In honor of Mother's Day, I'd like to offer some advice in particular to those pregnant Moms-To-Be. Pregnancy should be a beautiful time as you contemplate the new life growing inside you as well as thinking about the positives of adding to your family. However, many women are overwhelmed by the stresses of pregnancy, not only emotional but also physical. There are so many changes that occur in a pregnant woman's body that are meant to prepare an ideal environment for a developing fetus, and unfortunately, these same changes can be a challenge for the mother.
The physical changes can result in spinal and pelvis misalignment due to protruding abdomen and an increased back curve. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the baby, and may make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
- Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
- Controlling symptoms of nausea
- Reducing the time of labor and delivery
- Relieving back, neck or joint pain
- Prevent a potential cesarean delivery
Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain.
Those who have had babies know that the labor process and giving birth is a traumatic event for the body. The impact that it has on the pelvis, spine, hips and muscles has been well documented. Chiropractic care can help. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state to prevent muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort, and shoulder problems.If you have suffered through previous pregnancies without the benefit of chiropractic care or if this is your first time and wonder how you will handle all the physical changes and back pain, come in to see me at The Joint Cottonwood Heights in Salt Lake City, Utah. Let us work together to make you feel as well as you can for these joyous nine months!
~ Dr. Brad Hendricks
