Expectant Mother article

“I’m pregnant and …..”:
Frequently Asked Questions that you may not know the answers to

By Dr. Pamela Stone

Did you know that it has been reported that women who receive pre-natal chiropractic care can reduce their labor time by 5-9 hours on average?  That’s a long time when you are in labor!  If you are like a lot of women, you may have a lot of questions about the safety of chiropractic care during pregnancy and this article will serve to answer some of the most commonly asked questions.

1) Why would I need a chiropractor during pregnancy?

Regular chiropractic care during pregnancy can help align the pelvis to allow the baby get in the best position possible for birth, and can result in less discomfort, an easier labor & delivery, and a better transition for the baby into this world.  As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds can result in severe discomfort, and as the baby grows in size, the woman's weight is projected even further forward.  This places extra stress on the low back. 

2) Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

ABSOULTELY!  It is not only safe but it is highly beneficial to both mom and baby.  Chiropractors certified in prenatal chiropractic care will have donut-shaped pillows that a woman can lie face down on, allowing the unborn baby and mother to be comfortable.  Some doctors may also use special tables to accommodate a women’s pregnant belly.   

3) I have low back pain and sciatica, can chiropractic help me?

Yes!  Studies show that 84% of patients receiving spinal adjustments reported relief of back pain during pregnancy. The increase in weight can create spinal misalignment and/or postural distortions which in turn affect nerves, muscles and mobility of joints.  The natural curves of the spine, particularly in the lumbar region, become exaggerated causing "low back pain".

This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby's head presses down on a woman's back, legs and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. This painful “pins and needles” sensation can travel down the back of leg, often causing sharp pain and making it difficult to walk.  Chiropractic adjustments are specifically tailored for the pregnant woman to correct these imbalances leading to greater comfort.

4)  Can Chiropractic care aid with Breech Presentations?

If your baby is breech (when the baby’s feet or rear-end are facing down) or transverse (when the baby is lying on its side), chiropractic care can help to avoid an invasive cesarean section.   If the bones of the pelvis are out of alignment or lacking proper mobility, it can result in a condition known as intra-uterine constraint.  The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers.  Working to correct misalignments, this technique reduces interference to the nervous system, balances out pelvic muscles and ligaments which in turn removes constraint to the woman’s uterus and allows the baby to get in the best position for birth.   Studies show a very high success ratio when certified Doctors are using the Webster Technique, so make sure you seek out a Chiropractor that is certified.

5) What does the nervous system have to do with it?

With the changes in posture and increased stress on the spine, it can cause misalignment of the vertebra and interference to the nervous system.  Since the nervous system controls and coordinates everything in the body, any interference can result in a decrease in optimal health and function.  Pregnant mothers who have a healthy spine and nervous greater health and vitality.

6) Can chiropractic care help with the labor & delivery?

Many women have been told that their pelvis was “too small” or the baby “too big” when it was really the baby’s position that was interfering with the normal birth process.  Even if the baby is head down, intrauterine constraint can affect the baby’s head from moving into the ideal presentation for delivery.  Any baby position even slightly off during birth will slow down labor, and add pain to both the mother and baby.  Specialized chiropractic care can help.

7)  Can any Chiropractor help me?

A doctor who specializes in pregnancy chiropractic should have vast professional training and experience with pregnancy.  Chiropractors receive minimal training in caring for pregnant women while in school, therefore, many seek training at outside seminars.  It is crucial that the Chiropractor have a firm understanding of the unique concerns of every pregnant women and her family.   It is suggested that you seek out a chiropractor that has specialized training in caring for pregnant women during the different stages of pregnancy, similar to how you would seek out a specialist medical doctor for obstetrics.  Aside from adjusting the pregnant women, these Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy.

Dr. Pamela Stone is in private practice in Kennesaw, GA and can be reached at 770-926-8746.  To find a doctor trained in prenatal care, visit http://www.icpa4kids.org/locator/index.php