred to as a “chiropractor”.

If you are pregnant and need relief from symptoms like back pain, you should consider seeing a chiropractor. The following tips will help you stay healthy during pregnancy.

1. Consult your primary healthcare provider first: Consulting with your primary health provider will help to identify the cause of any discomfort. They can determine if chiropractic care is a treatment option for you, whatever the cause.

2. Devise an exercise routine: Chiropractic treatment for pregnant women should be supported with exercises. Exercises can give relief because stretching and maintaining muscle stability and strength helps alleviate tension placed on different areas of the body.

3. Consider massage and acupuncture: Besides the exercise and stretching routine, pregnant women should also consider acupuncture and massage. Like chiropractic adjustments, these types of treatments cause the body to release tension. Acupuncture is a medicinal procedure that is characterized by inserting small thin needles into different points on the body. Acupuncture has been known can help with nausea related to pregnancy, as well as the various pain felt during pregnancy. Note, massage and acupuncture are not recommended during the first trimester.

Is Seeing a Chiropractor Safe During Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care is generally believed to be safe during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. However, it may not be a good idea in certain circumstances. It is advisable for you to get the approval of your doctor first before seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy. If you are experiencing any of the below-mentioned issues, you may want to avoid chiropractic care:

• vaginal bleeding
• ectopic pregnancy
• placenta previa or placenta abruption
• moderate to severe toxemia

Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you will experience some physical and hormonal changes. Some of these changes will affect your posture and comfort. The physical changes experienced during pregnancy can sometimes lead to tension in the spine and/or joints. During pregnancy, you may also experience changes like:

• a protruding abdomen that may result in an increased curve of your lower back
• adaptations to your posture
• changes to your pelvis as your body begins to prepare for labour.

Going for chiropractic care during pregnancy can help to address the above issues. Other benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:

1. Relief of aches and pains: As your baby grows and gets heavier, your center of gravity shifts. This causes strain on muscles and ligaments that aren't used to this new added weight. Chiropractors carry out treatments that help reduce neck, joint, and back pain.

2. Better pelvic position: Chiropractic care while pregnant could help maintain a healthy pelvic position while sitting, standing, and walking.

3. Positively improve overall outlook: Some women worry about aches and pains during pregnancy. Chiropractic care during pregnancy could provide some comfort and relief with those aches and pains, which in turn could lead to positively improve your overall outlook regarding future challenges that you might face.

Conclusion

Though there are some instances where chiropractic care may not be a good idea, it is typically a safe option for pregnant women. It does not only provide relief from pain, it also helps establish strength, posture, and balance. You should consult with your doctor prior to starting to ensure you are a safe candidate for chiropractic care. Work with a chiropractor who is experienced in providing care for pregnant women, pay attention to your body, and let the chiropractor know if you start experiencing symptoms that do not feel quite right.