The aches and pains that come with pregnancy are a small price to pay for the beauty of bringing a newborn into the world and growing a happy family. There’s no doubt, though, that there is a certain level of discomfort that accompanies pregnancy, leaving many women to wonder if seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to find relief.
If you’re among the 75% of pregnant women who report pain in their back and pelvic regions, you might benefit from chiropractic adjustment. If you’re curious about the risks and benefits of seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy, as well as what to expect, you’ve come to the right place.
Is it safe to see a chiropractor during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it’s important to be extra cautious when it comes to medication and other forms of healthcare. It’s important to consult your doctor before changing any of your physical routines, including if you want to try chiropractic adjustment to alleviate some of your musculoskeletal discomforts.
That being said, chiropractic adjustment is generally a very safe practice, including during pregnancy. Unless there are other medical concerns present, you should feel confident visiting your chiropractor during pregnancy.
The benefits of seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy
There are several benefits of visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy, both to relieve the discomfort you may experience and to improve your overall health. In many ways, it can contribute to a healthier, better pregnancy experience.
Pelvic Alignment
A properly aligned pelvis is key to a healthy pregnancy and delivery. It also can reduce the discomfort you may experience during the pregnancy and facilitate the physical changes your body goes through during its natural progression.
For example, if your pelvis is out of alignment, your baby may not have the space it needs to move around and properly develop. When it comes time to deliver, a pelvis that is not in proper alignment can complicate the birth. Thankfully, visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy can help fix pelvic alignment and ensure everything related to it goes smoothly.
The changes to your body’s structure during pregnancy, including the temporary weight gain, can also be stressful. Chiropractic realignments help your body achieve balance and handle these changes in stride.
Spinal Alignment
Similar to the pelvis, misalignment in the spine can lead to pain and make a pregnancy more difficult. Chiropractors are trained to adjust the spine, helping reduce discomfort and improve your health throughout the journey.
In addition to reduced pain, spinal realignment can give you higher levels of energy, contribute to better sleep, and help eliminate stiffness. Some research even indicates that visits to the chiropractor during pregnancy can produce an easier delivery.
Pain Reduction
The pain and discomfort associated with pelvic and spinal misalignment are notable during pregnancy, and chiropractic adjustment can help. Additionally, your chiropractor can address pain in your hips, joints, and neck. All of these parts of the body are interconnected. Your chiropractor is familiar with those relationships and can help correct imbalances that are contributing to any pain you may be feeling.
Pregnancy is the experience of a lifetime. It comes with its challenges, but the reward is well worth the ups and downs. With the help of chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy, some of the most common hurdles can be reduced or even eliminated, making your journey that much more memorable for all the right reasons!
Dr. Eric has specialized training in the care of prenatal patients and is certified in the Webster Technique through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association). The Webster technique is a gentle chiropractic method that promotes optimal pelvic function and alignment for pregnant women.