Chiropractic and Pregnancy By Active Health Chiropractic
P
regnancy brings about a wide array of physiological changes, and feeling good is beneficial for both mother and the baby. Chiropractic adjustments support the expectant mother during each stage of the pregnancy with a focus on her frame and nerve system. Health of the baby and mother is directly connected to the nerve system's ability to balance all physiological processes with emphasis on ease of movement. Movement during pregnancy is crucial for improving blood flow to the placenta and maintaining condition and flexibility for birth. Chiropractic adjustments support movement by restoring optimal spinal balance, alignment, and nerve flow. This natural, drug-free method provides the foundation for a more comfortable expectant mother and benefits for the baby-to-be. Pregnancy brings profound changes to the mother’s hormones, balance, alignment, and flexibility. As the baby grows in the womb, postural changes may result in loss of flexibility and may also increase limitations of structural ligaments and muscles of the spine and pelvis. Persistent spinal stress can lead to discomfort during daily movements limiting activity, increasing pain in the lower back, pubis, hips, and/or numbness in arms and feet, and poor sleep. Physical changes during pregnancy may magnify the effects of past spinal or joint injuries. Pelvis, knee, ankle, or hip misalignments can cause rotation and twists in the lower spine. Chiropractic adjustments gently relieve spine and joint stress, and restore optimal nerve flow and function, leading to comfortable movement. Restoring health to the spine plays an integral role in all body functions. Expectant mothers find relief from symptoms such as heartburn, morning sickness, headaches, sciatica, pelvic pain, hip pain, swollen ankles, foot pain, numbness/tingling, rib pain, pubic pain, and constipation. The benefits of chiropractic care toward maintaining condition and flexibility of the expectant mother also extend to the developing baby. Relief of common symptoms of pregnancy can be achieved, without the use of drugs that risk harm, and increase the ability of the mother to move and maintain strength and flexibility. Muscle tone and conditioning provides ease of support to the mother’s frame as the pelvis and spine adapt to
load and alignment. Movement and gentle exercise promote adequate nutrition by decreasing nausea and improving mother’s appetite. Balanced pelvic alignment and flexibility is crucial for the growing baby’s ease of movement in the womb. Unhindered movement is ideal for spine, shoulder, hip and cranial bone development, and allows for the most optimal positioning for a shorter, less complicated birth. All pregnancies are unique, and a healthy nerve system is key to coordinating optimal outcomes. During pregnancy, chiropractic adjustments support optimal nerve flow through alignment, strength, and flexibility of the expectant mother. Healthy blood sugar levels, adequate hormone levels, growth and development of the baby, and eventually the timing and flow of the birth process itself are all coordinated by nerve flow and impacted by a healthy spine. Chiropractic care is an essential strategy for maintaining a healthy spine and optimal nerve flow, and evidence points to improved comfort and outcomes for both mother and baby.
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