The Benefits of Pregnancy Chiropractic: What Expecting Mothers Should Know

If you’re reading this after having some good news confirmed, congratulations!
As the joy of bringing your little one into the world approaches, your body will begin to shift and change to make room for them. The closer the due date creeps, the greater these changes.

So, can chiropractic care help during a pregnancy? Short answer; yes! There are several ways that chiropractors can assist you, both in the early days of the pregnancy and leading up to giving birth. Keep reading to cover the most important parts of the benefits of pregnancy chiropractic!

Pregnancy related pain

Because of the way your body changes during a pregnancy, there are typically two regions where new pain will appear; your lower back, and your pelvic girdle. In technical terms, lower back pain is defined as pain anywhere between the bottom of your ribcage, to your gluteal fold. Pelvic girdle pain is felt around the sacroiliac joints - the big joints felt where the bottom of your spine meets your hips (ask your chiropractor to show you where these are).

One of the main reasons you feel additional pain during a pregnancy is because your center of gravity is changing as your baby gets bigger. As they grow, your lordosis (the curve of your lower back) increases to accommodate for their weight. This shift of balance and growing weight can impact your lower back, hips and pelvis.

Can you get adjusted while pregnant?

Short answer; yes! If you have seen a chiropractor before, there is an easy transition because seeing one before you fall pregnant to after. If you haven’t seen one before, there’s no better time to start! Being adjusted while you're pregnant can help ease the current aches and pains that your growing baby and changing body is giving you.

There are numerous types of chiropractic techniques, and some of them are better suited to pregnant patients. In fact, there’s a whole technique that was created just for pregnant patients! It’s called the Webster technique, but it isn’t the only technique used for pregnant patients. Practitioners can also use techniques like Logan Basic, SOT, Activator, Gonstead and Diversified.

If you are unsure, you can always call your chiropractic office, and ask if your usual chiropractor has experience with pregnant and paediatric patients. Then, you can be treated all through your pregnancy, and your baby can also be treated once they are born!

What does chiropractic care look like during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care while you’re pregnant can look different to usual chiropractic care, but it still has the same benefits, and even a few bonus ones!

Your chiropractor will ask you numerous questions regarding your pregnancy, and any previous pregnancies you may have had. This all helps to build a better clinical picture so it’s easier to monitor your symptoms, and pick up any potential problems before they arise or worsen.

Depending on what trimester you’re in, this will impact what positions you would be adjusted in. Pregnancy pillows, which are pillows with a cutaway to accommodate for your growing belly, are often used when you lay face down. Some tables even have a function to have a drop away section for this same reason. As your belly grows, treatments are altered to have you laying on your side, back, or seated. These accommodations are made both for your comfort, your baby’s comfort, and to avoid placing too much strain on your body.

Treatment focuses on correcting any issues with your spine and joints, and easing muscle tension in affected areas. This tension will most likely be in muscles of your lower back, and ligaments that attach to different parts of your pelvis. Visits may also involve advice on how to bend, sit, and sleep, and what exercises are safe to do.

Receiving chiropractic care can be very beneficial when you’re pregnant, no matter how far along you are. Whether you have seen a chiropractor before, or this is your first time, there’s no better time to start than now. If you’re spoiled for choice or have more questions, give our friendly team of North Brisbane chiropractors a call on (07) 3350 3800, email us at hello@tanchiro.com.au, or make an inquiry on our website.