Pregnancy — a time of joy and excitement but also a time of discomfort and pain. It’s no surprise that so many expectant mothers seek out chiropractic care during this period of life. After all, the combination of hormones and weight gain that comes with pregnancy can lead to changes in your spine and joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
But how often should you go to the a chiropractor in South Jordan while pregnant? And what can you expect during a visit? This article is here to answer all of those questions and more. We’ll discuss the safety of chiropractic care during pregnancy, the benefits of regular visits, and the best tips for staying comfortable while pregnant. So, if you’re wondering whether chiropractic care is right for you during this special time, then read on — everything you need to know about chiropractic care during pregnancy is right here!
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on the spine. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques, including manual adjustments, to manipulate the spine and other joints in the body in order to improve their function and alleviate pain.
The theory behind chiropractic care is that misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors aim to improve the health and well-being of the patient. In addition to manual adjustments, chiropractors may also recommend other therapies, such as exercise and massage, and may advise on lifestyle changes in order to support overall health and well-being.
Chiropractic care is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal injuries. It is also sometimes used to improve overall health and well-being and as a complementary therapy to traditional medical treatments.
It is important to note that chiropractic care is not a substitute for medical care, and it is always recommended to consult with a medical professional for any health concerns. However, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective form of treatment for many individuals and may be used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Is Seeing a Chiropractor Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of significant physical and emotional changes for women. It is also a time when many women seek alternative forms of healthcare, such as chiropractic care. While chiropractic care is generally considered safe during pregnancy, it is important for you to consult your doctor before seeking any additional treatment and to only visit a licensed chiropractor.
According to the American Pregnancy Association [1], chiropractic care can be beneficial during pregnancy as it can help alleviate common discomforts such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Additionally, chiropractic care may help to improve the function of the pelvis, which can help to prepare the body for childbirth—especially if you have a history of pelvic floor dysfunction or have had previous cesarean deliveries.
However, it is important to note that chiropractic care should not be used as a substitute for medical care during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider and receive regular medical check-ups throughout pregnancy.
Additionally, it is important for pregnant women to only visit licensed chiropractors. Chiropractors must undergo extensive training and pass a licensing exam in order to practice. By visiting a licensed chiropractor, women can ensure that they are receiving safe and appropriate care.
Why Chiropractic Care Is Important During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can bring about a multitude of physical discomforts, from back pain and sciatica to headaches and fatigue. While it may be tempting to simply push through these aches and pains, seeking chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to manage these discomforts and improve overall health and well-being during pregnancy. In the following sections, we will explore the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, including how it can help manage common discomforts such as back pain and sciatica.
1) Alleviates Common Pregnancy Discomforts Such as Back Pain, Sciatica, and Headaches
What’s the number-one thing you’re looking forward to when it comes to pregnancy?
If your answer is “not having to deal with back pain, sciatica, and headaches,” then we have good news for you: all of these common discomforts can be alleviated by chiropractic care.
The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and connective tissue. It’s responsible for supporting your head and body weight and for transmitting signals between different parts of your body. When something goes wrong with this complex system of bones, muscles, and nerves, it can cause all kinds of problems—including pain in the neck or lower back.
And did you know that back pain during pregnancy isn’t just uncomfortable—it could put your baby at risk? That’s because most women start developing spinal changes during their first trimester (the first three months) of pregnancy. If those changes aren’t treated early on with chiropractic care, they can lead to complications like premature labor!
2) Maintains Proper Alignment and Function of the Pelvis
It’s no secret that pregnancy can be a trying time for the body. Between the growing baby, the extra weight, and all the changes happening in your body, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing control of your health. But one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is your alignment.
Pregnancy puts a lot of stress on your pelvis, which is where all of these changes are taking place. Your baby is growing and developing in this area, which means that if it isn’t aligned properly, it could cause problems later on down the line. Chiropractic care can help keep everything running smoothly so that you can stay healthy and strong throughout your pregnancy!
3) Helps to Prepare the Body for Labor and Delivery
When we talk about preparing for labor and delivery, we’re not just talking about making sure that mom’s body is ready to give birth—we’re also talking about helping baby get into position so they can make their appearance in the world without any problems.
Chiropractors are trained in how to adjust pregnant women’s spines so that they can prepare their bodies for labor and delivery. Chiropractic adjustments help relax muscles and relieve pressure on joints, which allows them to move more freely and reduces stress on the spine itself. They also help reduce inflammation in joints throughout the body, which is especially important during pregnancy because inflammation can lead to problems for both mom and baby (not to mention that it’s just uncomfortable). Chiropractic adjustments can also help ease back pain during pregnancy, which is a common complaint among expectant mothers.
4) May Improve Sleep and Overall Well-Being
Are you feeling tired? Not being able to sleep at night can be a real drag. That’s why Chiropractic Care is so important during pregnancy—it can help improve sleep and overall well-being.
Chiropractic Care focuses on the alignment of the spine, which allows your body to function more efficiently and effectively. When there are misalignments in your spine, it can lead to pain and discomfort, as well as limit your movement capabilities.
By correcting these misalignments through chiropractic care, you’re helping your body work at its best! And one of the most important benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy is that it improves sleep and overall well-being.
5) Can Reduce the Risk of Complications During Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy is hard enough under normal circumstances—you’re tired all the time, your body is changing in ways that sometimes feel weird or uncomfortable, and you have to deal with people constantly telling you to eat more vegetables. But when you combine pregnancy with other health issues, like back pain or headaches, a visit to the chiropractor might be just what you need to feel better and stay healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Studies show that women who receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy have fewer complications during childbirth than those who don’t receive treatment. In fact, [2] this study concludes that 90 out of 120 women who received chiropractic care during pregnancy had no complications with their deliveries and had to face less pain after delivery.
How Often to See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
How often should I go to the chiropractor while pregnant?
What’s the best schedule for me?
These are questions that many women ask when they find out they’re pregnant. It’s understandable—it’s a big life change and one that can dramatically affect how your body feels.
When it comes to how often to see a chiropractor during pregnancy, the answer will depend on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. Some women may find that weekly visits provide the most relief and support during pregnancy, while others may need less frequent appointments— although it’s important to remember that chiropractic care is about more than just pain relief. Regular visits can help maintain a healthy, balanced body and encourage the best possible outcomes for both mother and child.
The best way to determine the frequency of your appointments is to talk to your chiropractor. They will be able to help you decide what schedule works best for your body and can advise you on the best ways to ensure that the adjustments are safe for both mother and child.
During your initial consultation, your chiropractor will assess your needs and make recommendations based on your specific circumstances. Moreover, it is always a good idea to listen to your body and communicate with your chiropractor about your needs and preferences. If you find that you need more frequent visits in order to feel your best, don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself. On the other hand, if you feel that you are doing well with less frequent visits, you can always adjust your schedule accordingly.
Related Article: What Are Chiropractors Best For?
Dr. Hedstrom began his studies at the University of Iowa and continued his studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida where he was a Cum Laude graduate of the doctoral program. Learn more about Dr. Dustin Hedstrom, D.C.