Why Chiropractic Care Is A Good Idea For The Expectant Mother

Pregnancy is a particularly good time to be under the care of a Chiropractor, for several reasons. The body undergoes specific changes during the term of pregnancy.

• As the baby grows, the mother gains weight, and her center of gravity shifts, loading the musculo-skeletal system in new ways:

• As the mother's body prepares for delivery, hormonal changes cause a loosening of the joints and connective tissue, making the term of pregnancy and the year following a particularly opportune time to bring the body into alignment.

Your Chiropractor is uniquely suited to help you face the various challenges you may encounter during pregnancy. The treatment a chiropractor provides is generally more gentle and natural than other treatment methods.

• Your chiropractor is knowledgeable and can recommend natural remedies instead of allopathic remedies which may pose risks to the fetus.

Post-Partum Care

Postpartum Chiropractic Care can help to relieve the myriad of symptoms caused by the mechanical stress and trauma of pregnancy and delivery. These typically include: low back, hip and leg pain. Additionally the new mechanical stresses associated with breast enlargement and breast feeding commonly cause neck, shoulder and intra-scapular pain.

Can spinal care help postpartum depression?

“For year chiropractic’s beneficial effects on emotional stress and personality have been noted. At least one journal has quoted a doctor as saying that “postpartum depression is a rarity in patients receiving…manipulative therapy (sic).” [7] [7] Peterson, D.M. More on OMT in obstetric care. Journal of the AOA, 1975, 74, p. 597.

Additional resources on the web:

Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy http://www.dcdoctor.com/pages/rightpages_wellnesscenter/pregnancy/chirocare.html
A very informative site on chiropractic and pregnancy.

American Chiropractic Association http://www.amerchiro.org/media/tips/pregnancy.shtml
Advice on exercise, health and safety, ergonomics and nutrition during pregnancy from the American Chiropractic Association.

iVillage Parents Place http://www.parentsplace.com/pregnancy/exposure/articles/0,,239058_108556,,00.html
Several short articles on chiropractic care during pregnancy.

First Baby Mall http://www.firstbabymall.com/expecting/pregnancy/chiropractic.htm
Tips on preventing strain injuries through good ergonomic for the expectant mother.

American Pregnancy Association http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/chiropracticcare.html
An excellent resource with a variety of articles on health issues related to pregnancy.

Planet Chiropractic http://www.planetchiropractic.com/chiropractic-articles/pregnancy-chiropractic.html
An article addressing the need for chiropractic a care during pregnancy.

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association http://www.icpa4kids.org/research/chiropractic/pregnancy.htm
An informative collection of research articles related to pregnancy and chiropractic care. Includes links to additional articles on other sites.

Southern California Birth http://www.socalbirth.org/shelly/chiro.htm
Shelly Girard's article on postural changes during pregnancy.