There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Investing in the fertility and pregnancy wellness of women who are pregnant or trying to conceive is routine care for most chiropractors.
Chiropractors have been specifically trained to work with pregnant women and use unique tables that adjust for a pregnant woman’s body, and they will use techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen.
During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby.
The following changes can result in a misaligned spine or joints:
Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy.
When the pelvis is misaligned, it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint.
A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery.
This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. Breech and posterior positions can interfere with the natural ease of labor and lead to interventions such as c-sections.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide benefits for women who are pregnant.
Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
The late Larry Webster, D.C., Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association(ICPA), developed a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment which enables chiropractors to establish balance in the pregnant woman’s pelvis and reduce undue stress to her uterus and supporting ligaments.
This balanced state in the pelvis has been clinically shown to allow for optimal fetal positioning. The technique is known as the Webster Technique.
It is considered normal by some for a baby to present breech until the third trimester. Most birth practitioners are not concerned with breech presentations until a patient is 37 weeks along. Approximately 4% of all pregnancies result in a breech presentation.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique.
Further, the results from the study suggest it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique, as soon as the 8th month of pregnancy, when a woman has a breech presentation.
Currently, the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) recommends women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimize the room a baby has for development throughout pregnancy.
With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth, and the crisis and worry associated with breech and posterior presentations may be avoided altogether.
Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth also eliminates the potential for dystocia (difficult labor) and, therefore, results in easier and safer deliveries for both the mother and baby.
Source: American Pregnancy Association
I have been a client of Dr. Shortell's for many years. He is a great, personable, chiropractor. I always feel better when I leave his care. The bonus is that he has a great staff. Jen, Emma and Deb are great. I would recommend your visiting his practice and obtaining care from him.
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It’s hard to explain but once my pain was gone I had a comparison of life without pain which showed me just how much pain I was in but at the same time had become accustomed to. Give yourself the life you deserve and go see Dr. Shortell who is professional and highly recommended!
Matthew V
Dr. Shortell is very thorough, informative and personable. I’ve had mild back and hip pain for years with occasional flair ups. I’m feeling like new again after consistent adjustments. My only regret is not deciding to make an appointment sooner.
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