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Pregnancy and Birth as a Natural Process

With Chiropractic Care Supporting this Process

Pregnancy should be a very exciting time for a family, however, preparing for a new baby is a daunting challenge even for the most prepared mothers-to-be. Lately, more and more women are discovering the benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments as they prepare for safer, easier birthing for both themselves and their babies.

During pregnancy the body is experiencing rapid changes and adaptations. Chiropractic is a natural approach to life and health which helps the mother gain trust in her body's own ability to accomplish this incredible event.

As you gain weight, particularly in the abdomen, this exerts a downward, forward pull on the pelvis and low back. Thu,s it is no surprise that the extra weight combined with changes in gait and center of gravity can lead to back pain and general discomfort throughout the body. So, be proactive and work to prevent backache before it affects your peace of mind or distracts you from focusing on your family's well being.

Chiropractors work with the body's ability 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:

In the mother:

  • Prepares the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth by creating a state of balance in pelvic bones, muscles and ligaments.
  • Removes tension on the ligaments that support the uterus thus reducing torsion to the woman's uterus.
  • Reduces interference to the mother's vital nerve system which controls and co-ordinates all of her systems and functions.
  • Allows for a safer 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 restriction to its forming cranium, spine and other skeletal structures.
  • Offers the baby the room to move into the best possible position for the birth.
  • With proper fetal position, there is a significant decrease in dystocia (resistance to function in birth) and the resulting birth trauma caused by intervention.

According to recent studies, chiropractic care may result in easier pregnancy including increased comfort during the third trimester and delivery and reduced need for pain medications. In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had 24 percent reduction in labor times and subjects giving birth for the second or third time reported 39 percent reduction in labor times. In another study, the need for pain medication was reduced by 50 percent in the patients who received adjustments. Also, 84 percent of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with chiropractic care. Additionally, chiropractic care has helped new mothers become more comfortable breastfeeding (posture-wise) as well as to produce more milk. Chiropractic care has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression.

Pregnancy should be one of the most empowering times in a woman's life. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant consult your chiropractor on ways they can assist you with a healthy pregnancy and overall easier birth.

SIDE BAR:

Why does my child need Chiropractic Care?

Birth Trauma

Natural childbirth has come to mean many different things, but for the purpose of this article let's keep it simple and say this it is a drug-free, vaginal delivery. Even with no pitocin, no epidural, and no extraction methods being used, childbirth causes stress to a still-developing spine.

Add to this the improper lifting of the child out of a car seat or during a diaper changing and minor spinal traumas that are occurring and the effect on the nervous system can contribute to common newborn health complaints such as:

  • Colic
  • Unexplained crying
  • Poor appetite
  • Earaches or ear infections
  • Colds
  • Allergic reactions

Even a minor spinal trauma will affect the nervous system and interfere with your child's normal healthy function.

Milestones for adjusting children

  • Right after birth
  • When starting to pick up head while on belly
  • At onset of crawling
  • As child begins to sit
  • When child first learns to stand
  • During initial walking stages