Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?
The majority of pregnant women have pain in their hips and lower backs. Luckily, the ability of a chiropractor to straighten ligaments and muscles may be beneficial during pregnancy. But is it safe to see a chiropractor during pregnancy?
Here’s what you need to know about seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy.
- Is Seeing a Chiropractor Safe During Pregnancy?
- Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
- Safety Precautions for Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
- When to Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
- How Often Should You See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
- Next Steps
Navigate to the section that interests you the most or read through the guide to learn everything you need about going to a chiropractor while pregnant.
Is Seeing a Chiropractor Safe During Pregnancy?
A chiropractor is a medical expert who treats patients with musculoskeletal issues by manually manipulating the spine and other joints. It is classified as an alternative medicine since it is not considered standard medical treatment, such as surgery or drugs. On the other hand, this kind of physical therapy focuses on maintaining a healthy spine and realigning any misaligned joints.
Chiropractic therapy is usually accepted as safe in pregnancy. However, consult your obstetrician or gynecologist before seeing a chiropractor while pregnant. Chiropractors often advise against it if you have any of the following problems:
- vaginal bleeding
- placenta previa or placental abruption
- ectopic pregnancy
- moderate to severe toxemia
While all licensed chiropractors get pregnancy-related training, others specialize in treating pregnant patients alone. Check to see if they have any expertise in the field or request a reference from your doctor.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy may have various advantages. Some of the top benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include the following:
Adjustments Can Give Your Baby More Space
Chiropractic therapy can enhance the flexibility of the circular ligaments that link the exterior of your uterus to your hip bone. When these ligaments tighten and contract excessively, it might produce discomfort in the lower abdomen. A chiropractor may apply some pressure to these ligaments to release the uterine limitations and maybe create more room for the baby. And when you give your child more space, you will feel more at ease.
It Can Take the Pressure off Your Belly
Gravity’s slightest push may cause your pregnant stomach to seem to be pulled in every direction. The chiropractic therapy known as “belly taping” has the potential to provide visible benefits. “Belly taping” entails putting a series of tape strips over the lower belly and back. A chiropractor will stretch the tape beneath the stomach, aiding in lifting the stomach. This will remove pressure from the lower back and distribute it throughout the tape.
Adjustments May Encourage Your Baby to Get into the Head-First Position
When labor is around the corner, the baby normally rotates around to face down. If a baby is born feet first, the complication probability rises, increasing the possibility that you may need a cesarean surgery. Chiropractic therapy, especially the Webster technique, is safe and useful for pregnant women in this regard.
A few adjustments to the sacrum, a significant bone at the base of the spine, and a quick, gentle massage of the circular ligament situated in the middle of your developing belly are common parts of the process. If the round ligament can be loosened during delivery, space may be created for the baby to descend using gravity. Allowing your unborn child greater freedom of movement in the womb is commonly believed to improve the likelihood that she will give birth with her head down.
A Chiropractor’s Work Can Relieve Aches and Pains
The most often mentioned advantage of chiropractic treatment is reduced pregnancy-related aches and pains. Approximately half of all pregnant women feel lower back discomfort. The distribution of a pregnant woman’s body weight on her lumbar spine varies as her belly expands. This change puts additional tension on the lower back joints, which may cause discomfort. Chiropractic therapy may be beneficial because chiropractors’ adjustments ease tension in the body’s musculoskeletal system.
Safety Precautions For Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
There are numerous important measures to follow while receiving chiropractic therapy while pregnant. They include the following:
Avoid Lying Flat on Your Back
Always check to see whether the way you sit or lie down is endangering your unborn child. In the third trimester of pregnancy, lying on your back may strain the vena cava, a large vein. As a consequence of cutting off the blood supply to and from your growing baby, you may lose consciousness. However, lying on your back should cause no pain in the early stages of pregnancy.
You Should Get your Doctor’s Approval
There are several exceptions to the general rule that chiropractic therapy is safe for pregnant women. Before beginning chiropractic therapy, consult your primary care physician or another reputable healthcare professional.
Leave the Belly Alone
Tell your chiropractor to avoid your stomach if you’re pregnant. You wouldn’t want to put your growing child in danger at this point in their development. Minor injuries might lead to significant complications later on.
Monitor Your Comfort Level
Chiropractic adjustments should not be painful. If you experience any pain or discomfort in your abdomen, you should stop what you’re doing immediately since it indicates something is wrong.
When To Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Many individuals visit a chiropractor frequently while trying to have a child, and you may begin chiropractic therapy as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed and your obstetrician approves treatment.
Even if you didn’t visit a chiropractor for most of your pregnancy, you could start later in the third trimester until you give birth. Contact your chiropractor to arrange an evaluation and learn more about the treatments they provide.
How Often Should You See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
Your chiropractor will create a treatment plan geared to your unique requirements, including the suggested frequency of your office visits. This method, however, may need to be changed as your pregnancy advances. Changes may be required if you experience a significant rise in pain or a significant reduction in discomfort. However, as the due date approaches, many expecting moms plan more regular adjustments to get their bodies in the best shape possible for the onset of labor.
Next Steps
Expectant mothers should consult their doctors before contemplating chiropractic treatment for pregnancy-related back, hip, or joint discomfort. They can also advise you on whether chiropractic therapy is safe for you and your unborn child during pregnancy.
You can contact us if your doctor has given you the go-ahead to seek chiropractic therapy for pregnancy-related pain.
At All Star Chiropractic, we provide comprehensive chiropractic care for pregnant women struggling with pain. Call us today to discuss your treatment options.