How It Works

Throughout the course of your pregnancy, there will be many physiological and hormonal changes as your body prepares for the birth of your baby:

– A growing belly exerts a forward and downward pull on your low back
– Your centre of gravity moves forward increasing the lumbar curve and placing extra strain and force through the lumbar spinal joints
– The hormone relaxin loosens joints which increases mobility and decreases stability which can lead to aggravation of previous joint injuries and amplify pelvic imbalances
– Your growing baby and increased fetal movement creates expansion of lower rib cage which can be aggravating to mid back joints that connect to ribs
– Increased breast size to prepare for lactation adds additional strain to upper thoracic joints
– Your gait becomes wide to accommodate a change in centre of gravity, creating a variation in skeletal joint and muscle mobility which then aggravates the pelvic joints, hip joints and sciatic nerves
– Modified posture through shoulders offsets change in center of gravity and causes loss of your cervical curve leading to headaches
– Pelvic misalignment can alter your pelvic opening leading to intrauterine constraint and fetopelvic disproportion which means longer and more difficult labours

Chiropractic can help you better manage these changes as your pregnancy progresses by detecting areas of misalignment and imbalance, and corrects these. Our chiropractors often discuss various lifestyle factors that allow you to move through the end of your pregnancy with ease, such as: modified ergonomics for sleeping, desk work, driving and housework; necessary supplementation and other natural supporters to help prepare your body for a natural delivery and breastfeeding, as well as resources in our community for an informed and safe delivery and a successful nursing relationship.

How We Can Help

Chiropractors can help manage these changes in your body through regular care for the entire duration of your pregnancy. Some of the specific benefits you can expect to see may include:

– Reduction in preeclampsia
– Less back pain
– Shorter labour times
– Reduced need for pain medication
– Less back labour
– More comfort while breastfeeding
– Greater production of breastmilk
– Less incidence of postpartum depression

….and many of the other benefits of a properly functioning nervous system free of interference

What to Expect

Chiropractic during pregnancy is only different in that we modify our adjusting styles to accommodate a growing baby and belly, breast tenderness and limited mobility in the final months. Our chiropractors use custom belly pillows and table modifications to allow our expecting moms to lie face down for their adjustments.

FAQ

What are the benefits of chiropractic prior to pregnancy?

– Promotes regular menstrual cycles
– Optimal uterine function
– Prepares body for healthy implantation
– Ensures proper nerve supply to reproductive organs

Is chiropractic safe for pregnant women?

– Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free discipline meaning that the risks associated with it are very low. Adverse events are very rare and the chiropractors at Village Wellness will assess you individually for any risks before commencing care.
– At Village Wellness we use special techniques and table modifications to avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen, or twisting of the abdomen to meet the comfort and needs of an expecting mom.

How often should I see my Chiropractor during my pregnancy?

– It is recommended that pregnant women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to achieve pelvic balance, giving babies a better chance of moving into a correct position for birth and avoiding potential posterior or breech positions, and to maintain comfort as baby grows. Optimal baby position at the time of birth also results in an easier labour and thus safer delivery for both mother and baby. We recommend that your chiropractic wellness visits throughout your pregnancy follow the same schedule as your visits with your Midwife/MD: every 4 weeks up to 30 weeks, every 2 weeks up to 36 weeks and every week from 36 weeks until delivery. Of course this frequency may increase at times of crisis: pubic symphysis pain, round ligament pain, sciatic flare ups, malposition of baby etc