Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

For being such a natural human occurrence, pregnancy takes quite a toll on a woman’s body. Between stretch marks and heartburn, hemorrhoids and insomnia pregnancy is definitely no walk in the park. Plus, mothers must be careful about everything that they put into their bodies, including your basic pain relief medications. Most expecting mothers assume that back pain and other discomforts of pregnancy are inevitable. But there is something that can make a pregnancy a little less miserable — all it takes is a trip to Ozark Chiropractic Clinic in Baton Rouge, LA.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

The American Pregnancy Association and the American Chiropractic Association (in addition to various medical journals such as the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Canadian Family Physician, Medicine, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, and the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine) agree that chiropractic care has been determined to be a safe and effective treatment for pain during pregnancy.

Between 1978 and 2009, there have only been five reported case studies in which pregnant women have experienced any adverse effects tied to chiropractic adjustment.

Chiropractic care along with regular obstetric care can benefit pregnant patients more than regular obstetric care alone.

What are the Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care?

Receiving regular chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy can help in numerous ways. Ultimately allowing mothers to have a more pleasant pregnancy and delivery.

Relieves pain

Increased stress on the spine during pregnancy causes anywhere from 50-85% of pregnant women to experience low back pain, ranging from mild to severe. The joints, too, take on more weight than they are accustomed to. Additionally, the weight of the baby on the uterus causes compression of the sciatic nerve. This leads to sciatica, back pain that radiates down the legs. And to boot, many women experience Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction due to the natural relaxation and movement of the pubic symphysis joint.

A chiropractor can assess the postural, spinal, and pelvic changes that occur during pregnancy and work to correct these issues and help relieve the musculoskeletal pain caused by these changes.

Lowers risk for delivery complications

While a body is adjusting to pregnancy, pelvic misalignment is a common occurrence. Pelvic misalignment can restrict the space the baby has to move and grow in. It can also make it impossible for the baby to get into the proper position for delivery. This can result in a more invasive delivery, including the possible need for a C-section.

Turn around breech babies

Chiropractic care can also help mothers whose babies are positioned butt- or feet-first (known as the breech position). Chiropractors can use a type of adjustment called the “Webster Technique”. This helps turn babies around in the womb and get them into better positioning for birth. This makes the delivery goes much smoother and faster for the mother. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics finds that chiropractors who use the Webster Technique had an 82% success rate in turning a breech baby and could work as early as the 8th month.

Reduces time spent in labor

Labor is undoubtedly the hardest part of having a baby, so why would anyone want to prolong the time they have to endure it? According to the International Chiropractic Association, first-time mothers who received frequent chiropractic adjustment during their pregnancy spent an average of 25% less time in labor.  Women who had already previously had a baby showed a 31% reduction in time spent in labor. They also experienced less discomfort during birth.  This is most likely due to having the baby in the proper position. Having the mother more relaxed leads to her experiencing less pain.

Let us help you!

Being pregnant is never “easy,” but the road to motherhood can be paved a little smoother with the help of a trained and certified prenatal chiropractor like the chiropractors at Ozark Chiropractic Clinic. Our Baton Rouge chiropractor, Dr. Vanessa Aucoin, is an expert on treating women and children and is passionate about helping women before and after pregnancy. We also offer prenatal and postnatal massage therapy!  Contact us today to make your next appointment!