Wondering if going to the chiropractor while pregnant is safe, worth it, and how often you should go? We have alllll the answers to those questions and more!
During pregnancy, the body undergoes hormonal, physical, and emotional changes, leading to discomfort and pain. A growing baby can pressurize the spine, hips, and other joints, causing pain and limiting mobility.
The body also produces a hormone called relaxin, which relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis in preparation for childbirth, but it can also cause joint instability and pain.
Chiropractic care can be beneficial during pregnancy by helping to alleviate pain and discomfort in the back, neck, and other areas of the body.
Chiropractors can use gentle techniques, such as spinal adjustments, to help improve spinal column alignment and relieve pressure on the nerves, reducing pregnancy pain and discomfort.
These practicioners can also provide exercises and stretches to help improve flexibility and strengthen muscles, which can also help you have less pain during pregnancy.
Why See A Chiro When Pregnant
Pregnancy can cause significant changes in a woman’s body, including weight gain, changes in posture, and hormonal changes that can lead to joint and muscle pain.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help alleviate these symptoms and improve the overall health and well-being of the mother and baby.
Here are some potential benefits of seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy:
- Pain relief: As the baby grows, the mother’s center of gravity shifts, and the added weight can cause strain on the spine, hips, and pelvis. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve this pain and discomfort.
- Improved posture: A poor posture during pregnancy can lead to spinal nerve stress, which can cause pain and discomfort. Chiropractic care can help restore proper alignment, improve posture, and reduce pain.
- Easier labor and delivery: Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help prepare the mother’s body for labor and delivery by ensuring that the pelvis is aligned correctly. This can lead to a smoother, easier delivery.
- Decreased nausea: Chiropractic care can help alleviate pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
- Reduced need for medication: Chiropractic care can provide a drug-free approach to pain relief during pregnancy, reducing the need for medication that may have potential risks to the developing baby.
Benefits of Seeing A Chiropractor
Chiropractic care can provide a range of benefits, including:
- Pain relief: Chiropractic care can help alleviate pelvic pain, back pain, neck pain, hip pain, and shoulder pain. Chiropractors use various techniques to help avoid pelvic misalignment, reduce pressure on nerves, and improve joint mobility.
- Improved flexibility and mobility: Chiropractors can provide exercises and stretches to help improve flexibility and range of motion, which can help prevent injury and improve athletic performance.
- Lessened Chances of Breech Position: Reduces the risk of a breech presentation by aligning the pelvis.
- Enhanced nervous system function: The nervous system controls the body’s functions. Chiropractic care can help improve nervous system function by removing interference caused by misalignments in the spine.
- Better overall health: Regular Chiropractic care can help improve overall health by reducing stress, improving sleep quality, boosting the immune system, and promoting optimal health.
- Helps in Intrauterine Constraint: The Webster technique is a chiropractic technique often used to address intrauterine constraint in pregnant women. Intrauterine constraint occurs when there is limited space in the uterus, which can cause the baby to be in a less than optimal position for birth. The Webster technique addresses this issue by improving pelvic alignment and reducing tension in the muscles and ligaments surrounding the uterus.
Are There Any Contraindications to Seeing a Chiro?
There are several benefits of chiropractic care. Pregnancy chiropractic care can be a safe and effective treatment option for new moms.
However, there are certain situations where chiropractic treatment may not be appropriate during pregnancy. Here are some contraindications to prenatal chiropractic care during pregnancy:
- Vaginal bleeding or placenta previa
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Moderate to severe toxemia
- Premature labor
- Ruptured amniotic membranes
- Placental abruption
- History of miscarriage
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Uncontrolled diabetes
It’s important to note that chiropractors specializing in prenatal care have advanced training and experience working with pregnant women and can tailor treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs.
If you are pregnant and considering chiropractic care, discussing your medical history and concerns with your chiropractor is essential.
They can help you determine if chiropractic care is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you.
Tips For Finding The Best Chiropractor
Here are some tips for finding the best chiropractor:
- Ask for recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have received chiropractic care before. They may be able to recommend good licensed chiropractors who have provided them with effective treatment.
- Check online reviews: Read online reviews on Google, Yelp, or other platforms to get an idea of what other patients have experienced with the chiropractor.
- Look for credentials and experience: Make sure the chiropractor you choose is licensed, trained, and experienced in the specific area you need treatment. Check their credentials and education to ensure they have the necessary qualifications.
- Consider their communication skills: A good prenatal chiropractor should be able to communicate with their patients effectively and provide clear instructions on what they need to do to improve their health.
- Assess their treatment approach: Each chiropractor has their own treatment style, so choosing one whose approach aligns with your preferences and needs is essential.
- Check insurance coverage: If you have insurance coverage for chiropractic care, check whether the chiropractor is in-network or out-of-network. It can affect your budget.
How Often Should I Go To Chiropractor While Pregnant
The frequency of chiropractic visits during pregnancy will depend on individual needs and your chiropractor’s recommendations.
Generally speaking, most pregnant patients who seek chiropractic care during pregnancy will benefit from more frequent visits in the second and third trimesters, when the physical demands on the body are greatest.
During the first trimester, you may not need to see a chiropractor as frequently unless you are experiencing specific pregnancy-related issues such as nausea, headaches, or low back pain.
In the second and third trimesters, your chiropractor may recommend regular visits to help manage common pregnancy-related issues such as:
- Lower Back pain and pain in the pelvic region
- Sciatic Nerve
- Postural body changes
- Round ligament pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
The frequency of your visits may also depend on your symptoms’ severity and overall health. Many pregnant women find that chiropractic care helps them manage discomfort, improve mobility, and prepare for labor and delivery.
Your chiropractor can help you determine the appropriate frequency of visits based on your individual needs.
Final Thoughts on “How Often Should I Go To Chiropractor While Pregnant”
The frequency of chiropractic care during pregnancy can vary depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. Some women may benefit from more frequent visits, while others may only require occasional care.
In general, chiropractors may recommend more frequent visits during the second trimester of pregnancy, as these are the periods when the most physical changes happen.
Chiropractic care can help alleviate morning sickness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue during the first trimester.
In the third trimester, chiropractic care can help improve pelvic balance and prepare the body for childbirth while having a healthy pregnancy.
It is essential to consult with a prenatal chiropractor who is experienced in providing care to an expectant mother and to work with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate frequency of care for your individual needs.
A pregnancy Chiropractor may also recommend exercises, stretches, and other self-care techniques that can be done at home between visits to help manage pain and discomfort for a pregnant woman.
