Chiropractic and Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a time of joy and anticipation, yet for some the experience is colored by pain, discomfort and illness. This is often because pregnant women undergo many structural and hormonal changes that affect the spine, nerves, joints, ligaments, connective tissues, center of gravity and stability. Chiropractic care can ensure that the spinal column, pelvis and related structures are balanced, moving easily and free of vertebral subluxations. When free of vertebral subluxation, the mother-to-be experiences pregnancy at a greater level of comfort, health and vitality and can better handle the stress of childbirth.

Since nearly all drugs and medications can cause fetal damage or malformations it is important for pregnant women to avoid them as much as possible. Chiropractic's drugless approach is another reason why it is valued during pregnancy.
Chiropractic care helps pregnant and birthing women a number of ways.

Chiropractors have been performing spinal adjustments on pregnant women for over a hundred years and have noted that chiropractic spinal corrective care can help with many of the problems associated with pregnancy.

Chiropractic support before pregnancy stabilizes the spine so it can accommodate the shift in weight bearing with greater balance and flexibility. Early nutrition can avoid early symptoms like morning sickness, heartburn and constipation. Balance and alignment of the spine not only makes getting pregnant and carrying easier, it also decreases the chances of early termination, malformation or fetal damage.
Once pregnant, Chiropractic can have amazing effects on the baby's position and the mother's health. Keeping the pelvis aligned, keeps the ligaments balanced and the uterus centered. This allows the baby to go head down and stay that way, giving the baby the most elbowroom and making the pregnancy more comfortable for the mother-to-be. Changes in posture are easily accommodated and chance for a vaginal delivery greatly increase, so recovery can be at least 5 weeks faster as cesarean recovery always takes a minimum of 6 weeks.

After delivery Chiropractic is wonderful for the new baby who's been through the birthing process, helping the little one avoid problems like colic, headaches and more seriously SIDS. The new mom will be under a lot of mental stress in combination with physical stressors such as sleep deprivation, heavy lifting (car seats with and without baby, diaper bag and stroller) and unique postures with new activities like changing diapers in the dark and getting the little one in and out of cars.

It's no wonder woman benefit tremendously as well from Chiropractic alignment as they change their center of gravity back to their pre-pregnant posture. Alignment is essential for balance of hormones required for post-pregnancy functions including nursing and the return of normal hormonal rhythms. Alignment can also play a major roll in avoiding depression, headaches and pelvic pain. It's no wonder pregnant woman everywhere have been seeking Chiropractic for decades.

Don't forget the new dad who is now responsible for the assembly of crib, changing table, new dresser and pack-n-play. Fathers take a huge role these days often finding themselves with all the heavy lifting and stress we used to associate with mothers. Chiropractors can ensure the entire family is balanced and free of spinal subluxation.