Chiropractic care is a tremendous support for the natural process of pregnancy and birth. It is an exciting time; adding to, or starting a family brings many rewards and challenges. It is one of the most crucial times to embrace and improve your health and wellbeing.
A growing baby’s health is a direct reflection of the environment it is in, so it is vital that the parents are taking steps to be as healthy as possible. Chiropractors work with the body’s capacity to adapt and function the way it is designed to. Chiropractic care in pregnancy is vital to the normal physiological function of both the mother and baby in pregnancy and birth.
At Cracknell Chiropractic, we are privileged to deliver chiropractic care to many expectant mothers. The benefits of chiropractic care are twofold, assisting both the mother and baby.
In the mother:
Prepares the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth by creating a state of balance in pelvic bony structures, muscles and ligaments.
Reduces interference to the mother’s nerve system which controls and coordinates all of her systems and functions.
Removes tension on the ligaments that support the uterus thus reducing torsion (intrauterine constraint) to the woman’s uterus.
Can allow a safer and easier birth for the mother, decreasing the potential for intervention.
In the infant:
Removes interference to the mother’s nerve system allowing for better baby development.
Allows the baby the room to develop without restrictions to its forming cranium, spine and other skeletal structures.
Offers the baby the room to move into the best possible position for birth.
With proper fetal positioning, there is a significant decrease in birth trauma caused by intervention.
There are major postural changes that take place in pregnancy, making it an especially important time to start or continue chiropractic care, namely:
The weight gain with pregnancy can accentuate the natural lower back curvature; cause increased compressive load on the pelvic (sacroiliac) joints and lead to low back pain and increased muscle fatigue in the mid back and neck.
Increased upper thoracic curvature can cause difficulty in breathing, poor digestion, rib and middle back pain.
Forward angulation of the neck can create headaches, neck stiffness, arm pain and numbness in the upper limbs.
Hormonal balance changes between oestrogen and progesterone work together to cause ligament softening and muscle relaxation leading to increased joint mobility.
Chiropractic care is effective and will keep your spine and nervous system working and feeling great so there is no need to tolerate these symptoms, many of which are considered “normal” during pregnancy.
At Cracknell Chiropractic we utilize the Gonstead system of analysis and adjusting; that is, specific, gentle, hands on chiropractic care. Dr Cracknell has undertaken further education in the field of pregnancy and paediatric care and is skilled in adjusting expectant mothers.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be both safe and effective before, during and after pregnancy. Adjusting techniques will be modified by your chiropractor as needed to accommodate your growing belly. The frequency of adjustment visits will increase towards the end of the pregnancy due to the increased spinal load and mobility. In our practice we have observed that pregnant women receiving chiropractic care have easier and faster births than women who are not adjusted during their pregnancy. The research supports our observation: a study by Joan Fallon showed that first time mothers receiving chiropractic care averaged a 24% shorter labour time than those not receiving chiropractic.1 Now that’s good news!
Dr Cracknell is qualified in the Webster Technique which can reduce sacral and ligamentous tension thereby minimizing intrauterine constraint, allowing for optimal fetal positioning.
X-ray procedures are not considered safe during pregnancy however they may be utilized following birth. Remember, a balanced healthy lifestyle is important throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to do some regular, gentle low impact exercise, keep a balanced diet, avoid toxins and mentally prepare yourself for the time ahead. Most of all enjoy your journey into motherhood. 1. The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour: A Comprehensive Study. Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic, 1991:24-31
