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During pregnancy, your musculoskeletal system goes through impressive changes. Your joints and ligaments loosen to allow space for a growing fetus and, ultimately, for birth. Chiropractic care can help your body adjust to these changes and may prevent certain discomforts and complications. In observance of National Women’s Health Week, May 14-20, we’ll explore some of the ways that chiropractic care can help you have a safer, more comfortable pregnancy and delivery.
Is It Safe to Get Chiropractic Adjustments While Pregnant?
Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant patients, and our treatments are safe for most individuals. We offer drug-free relief for many of the aches and pains that come with pregnancy, as well as techniques that help the body prepare for pregnancy and labor.
There are few significant contraindications for prenatal chiropractic care. Still, if you are at risk of premature labor or are experiencing toxemia, placenta previa, placenta abruption, preeclampsia, or vaginal bleeding, you should avoid chiropractic adjustments. If you have any concerns, consult your obstetrician before undergoing chiropractic treatment.
What Is Webster’s Technique?
The Webster Technique is a procedure that assesses and corrects imbalances in the pelvis and sacrum that often occur during pregnancy. The procedure’s ultimate goal is to help ease labor and delivery and to lessen the chances of a breech delivery by creating space and flexibility for the fetus to move properly. The Webster technique can be a less invasive alternative to an external cephalic version (ECV), the procedure obstetricians use to turn a breech baby into the proper position for a vaginal birth.
During the procedure, your chiropractor will ask you to lie on a table using a pregnancy pillow for comfort. They will ask you to bend your legs into various positions to check the alignment of your pelvis and sacrum. If imbalances are found, adjustments will are made using a drop table or specialized instruments. Sometimes soft tissue massage is recommended to adjust abdominal muscles or ligaments around the uterus.
Can You Start Seeing a Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
If you haven’t seen a chiropractor prior to becoming pregnant, you can still begin at any point in your pregnancy. We highly recommend booking your first appointment early in your first trimester to determine a baseline and stave off potential issues that may occur later in your pregnancy.
Benefits of Chiropractic Treatments Throughout Pregnancy
Chiropractic care can be helpful throughout your pregnancy. The benefits of having a pregnancy chiropractor include the following:
- Support of digestive health.
- Adapts posture to the pressure and weight of the fetus.
- Drug-free relief of back, neck, and joint pain.
- Adjusts spinal alignment to increase strength and flexibility.
- Creates optimal conditions for an easier, faster delivery.
- Applies the Webster technique to minimize the likelihood of breech delivery.
- Reduces the likelihood of cesarean delivery.
East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Supports Your Well-Being Through Every Stage of Pregnancy
East Bay Chiropractic Wellness, located in Bellmore, has been providing chiropractic treatments for more than 35 years. We are here to support your comfort and well-being through all stages of your pregnancy, offering a wide range of chiropractic services to fit your needs. Schedule your appointment online, or call us at (516) 679-2225.
