Chiropractic For The Mother-To-Be
The changes you will experience from the time of conception through the postpartum period are nothing less than miraculous. You will physically blossom so that others will notice your “glow”, and you’ll also feel the effects of changes that can’t be seen. Hormonal shifts affect chemical reactions in both the mother and the developing baby, and this is controlled and coordinated by the nervous system.
How do you know you’re experiencing these chemical changes? Many of them contribute to the discomfort associated with being pregnant. This includes pain in the back, hips, tailbone, and the muscles that surround your uterus. Pain causes stress in the nervous system that interferes with its proper function. When that happens, the internal organs and organ systems are weakened, immunity is lowered, and your ability to heal is reduced; which can set the stage for sickness. [1] Now, more than ever, you need a nervous system that responds immediately and accurately to the changes your body is going through. Chiropractic care can help!
Chiropractic began in 1895 when D.D. Palmer discovered that specific spinal adjustments could help remove nerve interferences in the body. Nerve interference is caused when there is a misalignment of one or more spinal vertebrae. The result is altered joint motion and nerve irritation. This then affects nervous communication throughout the body including organ function. If left unresolved, nerve interference can cause a decline in health, resulting in sickness and diseases. A chiropractor manipulates the spine to correct the misalignment. They work with core issues of health, seeking balance within the body instead of focusing on the signs and symptoms of illness. [2] Chiropractors treat the body as a whole, which is different than a medical doctor, who tends to specialize or focus on illness and changes in the body that cause stress. [3]
Chiropractic Anatomy 101
Your body has 24 moveable bones in the spine called vertebrae, plus the sacrum (tailbone), pelvis and skull. The brain’s nerve impulses travel down the spinal cord and branch out into nerves that exit between each vertebra. When a vertebra becomes misaligned or unable to move properly it is called a subluxation. These irritate and interfere with the nerves so that messages sent from the brain are slowed down and the life-energy care transmitted by the nerves are unable to reach the organs and tissues at their full potential.
Relaxin is a hormone produced by your body during pregnancy. It loosens the ligaments of your joints so that your body can accommodate your growing baby. However, this hormone also allows subluxations to occur more easily and more frequently. [4] Subluxation during pregnancy can cause misalignment of the uterus and may cause the baby to move into a position that is not beneficial for the process of birth. [5] Jenn Lovett, a chiropractic patient put it this way, “You wouldn’t drive a car if it was out of alignment, so why would you prepare for birth that way?” [6]
The reasons for subluxations during pregnancy include:
Weight gain
Hormonal changes and alterations to the supporting structures of joints
Pelvic variations amongst mothers that respond differently to stressors exerted during pregnancy
Previous physical traumas or accidents that have been left uncorrected and have altered the how your pelvis moves
Number of pregnancies and the state of the pelvic musculature
Lifestyle factors and level of exercise. [7]
How Chiropractic Can Help
So what can a chiropractor do to attempt to alleviate this pain and enable you to have that pregnancy you desire? Chiropractors align the vertebrae and pelvis through adjustments to the spine. This relieves the pressure placed on the nerves and allows the full nerve energy to reach the tissues it serves. [8] Your chiropractor will address uterine constraint and/or mal-presentation; misalignment of the pelvic bones, sacrum, and vertebra; and spasms of the ligaments that support the uterus and help hold the pelvis together. [9]
Chiropractic adjustments address the common aches and pains of the pregnancy and help resolve them. Studies have shown that chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial and those under chiropractic care are less affected by stress, have more energy, think more clearly, and have a greater quality of life. [10] Compared to a pregnancy without chiropractic, the potential benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy include:
For mom:
A healthier pregnancy
Improved nerve and muscle function
Bringing back balance and alignment in the pelvis
Easier birth, shorter labor times, and lower rates of intervention [11] [12] [13]
For baby:
Reduced interference to the mother’s nerve system, allowing for better baby development
Offers the baby room to move into the best possible, and usually the optimal, position for birth
Less birth trauma because of less need for intervention [14] [15]
Techniques
The Webster Technique is probably the best-known chiropractic maneuver used during pregnancy. It is a specific chiropractic protocol for use during pregnancy. It has been observed that babies in the breech position can turn back to the vertex (head down) position with the use of this method, but this is not its true purpose. [16] The Webster Technique was developed to facilitate normal neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis. [17] The technique is advantageous throughout your entire pregnancy. It is comfortable and safe and does not directly place external forces on the baby. [18]
How does it work? Dr. Webster noted a connection between a subluxation of the sacral and pelvic bones and abnormal fetal positioning. Changes to your body during pregnancy include weight gain and the stretching of your muscles and ligaments, as we mentioned before. Your spine and pelvis compensate for these changes which causes imbalances in the muscles and ligaments throughout the body, especially near the uterus. Tension on the uterus caused by tight ligaments can decrease your baby’s ability to move into the best possible position for birth. [19] If the uterus is rigid it could trap the baby in a position that can lead to longer, more painful labor. [20] This can increase your chance of having medical interventions.
