With the multitude of critical messages traveling along an expectant mother’s spine to her growing baby, there may not be a more beneficial time to receive chiropractic care. Dr. Jessica Thompson at the Cafe of Life in Longmont is experienced in providing prenatal care throughout every stage of pregnancy. From making spinal adjustments early on to allow adequate room for growth to relieving lower back and pelvic pain as the belly grows and even helping to position the baby as the delivery date nears, regular chiropractic visits aid in creating a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.
A woman’s body undergoes immense changes during the 40 weeks of a pregnancy, and it is common for the spine to become misaligned. As the growing baby increases pressure on the mother’s spine, her center of gravity shifts and partial dislocations, or subluxations, often result. A chiropractor specializing in prenatal care, like Dr. Thompson, can make adjustments to help improve an expectant mother’s posture and balance thereby reducing the stress on her uterus and supporting ligaments.
Specialized Prenatal Chiropractic Techniques
- Gentle spinal adjustments relieve any pressure being put on nerves from misaligned bones
- Massage and soft tissue work reduce muscle aches and stress on the spine
- Therapeutic exercises and stretches keep musculature strong to maintain correct posture
- Nutritional counseling to keep energy levels optimal
For more tips on how to prevent backache between chiropractic visits, click here for an excellent article from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
Expectant mothers often overcompensate for their protruding abdomen, causing the pelvis to be out of line which can limit space for the developing baby and put the baby in a distorted position. Chiropractors help prevent intrauterine constraint and assist in optimal fetal positioning, which reduces the chance of having a breeched baby or needing a cesarean delivery . A mispositioned pelvis can also increase pressure on the vena cava, the main route that blood travels back to the heart from the legs, resulting in not only swollen ankles but also an increased risk of preeclampsia in the last trimester.
Chiropractic care not only alleviates the uncomfortable symptoms that arise from the biomechanical changes during pregnancy but it also can shorten labor times and reduce pain during delivery! Don’t wait until you are worried about a serious prenatal condition or experiencing a high level of pain, but make an appointment today at the Cafe of Life to increase your chance of experiencing a safe and easier birth.