​Why it’s Important to See a Chiropractor while Pregnant

If you are now or have been pregnant, you are already familiar with the symptoms;
nausea, back pain, and fatigue. If you have not been pregnant, then you’ve most
definitely heard about these same symptoms.  The female body goes through many
physical and physiological changes, which create the healthy environment for the baby.
These changes can bring on pain and discomfort, and these same changes can create
complications and risks. A chiropractor uses different techniques and methods to
reduce and relief certain pregnancy symptoms. These techniques can also help
mothers create healthier pregnancies.

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Is Chiropractic Care Safe, If I’m Pregnant?

A common question newly pregnant mothers ask is if Chiropractic care is safe to get
when they’re pregnant. But the truth is Chiropractors are trained in a variety of
techniques to work on pregnant woman.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, there is no known
contraindications to pregnant women receiving chiropractic care. All
chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant, and some take a
specific interest in prenatal care to seek additional training. (1). Chiropractors may
use tables that adjust for a pregnant women’s body, and techniques that don’t use any
unnecessary pressure on the abdomen (1). A trained chiropractor may also provide you
with pregnancy safe exercises and stretches (1).
Some Common Types Of Pregnancy Symptoms Are:

1. Nausea
2. Back Pain
3. Sciatica
4. High Blood Pressure
5. Fatigue

Why Should I Have Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

​There are several benefits to getting chiropractic care when you are pregnant. When
your body changes its environment (to accommodate the for the baby), it may cause
your spine and joints to misalign (1). This can also cause:

• Protruding abdomen and increased back curve
• Pelvic changes
• Postural adaptations

(List Provided by American Parent Association)

A misaligned spine may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best
position for delivery, which can affect the ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth
(1). Breech and posterior positions can interfere with the natural labor and lead to
interventions such as C-Sections (1). Your nervous system is the master
communication system to all your body systems including the reproductive
system and by keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively
(1).

​What Are The Benefits Of Chiropractic Care?

​Chiropractic Care can reduce and resolve many symptoms associated with pregnancy:

1. It can Reduce Nausea: Often referred to as “morning sickness,” nausea
is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. A chiropractor can
reduce nausea by realigning your spine and improve your overall
nervous system function (3). A chiropractor trained in visceral
manipulation can also assist with nausea and heartburn during pregnancy.

2.  It can make Labor and Delivery Easier: Getting regular chiropractic
care and help ensure your pelvis, spine and hips are properly aligned so
that your nerves are in optimal working order, which can lead to shorter
birthing process (3). *Women who want to experience natural childbirth
(without the use of medications) can greatly benefit from chiropractic (3).

3. Relief from Back Pain: Your body produces a hormone called “relaxin”
which relaxes and loosens all the ligaments and joints in your pelvic area
(3). This causes some women to experience instability and pain in their
spines (3). Regular chiropractic adjustments can relieve back pain that
comes from these relaxed ligaments and joints being out of place
(3). Back pain can also be caused by postural problems, brought on
by a heavier belly. Some women experience an unintentional curve in
their backs as babies become heavier (3). Chiropractic adjustments can
help correct this spina curvature.

4. It Can Give a Healthier Overall Pregnancy! The overall goal of
chiropractic care is to remove nerve obstructions that prevent your organs
and immune system from functioning at optimal levels (3). The stronger
and healthier your immune system is the stronger and healthier your
baby’s immune system is (3). Prenatal chiropractic care can contribute
to improved overall health for both you and your baby.

Chiropractic care is completely safe for pregnant women. It may also assist in creating
an optimal health environment for both the mother and the baby before and during
pregnancy.

References

1. American Pregnancy Association. “Chiropractic Care During
Pregnancy” Published 5/1/2012, Accessed 11/1/2020.
https://americanpregnancy.org/health-fitness/chiropractic-care-during-
pregnancy-1191

2. Healthcare Associates of Texas. 5 Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor
During Pregnancy” Accessed
11/1/2020. https://healthcareassociates.com/5-benefits-of-seeing-a-
chiropractor-during-
pregnancy/#:~:text=Seeing%20a%20chiropractor%20for%20regular,due%
20to%20a%20heavier%20belly
​
3. Holland, Kimberly Revied by Devan McGuinness. HealthlineParenthood.
“Early Pregnancy Symptoms.” Published 9/5/2018, Accessed
11/1/2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-symptoms-
timeline

About:

​Dr. Suzanne Pikula decided to focus her career and post-graduate education on Structural Chiropractic Corrective Methods utilizing Integrated Spinal Analysis. After four years of rigorous study at Life University College of Chiropractic, Dr. Suzanne moved back to her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Suzanne has specialized training in pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic, as well as craniopathy and visceral manipulation. She loves working with prenatal and post-partum mothers and advocating for women’s health and better birth experiences. She has committed her career to providing a comprehensive solution to better help patients find hope and relief for their chronic health problems. You Can find her on
​Instagram @balancedchiropracticohio or
www.balancedchiropracticohio.com

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