In addition, the diameter of a woman’s pelvis is decreased when the sacrum is displaced. The Webster Technique restores movement and alignment in the sacrum so that the uterus is not in tension. The Webster Technique also releases the round ligament, which supports the uterus, and the psoas which assist the flexion and movement of the pelvis. [21]
Physical Effects
Chiropractic care has been shown to increase comfort during the third trimester and delivery and to reduce the need for pain medication. One study showed that women receiving chiropractic care during their first pregnancy had a 24% reduction in labor time and those giving birth for the second or third time reported a 39% reduction. Another study showed the need for pain medication was reduced by 50% in those who received chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy. In another study 84% of women reported relief of back pain during pregnancy with chiropractic care. [22]
Emotional Effects
Chiropractors can have a deep and lasting impact on the emotional health of a woman, too. Remember, nerve dysfunction can cause chemical imbalances and a lack of harmony within the body. This imbalance can also affect areas of the brain responsible for emotion and may alter perceptions and moods. [23] A woman who is in excruciating pain and is overwhelmed with fear regarding her body’s ability to function during birth experiences both physical and emotional stress as well. [24] Chiropractic adjustments work with the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help turn off this “flight/fight” reaction during labor. [25]
During Labor
Once labor begins your chiropractor may be able to help it proceed normally. Sometimes labor stops and starts, or won’t get going if you are subluxated. This is because your subluxations won’t allow your baby to get into optimal position. [26] A simple adjustment could be just what you need to get the process going.
Postpartum Adjustments
You have finally delivered your beautiful baby. Congratulations! You are carrying in your arms that precious gift you have carried in your womb for so long. You’re probably excited that your body can finally get back to “normal”, but you’ve noticed you’re not yet at that pre-pregnancy state. This is normal. You might also notice that carrying your baby is harder than you thought. Perhaps your shoulders, back and hips are tight and hurt.
Relaxin, which helped your joints relax and be able to adapt to your growing baby, can remain in your system for up to 9 months after delivery. All of the new postural positions you discover while performing the, now, routine activities such as carrying your baby may also adversely affect your spinal joints. [27] If you experienced pubic pain during your pregnancy, it may remain. It is important to treat the underlying causes of these pains, or else it may stick around. Left unchecked, this can lead to long-term low back pain or reduced flexibility in the hips. [28] Just as chiropractic was beneficial while you were pregnant, it is extremely helpful during your postpartum period to conquer some of your post-birth hurdles. [29]
Some common sources of postpartum pain are:
Breastfeeding posture. Back pain can be caused if a mother slumps forward while her baby nurses. Chiropractic can alleviate this pain and the use of a breastfeeding support pillow can be very beneficial. [30] Chiropractic adjustments can also help the breastfeeding transition. Multiple case studies show that women who receive chiropractic care establish breastfeeding more easily and the adjustments can help increase milk production. [31]
Use of car seat “carriers” outside of the car. Carrying a car seat can cause postural distortions. Have you tried it before? You can’t get directly in front of it when lifting it from the car. When walking and carrying it your body posture leans to the side upon which you carry the seat. As the baby gains weight this force only increases. This torsion and twisting of the spine can result in serious injury. [32]
Use of a carrier or sling when baby is always in the same position. Even carrying your baby in a sling or wrap can cause imbalance. Constant repetitive distortion of spine can have adverse effects. [33] Inward-facing slings or wraps are recommended as are changing the position of the baby in the carrier. [34]
Be sensitive to what your body tells you. Do your specific back muscles tighten regularly? Do you feel a general fatigue after carrying your body? This can help you recognize if you are placing undue stress on your spine. [35] Chiropractic care is covered under many insurance policies. There are also some chiropractors who offer payment plans or bartering to enable as many as possible to get the care they need. It is worth exploring so you and your baby can be as healthy as possible. Establishing a relationship with your chiropractor from your pregnancy on helps you and your baby be healthy throughout the entire journey.
