Over half of pregnant women will experience back pain at some point in their pregnancy. If you’re one of them, then chiropractic care is here to help.
How Can Chiro Help During Pregnancy?
Back pain is a common reason for our chiropractic visits here at Oona it isn’t the only one! Each mama’s concerns are different, and many mamas have a combination of concerns. Our approach at Oona is always individualized; treatment is based on your body’s needs and where you are in your perinatal journey.
Mamas often come into our clinic with a variety of concerns as they progress through pregnancy- these include hip pain, pelvic girdle pain, low back soreness, groin pain, rib pain, and difficulties sleeping.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to these concerns:
Weight Gain
Your body is changing on a daily basis during pregnancy, and the weight gained during pregnancy can put stress on the hips and lower back. This pain may impact your day-to-day routine, as well as your ability to get a good night’s sleep. A chiropractor can help to ease this pain and discomfort, help your tight muscles relax, and equip you with at-home exercises to maximize the benefits of your treatments.
Hormonal Changes
During the third trimester, there is an increase in the levels of the hormone relaxin. This hormone contributes to the loosening of joints that plays a key role during childbirth. Relaxin allows your pelvis to accommodate the expansion of your uterus, and prepares your body for labor. However, the loosening of these joints may also lead to altered posture and decreased joint stability throughout the body. Chiropractic treatments to address these joint-related concerns include soft-tissue work, specialized gentle techniques and adjustments, athletic taping, specialized modalities for rib pain, and at-home exercises.
Get that pregnancy glow back!
Start chiropractic treatments at any point in your pregnancy.
Fetal Positioning
Are you a mama whose baby is breech, transverse, or posterior? In that case, chiropractic care is an important component of a well-rounded treatment plan, alongside treatment from other allied health care professionals.
Current research shows that chiropractic adjustments – especially those that apply the Webster Technique – can be very effective in helping get that baby into a more optimal position. The Webster Technique is a specific sacral adjustment that helps to facilitate pelvic alignment and nervous system function. One recent journal article reported an 82% success rate turning babies into a head-down position when a breech protocol is followed and the Webster Technique is used for adjustments.
Labour Prep
Even if you aren’t experiencing pain/discomfort, and you’ve been told that baby is in a good position for birth, chiropractic treatments can still provide benefits as you approach your due date. Whether you’re planning to deliver with an O.B or midwife – at home, hospital, or birth center, chiro can help you to prepare your body for easier labor, a better birth, and a smoother postpartum recovery. Postnatal biomechanics and rehabilitation are a major focus of our chiropractic care.
Booking In
Good news: It is safe to start prenatal chiropractic treatments at any time during your pregnancy, and it is never too late to start labor preparation treatments!
At Oona, prenatal chiropractic treatments are performed by practitioners that specialize on working with pregnant/ postpartum bodies, and we use specialized tables that allow you to safely and comfortably receive treatments while lying on your belly. We look forward to seeing you!
