Chiropractic Care for moms-to-be

Chiropractic Care! How can it benefit the Moms-to-be?

 

 

As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of

pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a

nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds,

combined with the increased stress placed on the body

by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies

have found that about half of all expectant mothers will

develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies.

This is especially true during late pregnancy,

when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s

back, legs and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. And

for those who already suffer from low-back pain, the

problem can become even worse.

During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity almost

immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her

pelvis. Although a woman’s sacrum—or posterior section

of the pelvis—has enough depth to enable her to

carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the

stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the

woman’s weight is projected even farther forward, and

the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing

extra stress on the spinal disks.

While these changes sound dramatic, pregnancy hormones

help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic

bones. But even these natural changes designed to

accommodate the growing baby can result in postural

imbalances.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends the

following tips for pregnant women:

Exercise

• Safe exercise during pregnancy can help strengthen

your muscles and prevent discomfort. Try exercising

at least three times a week, gently stretching before

and after exercise. If you weren’t active before your

pregnancy, check with your doctor before starting or

continuing any exercise program.

• Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are relatively

safe cardiovascular exercises for pregnant

women because they do not require jerking or

bouncing movements. Jogging can be safe for

women who were avid runners before becoming

pregnant—if done carefully and under a doctor’s

supervision.

• Be sure to exercise in an area with secure footing to

minimize the likelihood of falls. Your heart rate

should not exceed 140 beats per minute during

exercise. Strenuous activity should last no more

than 15 minutes at a time.

• Stop your exercise immediately if you notice any

unusual symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness,

nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased

swelling, or heart palpitations.

Pregnancy Ergonomics

 

• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees

to take pressure off your lower back. Full-length

“body pillows” or “pregnancy wedges” may be helpful.

Lying on your left side allows unobstructed

blood flow and helps your kidneys flush waste from

your body.

• If you have to sit at a computer for long hours, make

your workstation ergonomically correct. Position the

computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or

below your eye level, and place your feet on a small

footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet. Take

periodic breaks every 30 minutes with a quick walk

around the office.

 

Nutrition

 

Eat small meals or snacks every four to five hours—

rather than the usual three large meals—to help keep

nausea or extreme hunger at bay. Snack on crackers

or yogurt—bland foods high in carbohydrates and protein.

Keep saltines in your desk drawer or purse to help

stave off waves of “morning sickness.” Supplementing

with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before

and during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the

risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida.

Check with your doctor before taking any vitamin or

herbal supplement to make sure it’s safe for you and

the baby 

Health and Safety

 

• Wear flat, sensible shoes. High or chunky heels can

exacerbate postural imbalances and make you less

steady on your feet, especially as your pregnancy

progresses.

• When picking up children, bend from the knees, not

the waist. And never turn your head when you lift.

Avoid picking up heavy objects, if possible.

• Get plenty of rest. Pamper yourself and ask for help

if you need it. Take a nap if you’re tired, or lie down

and elevate your feet for a few moments when you

need a break  

How Can Chiropractic Help?

Before you become pregnant, your doctor of chiropractic

can detect any imbalances in the pelvis

or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to

pregnancy discomfort or possible neuromusculoskeletal

problems after childbirth.

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

appealing to those who are trying to avoid medications

in treating their back pain. Doctors of chiropractic

can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and

exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy

pregnancy.

Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In

the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the

ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin

to tighten. 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 further muscle

tension.