References:
http://www.makinmiracles.com/articles_children/its_all_about_function.htmlBarham-Floreani, Jennifer. Well Adjusted Babies: A Chiropractic Guide for Wholistic Parenting from Pregnancy through to Early Childhood. Melbourne, Vic.: Vitality Productions, 2009. 5-7http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/the-growing-role-of-chiropractic-in-childbirth-education.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/pelvic-pain-symphysis-pubis-dysfunction.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/the-growing-role-of-chiropractic-in-childbirth-education.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/the-growing-role-of-chiropractic-in-childbirth-education.htmlOhm, Jeanne, D.C. “Perinatal Care” Seminar Notes. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, 2013. 174.http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/an-expectant-parents-guide-to-chiropractic.htmlhttp://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/an-expectant-parents-guide-to-chiropractic.htmlOhm, Jeanne, D.C. “Perinatal Care” Seminar Notes. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, 2013. 65.http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/the-growing-role-of-chiropractic-in-childbirth-education.htmlhttp://makinmiracles.com/articles_doctor/chiropractic_in_prenancy.htmlBarham-Floreani, Jennifer. Well Adjusted Babies: A Chiropractic Guide for Wholistic Parenting from Pregnancy through to Early Childhood. Melbourne, Vic.: Vitality Productions, 2009. 4.Barham-Floreani, Jennifer. Well Adjusted Babies: A Chiropractic Guide for Wholistic Parenting from Pregnancy through to Early Childhood. Melbourne, Vic.: Vitality Productions, 2009. 4.http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/the-growing-role-of-chiropractic-in-childbirth-education.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/for-many-pregnant-moms-webster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth.htmlBarham-Floreani, Jennifer. Well Adjusted Babies: A Chiropractic Guide for Wholistic Parenting from Pregnancy through to Early Childhood. Melbourne, Vic.: Vitality Productions, 2009. 47. http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/for-many-pregnant-moms-webster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/for-many-pregnant-moms-webster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/for-many-pregnant-moms-webster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/for-many-pregnant-moms-webster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth.htmlhttp://www.charischildbirth.org/newsletter/0114/page5.htmhttp://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/an-expectant-parents-guide-to-chiropractic.htmlOhm, Jeanne, D.C. “Perinatal Care” Seminar Notes. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, 2013. 65.http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/the-growing-role-of-chiropractic-in-childbirth-education.htmlhttp://makinmiracles.com/articles_doctor/chiropractic_in_prenancy.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/the-growing-role-of-chiropractic-in-childbirth-education.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/The-Outer-Womb/baby-wearing-suggestions-for-carrying-your-baby-a-chiropractic-perspective.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/pelvic-pain-symphysis-pubis-dysfunction.htmlOhm, Jeanne, D.C. “Perinatal Care” Seminar Notes. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, 2013. 401.http://www.makinmiracles.com/articles_doctor/post_partum_postural_considerations.htmlOhm, Jeanne, D.C. “Perinatal Care” Seminar Notes. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, 2013. 401.http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/The-Outer-Womb/baby-wearing-suggestions-for-carrying-your-baby-a-chiropractic-perspective.htmlhttp://www.makinmiracles.com/articles_doctor/post_partum_postural_considerations.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/The-Outer-Womb/seven-reasons-to-not-carry-baby-facing-out.htmlhttp://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/The-Outer-Womb/baby-wearing-suggestions-for-carrying-your-baby-a-chiropractic-perspective.html
