Staying healthy during pregnancy is vital, and while many focus on the dietary part of this, some do not realize the strain it puts on the body, specifically your lower back and pelvic region. It is very common to experience aches and pains in the lower back and pelvic region during pregnancy. Visiting a chiropractor during this time can provide the much-needed relief women may be looking for during pregnancy.
You may be asking “Is it safe for me to see a chiropractor during pregnancy?”, and the answer is yes! There are no known issues with receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy and many chiropractic professionals are actually trained how to work with pregnant women. There are even chiropractors who receive further training to specialize in prenatal care! Fertility and pregnancy wellness are part of their profession, and they’re happy to help. A crucial step in this training is learning how to relieve pressure on the abdomen, as to not cause any issues or discomfort.
Benefits and Risks of Chiropractic Case for Pregnancy
While there are many benefits of seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy, there are some risks as well and it is important to talk to your doctor before moving forward with chiropractic care. The benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
- Relieving pain in the lower back and pelvic region
- Controlling urinary incontinence
- Reducing nausea
- Reduce labor and delivery time
- Align the pelvis for easier delivery
These benefits far outweigh any risks involved in prenatal chiropractic care. This is helped by the fact that doctors know when you can and can’t visit a chiropractor during pregnancy, so when you talk to them, they are capable of making an informed decision on if it is safe or not. Chiropractic care is not recommended when experiencing vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, ectopic pregnancy, and moderate to severe toxemia.
When Should I See a Chiropractor if I'm Pregnant?
This is actually entirely up to you. Once you speak with your doctor and they give you the go ahead, you can see a chiropractor at any point during pregnancy. If you would rather wait until you are experiencing symptoms of the pregnancy, that’s fine and if you would like to start seeing a chiropractor right away, that’s alright too. Many women actually choose to start seeing a chiropractor early in the first trimester, so they can build a relationship with their care giver as well as so their chiropractor can monitor their progress throughout the pregnancy.
How Often Should I Visit My Chiropractor?
This one is up to your chiropractor (and you, obviously). During the first 2-3 visits, your chiropractor will create a full treatment plan tailored to you. This plan will tell you how often you should be visiting as well as have information on things you can do at home to help as well.
Natural Benefits of Chiropractic
The most enticing part of chiropractic care during pregnancy is that the benefits come naturally. Many people do not like taking medication during pregnancy out of fear of how it will affect the baby. Luckily, a chiropractor will not prescribe medication and use alternative, more natural, methods of achieving similar results.
Next time you visit your doctor to check in with the pregnancy, ask them about visiting a chiropractor. The benefits you would get from this will not only make the pregnancy easier, but keep you and your baby healthier throughout the process.
If you're pregnant near Strongsville, Ohio and would like a chiropractic consultation, give us a call today!