Dr. Steve Prentice - Dec 01st, 2010
Utilizing chiropractic care during pregnancy is becoming more and more common as expectant mothers realize the benefits of maintaining a healthy spine and pelvis while pregnant.
While it might appear obvious how chiropractic care may relieve discomfort in the back and pelvis, the more important benefits to being adjusted are the least known by the public.
For instance, few women are aware that the function of the mother's pelvis plays a vital role in determining the position of the fetus for delivery. Many mistakenly assume that how the baby is positioned is a random occurrence and that there is no physiological reason for malposition such as breech presentation. When patients learn of the relationship between the uterine ligaments and the sacrum and that proper motion and function of each must be present in order for the fetus to have the room to turn properly, it becomes clear why chiropractic care during pregnancy is so important.
So keeping the expectant mother well adjusted during all stages of pregnancy is not only important for the mothers health and comfort but also for the health of the developing baby. It has been shown that women who are under chiropractic care during pregnancy have a less stressful and more comfortable delivery. It has also been shown to reduce the rate of medical interventions during delivery which is great news for the new baby.
One of the first questions that usually comes to mind with pregnant women considering chiropractic care is whether they will be able to tolerate being adjusted while pregnant. Chiropractors that focus on the care of expectant mothers will usually have specialized equipment such as pregnancy pillows that allow even late term pregnant women lay on their stomachs comfortably.
Chiropractors that focus on care during pregnancy will also be aware of the specialized needs of the pregnant patient. For instance, because of ligament laxity due to hormonal changes during late stages, pregnant women should be adjusted in such a way that does not require rotation of the low back. Again, chiropractic care during pregnancy is perfectly safe and comfortable and the prospective patient should simply ask if their chiropractor is experienced adjusting pregnant patients.
It is vitally important that all expectant mothers maintain a healthy spine and nervous system through chiropractic. There are many delicate processes going on during the development of the baby and many things need to go right in order to have a smooth and successful delivery. The nervous system of the mother is the primary factor that will dictate how this process plays out and therefore interference to the nervous system due to spinal misalignments (subluxations) should be corrected if present.
- Dr. Steve Prentice
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