Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women (Surprisingly helpful)
Pregnancy is a time of incredible change for women. During this period, the body goes through several physiological changes to adapt to the growing fetus and support its development. While these changes are often positive and empowering, they can also cause discomfort and pain. According to a study, 45% of pregnant women suffer from lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy. Pregnancy pains may be a result of hormonal stress or be caused by improper body alignment when the muscles become fatigued and stressed.
We love being able to provide chiropractic adjustments for pregnant women, mainly because they are a huge help! We have tons of patients, family, and even staff that completely remedy their back pain during pregnancies by receiving consistent chiropractic care.
What Can a Chiropractor Do for a Pregnant Woman?
Different chiropractic techniques can be used to help pregnant women. Some of these techniques include:
1. Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT)
Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is the commonly used term for a chiropractic technique called "high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust." This procedure is often performed on pregnant women to alleviate common discomforts, such as back pain, joint pain, sciatica, and muscle spasms. Manipulating the pelvis through high-velocity and low-amplitude thrusts can help restore balance and improve comfort during pregnancy.
The chiropractor will take special precautions to minimize any unnecessary stress placed on the fetus or mother during the treatment. This can be done by placing pillows under the knees or lower abdomen to properly align the pelvis and spine during the manipulation process. Suppose a patient has had previous spinal surgery. In that case, she will not be treated with SMT unless directed by her physician, since there are risks involved with manipulating a spine after surgery.
2. Sacro-occipital Technique (SOT)
The Sacro-occipital technique (SOT) is a very effective chiropractic adjustment that can be applied to pregnant women to help them have a prepared pelvis for delivery. The SOT is more than just another name for sacral-lumbar-sacral (SLS) joint manipulation. It is a low-force, high-velocity thrust that effectively reduces labor time and the need for a cesarean section and other medical interventions.
SOT is performed in a stage-based approach, where each stage has a distinct set of objectives and progresses from the least invasive to the most invasive.
Stage 1: Pressure is applied with the practitioner's hands over the sacrum while stabilizing the woman's hips. Tissue mobilization may also be used during this stage.
Stage 2: This stage involves using a small pillow under the woman's abdomen to apply more pressure on the sacrum. This can be combined with positional release techniques such as prone-bridge or supine pelvic rocking.
Stage 3: Add alternating right-left lateral thrusts to the lateral aspect of the pelvis, which can add increased stretch to the piriformis muscles and further release adhesions that could contribute to pregnancy discomfort.
3. Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that may help ease the discomforts of pregnancy. The therapist uses light to very softly touch the skin and tissues of the patient's body in a series of rhythmic compressions that aim to unblock movement within the central nervous system. When this system is working correctly, it coordinates activity between the brain and spinal cord. By working to restore normal rhythm in this system, cranial-sacral therapy alleviates many common discomforts during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, headaches, general joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, and migraines.
4. Thoracic Outlet Technique (TOT)
The thoracic outlet technique (TOT) is a treatment for shoulder and arm pain that results from the tightness of the scalene and sternocleidomastoid muscles. This technique is an alternative treatment to help treat pregnancy-induced brachial plexus neuropathy.
Does Chiropractic Care Help During Pregnancy?
The answer is an emphatic yes! Chiropractic care can help reduce back pain, improve posture and balance, and relieve stress on the joints and ligaments. In fact, chiropractic care can help improve overall health during pregnancy and after delivery as well. We have several patients who would never forget to get adjusted during their pregnancies. Pregnancy can cause major back pain, and adjustments resolve the pain FAST.
Is Chiropractic Safe While Pregnant?
Most women can safely receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy and childbirth. However, there are a few important considerations you should keep in mind if you're pregnant and considering chiropractic care. These include the following:
1. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
2. Preeclampsia or high blood pressure with protein in the urine
3. Premature rupture of membranes
4. A history of premature delivery (less than 37 weeks gestation)
It is important to note that: chiropractic adjustments should only be performed by a licensed practitioner who has been trained in spinal manipulation for pregnant women, such as the Webster technique.
Webster certification is a chiropractic certification that allows chiropractors to work with pregnant women. This is the best way to ensure your chiropractor is knowledgeable about the latest research and best practices in prenatal care. The Webster technique involves the application of gentle pressure on specific points in the spine where there are restrictions in movement due to pressure from the growing fetus on muscle tissue in the lower back region. This pressure helps release tight or overworked muscles due to increased weight gain during pregnancy.
What to Expect During a Visit to the Chiropractor?
A visit to the chiropractor is essential for pregnant women, especially in their third trimester, because they experience a lot of pain and discomfort due to the pressure on their lower back caused by the growing baby bump. The following are some things to expect during your visit:
1. The chiropractor will ask you questions about your medical history and any health concerns you have. This is important for you and your baby, so make sure to list any medications or supplements you regularly take and discuss any symptoms you've been experiencing lately, like headaches or nausea.
2. The chiropractor will thoroughly examine your spine, neck, and pelvis and discuss with you the treatment plan based on what he finds during the exam.
3. If necessary, your chiropractor may recommend specific exercises or stretches to help relieve tension in your back, neck, hips, or other areas affected by the pregnancy.
4. Our Sacramento Chiropractic office also offers nutritional counseling to help you avoid future problems during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes.
When Should a Pregnant Woman Start Going to the Chiropractor?
All expectant mothers should consider chiropractic care throughout the pregnancy. An improved immune system and nervous system are generally helpful, and maintaining a spine in alignment can avoid a lot of back pain.
Visit Our Sacramento chiropractor office if you want to learn more about how chiropractic care can help you have a pregnancy WITHOUT back pain.
Our chiropractic team has 1st hand experience to guide you throughout this important journey! Many of us received care while we were pregnant and it was a huge help!
References
Dagenais S, Haldeman S. Chiropractic. Prim Care. 2002;29(2):419-437.
Clinically reviewed by Steven Barham, D.C.
— Updated on November 26, 2022
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