Women's Health and Pregnancy

Chiropractic and pregnancy go together like peanut butter and jelly!

During pregnancy, there are several physical, chemical, and emotional changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. Physically, the belly grows outward, increasing the curve in the lower back and changing the center of gravity. This will alter the way weight is distributed in the spine and pelvis. Chemically, you begin to produce an abundance of hormones, including a hormone called Relaxin. Relaxin does exactly what you would think, it relaxes muscles, tendons, and ligaments to help your body adapt and prepare for delivery. All of these changes are necessary for your body to adapt to a growing baby, but increases in stress can cause Neuro-structural shifting within the spine and pelvis.

Neuro-structural Shifts decrease the ability for the brain and body to communicate, resulting in neurological compromise and suboptimal function of the nervous system. The nervous system controls everything in the body including the reproductive system. Having a chiropractor (trained in pregnancy care) perform neuro-structural corrections to increase neurological communication, increase the proper function of the body, and help maintain a healthy uterus where the baby is growing is a great idea!

When the pelvis is misaligned it may cause tension on the ligaments attached to the uterus. This affects its position and potentially reduces the amount of room a baby has to grow. A very well know technique, called the Webster technique, specifically analysis and corrects these misalignments. Both doctors at SFC are certified in the Webster Technique.

Webster is a specific technique used to analyze and adjust the sacrum. Misalignment of the sacrum may contribute to difficult labor (dystocia), caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby malpresentation. Correction of these misalignments may have a positive effect on all of these issues.

During pregnancy, our goal with Neuro-Structural Correction is to re-establish proper positioning, reduce the tension on the ligaments, provide optimal space for baby to grow, and to get into the best possible position for birth. It also ensures that the pelvic outlet (the space baby is expected to pass through in the pelvis) is as big as possible. An alteration in this space can make birth more difficult, longer, or require intervention.

There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care during pregnancy. Your baby is always safe! We make very specific and gentle corrections using an adjusting tool or a small drop in the table. We do not do any twisting, cracking, or manipulation of the spine or body. For our pregnant moms, we have special pregnancy pillows, sized for each trimester, which allow you to lie face down on the table comfortably to receive your adjustment.