Health

Top Reasons To See A Chiropractor During Pregnancy

Most of us know that chiropractors can be helpful for those experiencing back problems.  Many people, however, don’t realize that they can also be useful for helping with various other issues and problems.  Check out these top reasons to see a chiropractor during pregnancy.

Reducing Nausea

If there is one symptom that is almost synonymous with pregnancy, it would have to be nausea.  Studies show that over half of women suffer from this condition during some point during each pregnancy, with the first trimester usually being the most difficult.  A little known fact, however, is that chiropractic care can help reduce, or even sometimes eliminate nausea associated with morning sickness.

Aches and Pains

As your body changes and your waistline expands, you are very likely to experience all sorts of discomforts ranging from lower back aches and leg cramps to hip, neck, and knee pain.  Weekly visits to a chiropractor can help to alleviate all of these problems.  Generally, the chiropractor will first listen to your complaints, and then make a thorough evaluation of your body’s alignment before deciding on the appropriate course of treatment.  Often the benefits of one chiropractic adjustment can be enough to leave you pain free for the next few days.  Sciatica, one of the most excruciating pains suffered by many pregnant women, can also be successfully treated with common chiropractic procedures.

Improved Posture

The weight gain that inevitably comes with pregnancy can cause extra stress and strain on your spine.  If ignored, this problem can often continue to worsen as your pregnancy progresses, and sometimes even after giving birth.  Sometimes pregnancy can inhibit the body from moving into certain positions such as sitting cross-legged or bending fully at the waist.  Chiropractors are specialists when it comes to maintaining proper alignment in the spine.  Many women find their full range of movement restored after a few visits.

Pelvic Balance

With all of the changes that pregnancy brings about, it is easy for the body to fall out of balance, particularly in the pelvic region.  This may not seem like a big deal, but some people speculate that imbalance in this area can lead to a malpositioned baby.  When the baby is in a suboptimal position, this can lead to a longer, more painful and arduous labor, and sometimes increases the likelihood of having an operative delivery.

To Help Turn a Breech Baby

Cesarean section is generally considered to be the safest method of delivering breech babies, especially in first-time mothers.  But, while many people believe that there’s nothing they can do about the baby’s positioning, chiropractic care has actually been known to successfully bring the baby into the cephalic, or head down, position—thereby removing the need for a cesarean.  If you’d like to try this, look for a chiropractor specially trained and certified in the Webster technique.

There are many benefits to visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy.  Just make sure you find one who has specialized training in working with pregnant women.  Your midwife or obstetrician’s office may be a good place to find an appropriate referral.

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