Chiropractic adjustments are one of the best things mothers can do during pregnancy. Aligning the spine and pelvis during pregnancy optimizes your health during pregnancy, which optimizes baby’s development.
Our prenatal chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Murphree, has worked with many pregnant moms in the Lakewood Ranch area to help optimize their health for more comfortable pregnancies and faster births.
Here are 7 reasons why it is essential to see a chiropractor during pregnancy:
1. During pregnancy, there is extra strain and force placed on the spinal joints and ligaments of the lumbar spine due to the center of gravity moving forward as the belly begins to grow. This may cause the common low back pain associated with pregnancy. It is important to maintain proper alignment throughout pregnancy to lessen the amount of additional pressure placed on the lower spine.
2. The hormone “relaxin” is released throughout pregnancy. Relaxin loosens the joints to allow for the pelvis to expand as the baby begins to descend through pregnancy, in preparation for birth. This causes an increase in the mobility of the joints but also may cause a decrease in their stability. Relaxin may aggravate previous joint injuries and amplify pelvic imbalances causing pain, discomfort and nerve compression.
3. As the baby begins to grow and increase fetal movement, this may create expansion of the lower rib cage. This expansion can be aggravating to the joints of the mid back and the ribs that connect to them.
4. The modified posture through the shoulders, due to the change in the center of gravity, can cause forward head posture which may lead to headaches and the loss of the cervical curve which can lead to a number of other symptoms.
5. Research shows that Chiropractic care during pregnancy allows for a faster birth and more comfortable pregnancy.
6. Chiropractic supports natural birth! In a hospital study that incorporated chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy, there was a 50% decrease in the need for painkillers during delivery.
7. Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy not only relieve pain during pregnancy, they maximize the body’s ability to heal itself and allow baby the same benefit!
There are many benefits to receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy. Here is a summary of the benefits:
- Pelvic alignment and balance
- Reduction in pre-clampsia
- Reduced need for pain medication
- Less back pain
- Shorter labor times
- More comfort while breastfeeding
- Greater production of breast milk
- Less incidence of postpartum depression
Our prenatal chiropractor in Lakewood Ranch, Dr. Stephanie Murphree, is Webster technique certified. The Webster Technique is a chiropractic technique specific for balancing the pelvis of pregnant mothers, allowing for optimal pelvic alignment during pregnancy by correcting sacral subluxation. One study reported “92% of babies turning to a vertex position following use of the Webster Technique by a prenatal chiropractor”.
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association recommends that pregnancy women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to achieve pelvic balance, giving babies a better chance of moving into a correct position for birth. Optimal baby position at the time of birth also results in an easier labor and thus safer delivery for both mother and baby.
At Harborside Chiropractic, we use special techniques and table modifications to avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. Our prenatal chiropractic adjustments are gentle and effective!
Schedule your appointment today to see how chiropractic can benefit you!
