Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy

Guest post by Dr. Carolyne Hiebert BSc DC.
Did you know that chiropractic care can be an important part of any woman’s pregnancy, allowing a woman to stay comfortable, mobile and healthy during an exciting time in her life? Chiropractic care during pregnancy allows women to carry and deliver their children with more comfort and ease.

A changing body

During pregnancy, the body endures many changes that can lead to structural and nervous system stress. These might include:
• hormonal changes resulting in ligament laxity leading to misalignment and pain
• emotional challenges due to the changing family dynamic and responsibilities
• increased breast and belly size leading to physical stress

Common pregnancy complaints addressed by chiropractic care

Many common complaints during pregnancy can be managed through chiropractic care. With the hormone relaxin affecting the body after two weeks’ gestation, the supportive ligaments holding joints in good alignment become lax and mis-alignments occurs more frequently, resulting in:
• low back pain
• sciatica
• coccyx/tailbone pain
• pubic symphysis pain and dysfunction
• rib pain
• headaches/migraines

Adjustments during pregnancy

During a woman’s pregnancy, adjustments are done with as little force necessary to correctly adjust each misalignment. Pregnancy pillows, different positioning and instruments use may be used to allow for the most comfortable and effective adjustments. Chiropractic care has been shown to be safe for both the mother and her unborn child.

Webster Technique

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment. The technique reduces interference to the nervous system and facilitates bio-mechanical balance in the pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. It has been shown to decrease the effects of intra-uterine constraint, allowing the baby to be in the best position possible for the birthing process.

Results of chiropractic care during pregnancy

Aside from pain management, chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to:
• maintain pregnancy
• control nausea
• maintain activity levels
• decrease the need for pain medication by half
• decrease incidence of back labour
• decrease labour time (24-39 per cent decrease)

Please visit Dr. Carolyne’s website, The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association’s website, or the BCAA website to find out more valuable information relating to chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Dr. Carolyne Hiebert BSc DC practices in the Fraser Valley with her husband Dr. Jonathan Hiebert. Together they own and operate Pacific Life Chiropractic. Learn more at drcarolyne.com