What Does a Prenatal Chiropractor Do for Expecting Mothers?

While pregnancy can be one of the most exciting stages of a woman’s life, there’s no doubt it’s also one of the most taxing ordeals anyone will ever experience. Throughout various stages of any given pregnancy, a woman’s body endures a wide variety of physical, hormonal, and physiological changes, which can also lead to a number of mobile and postural complications, not to mention constant pain and stress. That’s where seeing a prenatal chiropractor can help, having a trained professional by your side who’s experienced in specifically treating pregnant women with personalized chiropractic care. 

With innovative technologies, non-invasive techniques, and an overall holistic approach, prenatal chiropractors can implement neurologically-based chiropractic services that are specifically focused on alleviating a number of pregnancy-related conditions and symptoms. So how exactly does a prenatal chiropractor help throughout the pregnancy period? 

Here are a few of the ways pregnancy chiropractors care for expecting mothers and help contribute to a perfectly healthy childbirth. 

Improving Spine & Nervous System Function

The relationship between the spine and the nervous system plays a pivotal role in the pregnancy process. The body’s nervous system is responsible for controlling and communicating everything in the body, especially when it comes to the development of the baby. 

So whenever bones in the spine become misaligned, they begin to lose control of their nerves, which impacts overall communication and function within the body. Prenatal chiropractors tend to primarily focus on improving the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, which in turn helps restore and improve the body’s overall communication and coordination. 

The stronger this relationship becomes throughout pregnancy, the more comfortable and healthy both the mother and baby can expect to feel up until childbirth. 

Properly Aligning the Pelvis 

Discomfort, pain, and mobility issues regarding the pelvis can be quite common for most expecting mothers. Any misalignment of the pelvis is what can cause torsion within the uterus, which can also lead to a number of other side effects, specifically in-utero constraint, which can prevent the baby from moving freely. 

Prenatal chiropractors focus on performing gentle, non-invasive adjustments to a woman’s pelvis during pregnancy to help establish proper alignment of the pelvis, which can increase the percentages of a normal delivery position of the baby, as well as potentially reduce pain during labor. 

Prenatal chiropractors can work to gradually realign the pelvis, which in turn can help improve conditions such as: 

• Improving range of motion 

• Reducing upper and lower back pain 

• Enhancing mobility and posture 

• Alleviating joint pain and muscle fatigue 

• Reducing nausea, vomiting, migraines, and headaches 

• Improving the labor and delivery process 

Implementing the Webster Technique 

Prenatal chiropractors who are certified in the Webster Technique can also perform specific techniques that will help properly align the pelvis and alleviate general pain and discomfort. 

The Webster Technique is an innovative form of chiropractic treatment that’s intended to help prevent in-utero constraints, which is what contributes to helping the baby secure an ideal position for birth. This gentle adjustment technique works toward reducing the effects of sacral subluxation, which is a joint dysfunction that can potentially lead to various setbacks during labor. 

By performing non-invasive soft tissue stretching and massaging techniques on ligaments surrounding the uterus, prenatal chiropractors work toward improving pelvis function during pregnancy, which can aid the body in creating a healthier, more comfortable environment for the baby throughout the various stages of pregnancy. 

Relieving Pregnancy-Related Discomfort 

One of the primary roles of a prenatal chiropractor is to alleviate the discomfort that often accompanies pregnancy. As the baby grows, the mother's body undergoes significant changes, including shifts in posture, a protruding abdomen, and hormonal changes that affect ligaments and joints. 

These changes can lead to back pain, sciatica, pelvic pain, and discomfort in the hips. Prenatal chiropractors use gentle, non-invasive techniques to realign the spine and pelvis, providing relief from these issues.

Enhancing Posture 

As pregnancy progresses, many women find it challenging to maintain proper posture due to the changes in their bodies. Poor posture can lead to increased discomfort and back pain, which can ultimately lead to a variety of other ailments or setbacks, such as sleep deprivation or even depression. 

Prenatal chiropractors work with expectant mothers to improve their posture through adjustments that align the spine correctly. This not only reduces general discomfort but also can alleviate various stress factors while giving support to the body as it adapts to the baby's growth.

Preparing for Childbirth 

Beyond providing relief during pregnancy, prenatal chiropractors can play a pivotal role in preparing expectant mothers for childbirth. They can educate mothers about optimal birthing positions and techniques that have been found to ease labor pain. 

These trained professionals can also offer advice on exercises and stretches to maintain flexibility and strength throughout pregnancy, ensuring a smoother labor and delivery process.

Preparing to Visit a Prenatal Chiropractor 

It’s important to know what to expect when you visit a prenatal chiropractor for the first time. Before scheduling your first appointment with a prenatal chiropractor, there are a few important steps to consider.

Consult With Your Healthcare Provider 

Before seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy, consult with your obstetrician or midwife. They can provide guidance on whether chiropractic adjustments are safe for your specific situation or condition. 

Research & Choose a Qualified Prenatal Chiropractor 

Look for a chiropractor who specializes in prenatal care. Check their credentials, read their online reviews, and be sure to ask them about their experience in working with expectant mothers. 

Gather Relevant Medical Records 

Ensure your prenatal chiropractor has access to your medical history, including any previous injuries or conditions that may impact your treatment. 

Communicate Your Expectations 

During your initial appointment, discuss your specific concerns and goals with your chiropractor. Clear communication ensures that your treatment plan aligns with your needs. 

Follow Your Chiropractor's Recommendations 

Your prenatal chiropractor may recommend a series of adjustments over several weeks. It's essential to follow their guidance and attend scheduled appointments for the best results.

Schedule a Consultation With a Prenatal Chiropractor Near You! 

At the end of the day, a prenatal chiropractor is committed to doing whatever it takes to contribute to a more comfortable, pain-free pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. At Restore Chiropractic, we have vast experience when it comes to providing expecting clients with holistic prenatal chiropractic services that are personalized to alleviate your specific symptoms and concerns. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how prenatal chiropractic can help guide you throughout your pregnancy, contact Restore Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation with our team of prenatal chiropractic specialists!