Health Issues and Pregnancy-Specific Pains
With a life developing in a limited space, a woman’s body must adapt. Among the many physical changes that occur, the most visible are of course the belly rounding and the back arching. These external signs conceal other equally important internal modifications. Organs shift as the embryo grows, and the female body’s center of gravity moves, which affects her musculoskeletal alignment. The posture of the spine changes, resulting in a more pronounced curvature in the lower back. This is one reason why nearly half of women may experience lower back pain during pregnancy. In some cases, this imbalance is also responsible for sciatic nerve inflammation, characterized by pain radiating from the lower back down the leg.
Structural changes are also caused by the increased hormonal production in pregnant women. These hormones are responsible for muscle relaxation but also increase joint flexibility. This is a very useful phenomenon to prepare for childbirth, but it also contributes to instability. Ligaments then become less tense and support the musculoskeletal structure less effectively. With less stable alignment, it is important to be cautious about movements that could lead to potential injuries.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women
During pregnancy, whatever the mother ingests, the fetus also ingests. This is why certain medications are to be avoided, making the management of some pains more difficult. This is where the major advantage of chiropractic care lies. Non-invasive and natural, it allows for gentle manipulation of the back, pelvis, or any other painful part of the mother’s body to provide relief.
The chiropractor focuses efforts on restoring good posture and optimal alignment of the mother’s spinal discs. This reduces the stress inflicted on overworked joints.
Overall, it promotes the patient’s neuro-musculoskeletal health. Indeed, the chiropractor’s actions optimize the nervous system and contribute to reducing tensions and stresses exerted on it, which can improve well-being. Their care also promotes maintaining good balance at the level of the mother’s pelvis. This is extremely important because, in some cases, poor pelvic alignment can affect the baby’s posture. It can even facilitate the mother’s labor process.
Treatments aimed at optimizing the woman’s pelvic balance improve the chances that the baby can turn within the womb to be ready for delivery. This also decreases the risks of having to deliver by cesarean section rather than vaginally.
Chiropractic Treatments That Can Help Pregnant Women
At chiropractic centers, women can benefit from therapeutic care aimed at reducing their pain. These pains can affect their neck, lower back, pelvis, and even legs. The chiropractor provides gentle, pregnancy-adapted chiropractic care aimed at reducing muscular tension and supporting optimal joint and neuromusculoskeletal function, always prioritizing the mother’s comfort and safety. Care may include a combination of specific adjustments and other therapeutic techniques tailored to the patient’s needs. This approach can also help relieve common pregnancy-related complaints such as headaches.
For optimal support and to promote a more comfortable pregnancy experience, regular follow-up throughout pregnancy is often recommended. This way, the chiropractor can gradually work on the ever-changing body and intervene before pains set in. Beyond their effect on the body’s mechanics, chiropractic care stimulates receptors found in the joints, muscles, and tendons. These receptors are called sensorimotor, meaning they perceive sensations and are involved in movement. When the chiropractor stimulates them, they improve the patient’s mobility and bodily functions while decreasing pain.
This holistic approach promotes the overall well-being of the pregnant woman.
Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women: What Happens During a Session
The majority of chiropractors can help pregnant women address pregnancy-related issues such as pain. It is also worth noting that some chiropractors hold the Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (DICCP), a certification demonstrating a marked interest in pregnancy care, as well as pediatric and postnatal follow-up. To benefit from optimal care, it may be helpful to inquire about this at the clinic chosen by the patient.
A chiropractic session takes place in a clinic equipped with an adjustable table designed to ensure the comfort and safety of the pregnant woman. She is positioned carefully to avoid any pressure on the abdomen. Care is delivered using gentle, pregnancy-adapted techniques aimed at relieving tension, reducing discomfort, and supporting healthy joint and muscle function throughout this important stage.
The chiropractor may also recommend exercises for the pregnant woman to stretch or relieve certain tensions at home. The frequency of visits needed throughout pregnancy depends on each woman. It is therefore important to discuss this with the health professional.
Relieving Musculoskeletal and Neuralgic Pains
After delivery, the baby can also benefit from a consultation because childbirth can impact their neck, back, sleep and even digestion. The chiropractor is able to work gently on the little body to provide comfort. Contact the ChiroRéseau chiropractic clinic nearest you to learn more about this.