The benefits of chiropractic care for pregnant women have long been recognized. Pregnant women can reap many benefits by means of this type of treatment. Chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective way to improve the health of pregnant women, as well as their unborn babies. Chiropractic care ensures proper alignment and relief from pain and stress throughout these crucial months and also ensures that labor and postpartum adjustments are appropriately set.
During the first trimester, expectant mothers may experience mild to moderate discomfort in the abdomen area. These discomforts subside as the third trimester advances. It is not unusual for this pain to be associated with morning sickness or nausea. However, in some cases, chiropractic treatment may be helpful in alleviating these symptoms. This condition is temporary and only present when there is some form of abnormality within the third trimester.
Throughout the third trimester, the body is going through a number of changes, including the hormone level fluctuation that occurs at this time. Hormonal changes occur not only in pregnant women but in non-pregnant adults as well. With the increase in estrogen and progesterone, the nervous system and the spinal column begin to alter in order to prepare the body for labor and delivery. Women may feel some discomfort in the abdomen and back region, with neck and back adjustments frequently required.
When labor begins, the cervix begins to dilate and the baby will enter the uterus. The uterus, along with the ribcage, will become swollen and tender. The spine will begin to relax, and contract once the baby exits the uterus and enters the vaginal cavity. Contractions will continue during the remainder of the pregnancy. These changes, which occur in each trimester, are what chiropractic treatment is designed to help with.
During the third trimester, a woman will require even more chiropractic adjustments than usual to help with labor, delivery and post-partum complications. The adjustments that are required in this time period will loosen up the muscles in the spine so that they can support the new baby properly. This helps to relieve some of the pressure placed on the nervous system, which can affect the neurological system as well. Additionally, the adjustments help to decompress the sacrum so that it will have more room to expand during childbirth.
Post-partum and post-delivery syndrome are another common ailment that can occur with chiropractic adjustments. This happens when the spine is not able to return to its normal, neutral position. It can cause a number of problems, including severe muscle cramps, low back pain, headaches and nausea. It can occur weeks after delivery and will last throughout the first few months of a new baby’s life. Chiropractors can help with post-natal spinal adjustments to ease any lingering pain or discomfort, and to allow the spine to be more aligned so that it can function better.
Pregnancy and childbirth are also times when women experience a great deal of discomfort in their neck and back. In fact, it has been known to affect as many women as men. It is during this time that chiropractic care is most often used to treat these discomforts. The adjustments that are given during this time can reduce stiffness and swelling, which can improve blood flow and relieve the discomfort. They can also target and eliminate problems that may arise in the neck, such as herniated or bulging disk problems.
Although chiropractic care for pregnant women is known to help many problems, it should be used in conjunction with other medical treatment as needed. Chiropractic treatment should only be considered if it is needed, and the pregnant woman should be able to make lifestyle changes that will allow for optimal spinal health. A pregnant woman must avoid lifting heavy objects, working at jobs that require repetitive movements, and maintaining a healthy weight. Her spinal alignment will be enhanced through proper exercise and stretching exercises, and she should avoid long periods of sitting or unusual positions of the head. All of these things will help a woman to achieve optimal health, and chiropractic treatment should be considered as an option for those who want to get back pain relief and strengthen their backs.
