Oh the symptoms of pregnancy! Morning sickness. Nausea. Back pain. Pelvic pain. Swollen ankles. Heartburn. Most women accept these symptoms as part of the rite of passage into motherhood.
Women are told to endure these symptoms and in 38-42 weeks the symptoms will end and you will be left with a baby. More and more women, however, are choosing to break the status quo and seek alternative treatments to make pregnancy a more enjoyable time. Chiropractic care, acupuncture, prenatal massage, and prenatal yoga are just some of the tools women are choosing to create a more enjoyable experience.
Chiropractic adjustments are one of the best things a mom can do during pregnancy. A perfectly aligned spine is necessary for optimizing health during pregnancy. One of the most effective techniques for pregnant women is the Webster Technique.
Chiropractic adjustments correct misalignments in the spine that interfere with performance of the nervous system. These interferences diminish the ability to function optimally. A mother experiences rapid changes in her body during pregnancy to keep up with her rapidly growing baby. Pregnant moms are susceptible to sacral and pelvic misalignments because of weight change, changes in posture, and release of the hormone relaxin. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that will improve the functioning of the sacral and pelvic region. This adjustment may prevent difficult labor, relieve general aches and pains, and improve the baby’s positioning and birth outcome. Certification for this technique is given by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Modifications are made for adjusting pregnant moms making the experience comfortable, safe, and effective.
Additional tips for caring for your spine during pregnancy:
- Refrain from standing with your hands on your hips pushing your stomach forward.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Don’t use your abdominal muscles to try to sit up from a lying position. Utilize your arms instead.
- Don’t stay in the same position for too long.
- Gently stretch your body daily.
