Natural Pregnancy Options
In today’s society people have become far too accustomed to the “quick fixes” that exist when we feel “under the weather”. But if there was ever a time in a woman’s life to strive to work with the natural changes your body is undergoing it is during the nine months of pregnancy. Often people take the approach that pregnancy and childbirth should be treated as an illness or a health care crisis, when the truth is that it is the most fundamental and naturally occurring process that has existed in the history of our world. So for those who believe in opting for natural solutions to the aches, pains, burns and many discomforts of pregnancy, read on.
The female body undergoes a crucial metamorphosis after conception has occurred to grow nurture and prepare to deliver a child. It must be acknowledged that these changes come along with some not so welcome symptoms that can be prevented and treated at this time but not cured. One culprit is the increase in the hormone Relaxin which assists your growing uterus and ligaments but also wreaks havoc on spinal and pelvic joints, leading to sharp pain with movements or chronic headaches at the base of your skull. Any change in joint position in the spine can put excess stress on spinal nerves as they exit the spinal cord which in turn can contribute to such common pregnancy ailments as insomnia, dizziness, sinus trouble, arm and hand pain, indigestion, frequent urination, constipation, leg cramps, swelling, low back pain and many others. Seeking the care of a chiropractor who is accustomed to treating pregnant women to make sure that spinal joints remain in good alignment for the duration of baby growing and post delivery can keep painful symptoms at bay and improve new ones as they crop up in each trimester. Chiropractic treatments can be modified to accommodate a growing belly and flexible joints, and is completely safe to both mom and baby. Chiropractic can also be safely administered to turn a breech baby in the final weeks without any invasive or dangerous procedures. When chiropractic is paired with pregnancy massage by a qualified Registered Massage Therapist it can aid achy muscles, breathing difficulties and open up the pelvic cavity to prepare mom for the eventual birth of her child.
Other resources that can be a wealth of knowledge include Dieticians which can not only aid in developing healthy eating habits for the duration of your pregnancy but also give helpful tips on reducing nausea, heartburn and other GI upsets that come along with carrying a baby. Naturopathic Doctors can offer natural supplements and homeopathic remedies that work internally or topically to reduce common symptoms, and your local yoga studio or gym can provide trainers with a background in pre and post-natal fitness to keep your body in good working order which is both preventative and proactive in maintaining your best health.
So if you find yourself pregnant and reaching for some Tylenol® next time your low back acts up or you’re kept awake due to heartburn, consider reaching for the telephone to call your local wellness clinic instead.
Dr. Megan Wambolt, BSc DC