Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey as your body nurtures and nourishes an amazing new life. If conception isn’t miracle enough, the rate at which development occurs inside the womb is literally beyond human comprehension. Did you know that at 12-14 weeks gestation, neurons proliferate at a rate of 15 MILLION cells per HOUR! We could marvel all day long at the magnificence that is us. The truth is, while pregnancy and birth are nothing short of a miracle, it is no secret that they are (almost always) accompanied by challenges. Achieving physical, physiological and emotional balance during pregnancy AND postpartum helps to support our journey and the transformation that occurs within us during this special time.
How can Chiropractic care help to achieve balance?
The crux of Chiropractic care is about optimising the function of the nervous system. That is, helping the brain communicate with the body to the best of its ability, and vice versa. This is a crucial piece of the puzzle when we think about stress regulation, joint mechanics and muscular function, energy production, and sleep, just to name a few. It plays a role in just about every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
During pregnancy, our entire physiology and biomechanics needs to change to facilitate new growth. The hormone ‘relaxin’ is produced by the ovaries and placenta, and functions to soften ligaments, muscles and joints, in order for our body to stretch and to prepare for birth. Of course, this can make us more susceptible to pain or injury if we are not in balance (hello, pelvic girdle pain!), and it actually alters the proprioceptive input to our brain - that is, the messages from our muscles and joints that tell our brain where we are in space and time. But while mechanical and proprioceptive changes are normal, much of the pain/discomfort experienced by many is not normal (common ≠ normal).
Some common (not normal) pregnancy-related complaints
Lower back/pelvic girdle pain
Pubic symphysis dysfunction
Headaches
Neck pain
Jaw pain
Leg cramps
Urinary dysfunction
Other pregnancy-related complaints that may improve by optimising mechanical and nervous system function:
Shortness of breath
Reflux
Mood and emotional changes
Chiropractic care involves careful assessment of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system and utilises a range of techniques to ensure safe, effective and holistic care for the pregnant woman.
The Webster Technique
The Webster Technique is a specific Chiropractic analysis and gentle adjustment method that aims to balance pelvic bones, muscles & ligaments, reduce stress on the nervous system and optimise the mother’s pelvic function for pregnancy and birth. Restrictions in the pelvis and sacrum, and tension in the ligaments that attach to the uterus may restrict the baby’s ability to get into their optimal position for birth, and may restrict their ability to navigate the space optimally during birth. Webster Certified Chiropractors undertake further education and examination processes to ensure proficiency when caring for pregnant women.
While the Webster Technique is an amazing tool to help restore balance in pregnant women, it can also be utilised on any weight bearing individual!
It is never too early or late to visit a Chiropractor for pregnancy-related care. Preconception, antenatal and postpartum Chiropractic care can ALL play a role in supporting optimal function to nurture your journey to parenthood.
If you would like to find out more about how Chiropractic care can support you, a friend or a family member, feel free to contact us at The Nest Chiropractic or book an appointment here.
