As wonderful as pregnancy is, it can also be the scariest chapter in a woman’s life. Your body is undergoing a handful of changes to provide a conducive environment for life blooming within you. These changes will cause discomfort to a significant extent, as necessary as they are. They could even compromise your ability to sustain the pregnancy. For that reason, it would be a great idea to make chiropractic therapy part of your prenatal care. 

Chiro Therapy for Healthy Pregnant Women

Chiropractic is a healthcare practice that focuses on maintaining order and balance across the musculoskeletal system. Because it doesn’t involve conventional medications or surgery, it’s perfectly suited for pregnant women who want to stay fit and healthy without exposing themselves to unnecessary risk. Now let’s take a look at some of the problems that chiropractic care can provide relief for. 

Low Back Pain

The average woman gains 25-35 pounds over the course of a healthy pregnancy. This extra weight obviously takes a toll on the skeleton, particularly the backbone. The spine also undergoes a series of transformations to make room for the baby. Combine that with the inevitable change in posture, and you have a recipe for low back pain — it’s by far the most common complaint among expectant women.

The good news is that you don’t have to endure more than your fair share of back pain; relief could be just a few chiropractic sessions away. Your DC will perform adjustments to guide the spine back into its natural curve and eliminate excessive strain. They’ll also help with postural issues, advising you on how to sit, stand, sleep, and go through other activities to keep pain at bay. 

Sciatic Nerve Pain

Pregnancy-induced backache is often accompanied by sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica. The sciatic nerve originates in the gluteal area and runs through the hips and down each leg. During pregnancy, this nerve will usually come under pressure from the expanding uterus, resulting in acute pain that starts in the lower back and radiates downwards. 

When it comes to managing sciatica, it’s best to stick to natural non-invasive remedies (as opposed to over-the-counter pain relievers). A gentle massage over the lower back will go a long way in soothing discomfort around your sciatic nerve. And instead of visiting a regular spa, you’re better off with a chiro-supervised masseuse who’s more qualified to handle a delicate case like yours. The chiropractor will further perform adjustments to correct disc herniation and ease muscle spasms, both of which will help with long-term relief. Most importantly, only a qualified doctor of chiropractic will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis. 

Sacroiliac Joint Pain 

Sacroiliac pain stems from inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints (where the lower spine adjoins the hip bones). It’s triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy that causes these otherwise-stable joints to shift, consequently exerting stress on the surrounding structures. The result is a series of sharp jolts that start in the hip region then extend down the legs.

Now, it’s very easy to confuse sacroiliac pain for sciatica and vice-versa, given similar symptoms. But doctors of chiropractic are well-versed in identifying and telling apart musculoskeletal issues. Your DC will be able to pinpoint the exact source of your discomfort through a detailed diagnosis. They’ll also figure out the most appropriate course of treatment: this might include spinal mobilization, massage therapy, and a set of exercises to restore stability on your sacroiliac joints. 

Other Pregnancy-Related Issues 

It’s clear that chiropractic care can address just about every musculoskeletal ailment you might develop throughout your pregnancy. But how about the other issues like nausea and such? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that your chiropractor can handle those too. Take a look: 

– Nausea

Nausea shouldn’t be the mainstay of your pregnancy, as much as it’s perceived as a good omen. In some cases, though, nausea can get aggressive to the point of depleting your nutritional stocks. Chiropractic adjustments can address any hormonal imbalances that could be causing this, in addition to eliminating digestive issues.

– Constipation

Changes occurring on the lower torso during pregnancy often interfere with bowel function. This leads to constipation and lots of other gastrointestinal issues. Chiropractic treatment has been proven to help in mitigating such problems.

– Urinary incontinence

The changes we’ve just mentioned are also responsible for that constant urge to pee. And like with constipation, a chiropractor can readjust your pelvic region to help you stay in control over your bladder. 

Smooth Delivery

It’s every expectant mom’s wish to have a quick, smooth delivery that isn’t hurdled by complications. Regular chiro sessions during your pregnancy will help you achieve that. Your doctor will constantly check your lower torso and perform the necessary adjustments to maintain balance and flexibility here. The treatment will further help calm the nerves around your pelvis to help you relax when your due date finally arrives. One of the top-rated chiropractor, ReNu Chiropractic Health in Beaverton, does a great job in taking care of their patients who are expectant mothers.

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Ultimately, chiropractic care will drastically minimize the risk of complications during childbirth, along with the likelihood of having to require a C-section. Surveys indicate that it can reduce delivery time by 24-40%. Even after the birth of your baby, your chiropractor will continue providing care to put you in the right shape for nursing and restore your body to its pre-conception state.