Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

What Are The Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

I’m going to assume you are reading this because you are pregnant, so congratulations! I hope your pregnancy journey to this point has been a smooth one. But my heart goes out to anyone that has had problems along the way or may still be trying.

Pregnancy is one of the most magical things in the world. I mean, how amazing is the idea that a women can grow, carry and deliver a baby?!

Why Might You Need Some Help During Pregnancy?

As you progress through your pregnancy there are many changes your body will experience, both physically and hormonally. One of the biggest impacts is that these changes occur over a very short space of time. With each bump growth spurt occurring every week or two, your centre of gravity will change and so does your posture. The rate in which this happens doesn’t leave your body with much time to adapt and climatise to it’s new environment. There are obvious changes, and then there are ones that you may not have heard of… such as the arches of your feet dropping leading to plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendon issues in your wrists.

Hormones also have a huge influence on your musculoskeletal system, especially the one called Relaxin. It is released very early in your first trimester with the aim to make your tendons and ligaments a bit more elastic and stretchy. Which in turn, helps make room for your baby to be delivered when the time is right. Now this hormone can act as a hindrance or a help depending on the nature of your mechanics pre-pregnancy. If you are quite tight and stiff generally, this increase in flexibility may go unnoticed. It may even improve aches and pains that you’ve been managing previously. On the other hand, if you are quite flexible already with known hyper-mobility, you may encounter a few aches and pains. This could be due to the laxity creating some irritation, especially around the pelvis.

Having been privileged enough to treat a number of mums to be, I appreciate that every body is different. Every pregnant woman has their own specific needs. You may not even experience any discomfort, apart from the normal heaviness feeling towards the end. So you may be thinking that Chiropractic can’t help you… but think again.

How Can Chiropractic Help Your Pregnancy Journey?

The aim of Chiropractic treatment is centred around balancing your pelvis, the spine and surrounding soft tissue structures. Ensuring the pelvis is as symmetrical as possible, will help towards a smoother delivery with less torque around the bump and round ligaments allowing for maximum pelvis opening during delivery. Chiropractic treatment is gentle, specific, holistic, drug-free and safe. It uses techniques suitable throughout the stages, which can help alleviate pain or discomfort during pregnancy. It also aims to balance the pelvis.

Having regular treatment gives you the opportunity to speak to another medical professional about any questions you may have about your pregnancy, the birth or postnatal care. Having a course of Chiropractic care usually means you have consistency of seeing the same practitioner throughout. Whilst I believe the physical treatment is hugely beneficial, the additional information I am able to offer is invaluable to mums to be.

If you would like to book in for Chiropractic treatment, then you can do so here.

Additionally, if you would like any further advise or have any questions then please email me on nadene@tivolichiropractic.co.uk

Read onto our next article ‘Gardening: Top Tips and Exercises‘ by Advanced Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor, Philippa.