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Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

By: Dr Keevara Raidoo (MHSc Chiropractic, UJ) Edited: Dr Michelle Beech Cloete (Mtech Chiropractic, UJ)

Introduction

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a gentle and supportive practice designed to enhance the health and well-being of expectant mothers and their babies. As the body undergoes significant changes to accommodate a growing baby, many women experience discomfort in areas like the back, hips, and pelvis. Chiropractic care focuses on addressing these issues through safe adjustments that promote spinal alignment and balance, ultimately leading to a more optimal pregnancy experience.

Why is Chiropractic Care Necessary During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings about rapid physiological changes that can lead to discomfort and misalignment in the spine and pelvis. As the body adapts to these changes, many women find themselves dealing with pain and discomfort. Chiropractic care aims to alleviate these issues by improving spinal alignment, which can help reduce discomfort and support overall health during this critical time. Additionally, proper alignment can assist in addressing intrauterine constraints, ensuring that both mother and baby are as comfortable as possible.

Benefits for Mom

Chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for pregnant women, including:

  • Pain Relief: Regular adjustments can significantly reduce back pain, pelvic discomfort, and other musculoskeletal issues common during pregnancy
  • Improved Posture: Chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper posture as the body changes, reducing strain on muscles and ligament
  • Enhanced Mobility: By addressing joint restrictions, chiropractic care can improve mobility, making daily activities more comfortable
  • Reduced Labor Time: some studies indicate that women who receive chiropractic care may experience shorter labour times.
  • Support for Postpartum Recovery: Chiropractic care can facilitate faster recovery after childbirth by ensuring proper alignment as the body adjusts post-delivery

Benefits for Baby

The benefits of chiropractic care extend to infants as well:

  • Optimal Positioning: Chiropractic adjustments can help ensure that the baby is positioned correctly in the womb, reducing the likelihood of breech/ transverse presentations
  • Increased Space for Development:  Adjustments aim to create a “luxurious pelvis” and more space for the baby to move freely, which is essential for healthy development

 

References

  • Fallon, J. M. (1991). The effect of Chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labour: a comprehensive study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 14(2), 116-118.
  • Diakow, P. R. (1991). Back pain during pregnancy and labour. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 14(2), 116-118.
  • George, J. W., et al. (2006). A randomized controlled trial comparing a multimodal intervention and standard obstetrics care for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 29(6), 450-457.
  • Alcantara, J., & Ohm, J. (2016). The Webster technique: A Chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, & Family Health, 2016(2), 44-47.

Borggren, C. L. (2007). Pregnancy and Chiropractic: A narrative review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 6(2), 70-74.