Pregnancy and Chiropractic
/My entire career, I’ve had a tender spot for treating pregnant women because my first experience with chiropractic was when I was eight months pregnant with my first child. I went with my mother to her chiropractor, who was a distant relative, Uncle Art. After my mother’s adjustment, Uncle Art asked me how I was doing. Being that far in to my pregnancy, complete with large tummy, I told him that I was pretty uncomfortable. He instructed me to lie on the table so that he could examine me. Once he completed the exam, he adjusted me. I got up from the table feeling like I was walking on a cloud. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a chiropractor. Now, through the experience of being a mother myself and years of being a chiropractor, I have learned how extremely beneficial chiropractic can be.
Pregnancy is uncomfortable. There are huge changes that happen to the mother’s body, along with lots of emotion and stress. Nine months of aches, swollen feet, weird cravings, and back pain is enough to drive anybody crazy. The pain and discomfort comes from three major sources. The first source is that pregnant women, invariably, become swayback because the bottom of the spine is being pulled forward by two ligaments attached to the back of the uterus. As the uterus grows with the baby, it pulls the low back, increasing the curve of the back and causing the joints to get jammed creating pain and swelling. The second source of pain and discomfort is created by the weight of the baby pushing down on the pelvis, putting pressure on a large nerve. The pressure on this nerve can cause pain to run down into the legs in a condition called sciatica (pronounced: sie-at-ika).
Effect of pregnancy on the mother's spine
The third source of pain and discomfort comes from joints getting pulled out of the correct alignment. This happens because a hormone called relaxin is released into the mother’s body. Relaxin is a good thing because it relaxes the ligaments that hold the pelvis together allowing the pelvic bones to move so the baby can push though the birth canal easier. However, relaxin relaxes all the ligaments in the body making it easier for the joints to get pulled out of alignment.
Chiropractors are the only healthcare professionals trained to locate and fix the misaligned and jammed joints, providing immense relief. I have even done post graduate training to treat pregnant women. Not only does chiropractic care give the mother relief from discomfort during the pregnancy, but when the joints and spine are in the proper alignment, labor times can be cut in half! The descent of the baby is even easier because the bony structures can move readily.
Chiropractic care is absolutely safe for both the mother and the baby. I have a special adjustment table that allows from pregnant mothers to lie on their stomach to get adjusted. The relief this provides means that she can handle the emotional and physical stress of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Chiropractic care comes with big benefits for the mother and there are no side effects!
Be sure to tell your expectant friends and family about chiropractic care. If you or anyone you know has any questions about what chiropractic can do for pregnant mothers be sure to contact the clinic at 707-455-8655 or email us at drdemaray@hotmail.com or stop by the clinic at 805 N. Lincoln St. Suite E, Dixon CA 95620