Chiropractic for Pregnancy in Erie CO

The physical stress of pregnancy can lead to a great deal of discomfort. It's common for women to visit a chiropractic office in Erie CO regularly for low back pain, as well as other related issues, such as sciatica, leg cramps and constipation. This can lead to difficulty performing daily tasks as well as difficulties in labor.

Chiropractic care for pregnancy can be an outstanding source of relief for back pain. Many women also comment that the birthing process was easier after having undergone chiropractic care. The following article takes a more in-depth look at the discomfort caused by pregnancy and explains exactly how chiropractic can help.

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Prenatal Chiropractic in Erie CO

During pregnancy, a woman’s body is undergoing a number of different changes to accommodate the growing baby. As the baby grows, a mother’s center of gravity shifts to the front of her pelvis, resulting in added stress and discomfort in the lower back and the various joints of the pelvis. At the peak of pregnancy, resulting from the associated weight gain, the curve in the lower back (lordotic curve) can increase to the point of causing a serious impact on the vertebral joints, the sacrum, and the hip joints.

The nerves that travel to all other parts of the body have their origin in the spine. When the spine is compressed, these nerves can become irritated causing the pain to radiate to other areas of the body. Sciatica is a condition commonly stimulated by pregnancy, involving pain that radiates from the lower back all the way down the legs.

If a previous issue exists with the alignment of the spine, and there has been a history of lower back problems, pregnancy will often aggravate the condition. Pregnancy can cause the spine to become misaligned to the point that it does not simply go back into place once the pregnancy is complete. This can make the tasks that become necessary once the child is born, such as carrying a baby on your front or back, breastfeeding, and bending over to lift and pick things up, painfully difficult.

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Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic practitioners can provide safe and effective personalized care throughout your pregnancy and in the postpartum period. A thorough examination will determine the best method to address your discomfort and prepare the body for the height of pregnancy and childbirth. There are specialized adjustment methods to accommodate pregnancy. These adjustments may reduce the need for pain medications throughout the delivery as well as help to reduce labor time. Follow-up care can assist in realigning the body after the pregnancy and speed up the transition to a healthy post-pregnancy body.

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Webster Technique

This technique alleviates structural strains so mom and baby can achieve optimal positioning before birth. Many moms seek chiropractic care during their pregnancy for specific ailments like low back pain, round ligament pain, and sciatica. Still, the Webster Technique is great for birth preparation which can lead to safer and easier births. Moms who start chiropractic care earlier in pregnancy experience the greatest benefits, but it is never too late to start care.

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How many visits are recommended?

Frequency of visits will be different for each person depending on symptoms and goals. During the first and second trimesters, it is recommended patients receive care every one to four weeks. During the third trimester, as the body prepares for birth, weekly appointments may be recommended. A prenatal chiropractic care plan is very similar to an OB or midwife appointment schedule.

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What does an adjustment look like?

Prenatal adjustments look similar to a regular chiropractic visit. There are pillows and bolsters that are used to support the belly, that way mom can lay down on her stomach comfortably. Gentle techniques are also preferred during pregnancy such as drop and Activator technique.

• Taping: Round ligament taping is often used during pregnancy to help alleviate pain and discomfort related to the round ligaments. The round ligaments are bands of tissue that support the uterus and can stretch as the uterus grows, sometimes causing pain. There are multiple benefits to round ligament taping such as pain relief, support for the uterus, improved posture, and increased comfort for physical activity. Round ligament taping only is done with a flexible adhesive tape that can be tailored for the needs of each individual patient.
• Pelvic floor training: Pelvic floor training refers to exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which support the bladder, bowels, and reproductive organs. These exercises can help with a variety of conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction, as well as aiding in postpartum recovery. Postpartum recovery is a critical time for restoring strength and function to the pelvic floor, as pregnancy and childbirth can stretch and weaken these muscles.

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If you are curious about how chiropractic can help you with your pregnancy call our team at Live Your Life Integrated Health and Chiropractic - Erie today. We are here to help.