Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most challenging things the human body goes through! As your baby grows, your posture, centre of gravity, breathing patterns and your mobility all begin to change. Whilst these physical, emotional and hormonal changes are completely normal, they can often add additional strain on your spine, pelvic and surrounding muscles, writes Yasmin McIsted.
Many women experience back pain, pelvic discomfort, tension or stiffness during pregnancy, leading some to explore supportive healthcare options such as chiropractic care.
Why Pregnancy Can Cause Pain and Discomfort
During pregnancy the body naturally adapts to support growing your baby and prepare for labour. One of the biggest contributors to pregnancy related pains are the release of the hormones relaxin and progesterone. These hormones help to soften the ligaments, and increase joint mobility, particularly to the pelvis to prepare your body for birth.
Whilst this increased mobility is important, it can also reduce the stability around the pelvis, hips and lower back. Combined with the changes in your centre of gravity along with the additional growth, this can put more strain on the joints of the body, particularly the lower back. The abdominal muscles can stretch up to 115% of their resting length, which affects core support and load distribution.
This unfortunately means that some women struggle with walking, turning in bed or standing for long periods of time.
What is Pregnancy Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractors are regulated healthcare professionals that focus on the function of the spine and the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is adapted specially to meet the changing needs of a pregnant woman. The treatment is designed to be gentle, comfortable and appropriate for each stage of pregnancy.
Chiropractors work with pregnant women to help women to understand the physical and postural changes that occur throughout pregnancy and aim to support comfortable movement and musculoskeletal function.
Treatment may involve a combination of:
gentle joint mobilisation
Soft tissue massage
Stretching
Pregnancy-specific adjustments
Movement advise
Exercises to support stability and mobility
Pregnancy pillows are used so that mothers can feel comfortable lying on their front throughout the treatment. Rather than focusing solely on pain relief, pregnancy chiropractic care often aims to improve the overall movement quality, comfort and confidence in their own bodies.
Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?
One of the most common questions women ask is whether chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy. Pregnancy chiropractic is different from general chiropractic care. It should always be adapted to the individual woman and the stage of her pregnancy. Modified techniques involving gentle pressure, soft tissue massage and gentle adjustments are used rather than forceful techniques.
Before beginning care, a chiropractor should always complete a thorough consultation and assessment. The treatment should always be patient centred and carried out with informed consent.
For many women, pregnancy chiropractic care provides a gentle and supportive approach to helping them move more comfortably and manage the physical demands placed on their bodies during pregnancy.
Common Reasons Why Pregnant Women Seek Chiropractic Care
Every pregnancy experience is different, however many women do experience musculoskeletal discomfort as their body goes through changes. Some of the most common reasons women seek care include:
Lower back pain
Sciatica
Posture-related discomfort
Difficulty moving comfortably during daily activities.
However, you do not need to be in pain to receive care. It can help women in staying active, mobile and comfortable throughout pregnancy, through chiropractic treatments and exercise and strength training programs.
What Happens During an Appointment
During the first new patient examination, there will be an in-depth discussion surrounding your symptoms, past medical history, pregnancy and lifestyle. There will then be a physical examination component where the chiropractor will assess posture, mobility and muscle tension.
This appointment is relaxed and adapted to the person's comfort level and the stage of pregnancy.
If treatment is appropriate gentle and patent-centred techniques are used to help to feel more comfortable. Advise surrounding, exercises, breathing, posture and sleeping positions may also be given.
This is all with the aim to help women feel more comfortable, supported and confident in their movements throughout their pregnancy.
Pregnancy places an enormous physical demand on the body. Whilst discomfort can be a common experience, it doesn’t have to be yours. Chiropractic care during pregnancy aims to support your body’s ability to change through gentle pregnancy-safe care. Supporting posture, mobility and musculoskeletal comfort.
Each pregnancy is unique so the care should be too, tailored to your individual needs and goals. If you would like to learn more about chiropractic care during pregnancy, or discuss whether treatment might be appropriate for you, we’re always happy to answer questions.
If carrying baby is causing back pain or pain anywhere else for that matter, book now or call us to discuss your needs.