Prenatal Chiropractic Care
One of the most important times for a woman to receive chiropractic care is during her pregnancy.
Dr. Kristen Simpson, DC has acquired her Webster Certification to specifically treat women throughout their pregnancy. The Websiter technique is a chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment with the goal of reducing the effects of sacral misalignment and SI joint dysfunction. There are many physiological changes that do occur during pregnancy from hormonal to postural changes and adaptations. All of these changes are coordinated and controlled through the spine and nervous system. The risk for nerve interference and discomfort increases during pregnancy due to the postural changes in the pelvis and spine to accomodate a growing baby - especially as a growing baby changes positions in third trimester to become "head down."
Chiropractic care during pregnancy has many benefits:
Less back pain and discomfort during pregnancy by correcting improper biomechanics of the pelvis and spine
Prepares the pelvis for easier pregnancy and birth by balancing the pelvic girdle, the spine, muscles, and ligaments
Greater balance and ease with activities of daily life from sleep to work
Places the baby in the optimal fetal position for birth
Decreases the need for pain medications and interventions during labor
Faster labor and post-partum recovery
Other benefits women may experience in chiropractic care include relief of the following: sciatica, headaches, nausea, pubic pain, hip pain, breech presentation, and general discomfort.
At LFC we ensure that expecting mothers have a resource for their questions such as recommendations on prenatal exercises, overall wellness, and nutrition. We accomodate expecting mothers during their appointment with a pregnancy pillow that allows them to lay on their stomach with ease during their adjustment.
Q. Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Of Course! Not only is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy, but it is highly beneficial! There are no known contraindications of chiropractic care during pregnancy but yet there are a myriad of research studies that concluded many benefits such as shortened labor times in first time and multiparous mothers as well as less need for pain medications or interventions during labor. Gentle chiropractic treatment including spinal adjustments, soft tissue treatment, and therapeutic exercise is safe, effective, and healthy during pregnancy. Dr. Kristen Simpson, DC is specifically educated to address the physiological and anatomical challenges of the pregnant body.
Q. Will the chiropractic adjustment be uncomfortable with my growing belly?
Typically no. Most expecting mothers report extreme comfort during their adjustment. At LFC, we provide a pregnancy pillow that mothers can lay on during all stages of pregnancy (and even while carrying twins). No pressure is placed on the baby and this allows us to specifically work on the spine and pelvis during an appointment. Most women report a lot of comfort during their adjustment and laying on their tummies.
Q. Why should I receive care during pregnancy?
There are many different phsyiological changes occuring in an expecting mother's body. These changes can cause misalignments or nerve interference in the spine and pelvis. During pregnancy the following changes occur:
Weight gain
Protruding abdomen causing an anterior shift in weight bearing on the body
Pelvic changes, especially as baby begins to change positions
Postural adaptations and increased lumbar (low back ) curve to accomodate the anterior shift in weight bearing
Maintaining pelvic balance is vital to allow room for a baby's development and growth. If the pelvis becomes misaligned, it causes restrictions called intrauterine constraints, which can interfere with the optimal positioning of baby for delivery. The risk for breech deliveries and interventions during labor are decreased if the spine and pelvis are in good alignment and function.
Q. When in my pregnancy can I begin to receive chiropractic care?
Right now! A pregnant mother can begin chiropractic care at any point in her pregnancy. However, it is recommended to start care early in your pregnancy to avoid or minimize the aches and pains of your pregnancy, as well as keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
Q. Can chiropractic treatment really reduce my time in labor?
Absolutely! A research study showed that patients under chiropractic care during pregnancy had decreased labor time by 24-39% depending on if the mother was experiencing their first labor or have had multiple labors. (J.M. Fallon. Textbook on chiropractic & pregnancy. Arlington,VA: International Chiropractic Association; 1994: 52, 109; Fallon J.M. Chiropractic and pregnancy: a partnership for the future.ICAInt Rev Chiropr. 1990;46(6):39–42.)
Q. How often will I need treatment during my pregnancy?
A treatment plan will be individually tailored for your specific condition and depends on your week of pregnancy. Treatment recommendations range from once a month to 2-3 times per week. We also offer post-partum care which is equally as important as prenatal care since motherhood likewise brings on stress to the body, spine, and nervous system (see below).
Q. Is my treatment over after my baby is born?
Postpartum evaluations are recommended since more changes in the body are continuing to occur after baby is born. Relaxin is a hormone in the woman's body that allows for her to change posture during pregnancy. This hormone is not fully out of the body until four months post-breastfeeding. Typically the first postpartum followups occurs anywhere from 2 days - 4 weeks after baby is born. Most mothers actually bring their newborn to be evaluated at the same time as their postpartum adjustment.
