Pregnancy is a special time for parents, but women experience a significant amount of changes in their bodies during pregnancy. If your body changes to make room for your growing baby, most women will experience some kind of back or pelvic pain. Fortunately, chiropractors can help reduce the pressure on the back and joints that causes pain and discomfort in pregnant women. 

 

Studies have shown that chiropractic care helps pregnant women regain balance, avoid the use of painkillers and ease labor. Chiropractic adjustments can help mothers have a safer and less painful birth, as they can communicate freely without impairing the nerves.

 

Expectant mothers also may suffer from scoliosis during pregnancy because the vertebral joints are moved too much during pregnancy. It can worsen when the hormone relaxin causes the body's ligaments to loosen in preparation for the birth process. Relaxin acts on the intervertebral body, including the discs in the spine. Excessive movement in these vertebrae and joints is then allowed, which leads to worsening scoliosis. This malposition of the spine and joints can cause pain in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, legs, and feet and even affect the development of your child.

 

Back and joint pain is one of the main reasons why women seek chiropractors during pregnancy. As the baby grows and the mother carries more weight in the front of her body, the spine becomes more arched during pregnancy. This can lead to serious adjustment problems that make it difficult for the baby to navigate and sleep evenly. This malposition of the spine and pelvis is uncomfortable for expectant mothers and it reduces the developing baby's space for breathing and other vital functions. It can lead to posture problems and delivery that requires a C-section.

 

Circulatory pain is often felt in the second trimester and can manifest as a stabbing pain. The pain can occur on one or both sides and cause pain in the neck and back as well as a sore throat. This is considered a normal part of pregnancy and is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Just because it is normal and common does not mean that it is inevitable.

 

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help combat the effects of relaxation on the spine. When the spine is aligned correctly, all bodily functions are connected with it, and the body is in the right position to perform at its best. Adjustments result in less stress on the spine and can also help with posture, improve sleep quality, improve energy levels, and help lower blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels.

 

During pregnancy, it takes up to 18 months for the mother's body to recover. It is important to continue chiropractic care during this time to prevent pain from developing through new, repetitive types of activity. For example, if you hold, lift and bend to put your baby in the crib or spend a lot of time feeding, you are straining your muscles and joints.

 

Many pregnant women also feel pain in their hips, knees, ankles, feet, and pelvis. Regular chiropractic adjustments help to relieve the pain and improve joint mobility so that you can continue your daily activities. Chiropractic adjustments of the pelvis can relieve pain, reduce abnormal tension in the round belt and also help to reduce pain.

 

Prevention

Good posture is critical for joint health and pain prevention, and neck, torso, and shoulder exercises strengthen the muscles and joints that are responsible for improving posture and eliminating unnecessary neck strain. Also, regular stretching should be done to prevent inappropriate muscle tension, especially during pregnancy and early pregnancy.