Benefits of Chiropractic during Pregnancy

Health Research Corner

with Dr. Broosan

  

Benefits of Chiropractic during Pregnancy 

More and more pregnant women are looking for ways to improve their experience during pregnancy and delivery.  Many expectant mothers are prone to back pain, neck pain and other issues throughout their pregnancy as their bodies make very dramatic physiological and endocrinological changes during this time.  What many women are finding out is that chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to help cope with the stress that is placed on the body amidst all the changes.  Furthermore, it is appealing to pregnant women who want to avoid taking medication and may even have an effect on reducing labor time. 

Here is some research on the topic:

     

"An interview of 170 consecutive female patients: of the 170 pregnancies with reported back pain, 72% also reported back labor...The treated group experienced less pain during labor.Eighty-four per-cent of patients receiving spinal manipulative therapy [ADJUSTMENTS] reported relief of back pain during pregnancy.  There was significantly less likelihood of back labor when spinal manipulative therapy was administered during pregnancy."

Back pain during pregnancy and labor.   Diakow, PRP, Gadsby, TA, Gadsby JB et al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther Vol. 14, No. 2 Feb. 1991.

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"The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can change the shape of the spinal curves and overall posture which can affect organ systems.  In this study Dr. Fallon describes her work with 65 women who received chiropractic care from at least the tenth week of pregnancy through labor and delivery.  These women experienced mean labor times significantly reduced compared to controls."

The effects of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labor: a comprehensive study.  Fallon J. Proceedings of the world chiropractic congress. 1991; 24-31.

Pre & Post-Natal Massage

Pre & Post-Natal Massage 

Therapeutic bodywork benefits

by Christy Manchester, L.M.T. & Proud Mom 

As individuals we want what is best for ourselves.  As mothers we want what is best for our children. During Pregnancy, that means double duty!  Pregnancy massage is not only good for our changing bodies, but it also benefits the life growing within.  Everything we do and feel as an expectant mother is felt by our babies. If we are stressed and uncomfortable our baby feels it. Think about it, at no other time in your life will you be as connected as you are now.  

Women's bodies go through a myriad of changes during pregnancy both emotionally and physically. Swedish massage is most recommended for pregnancy as it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy. By reducing anxiety, decreasing symptoms of depression, increasing circulation and relieving muscle aches and pains, you are maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for your unborn child.   

We also want a safe labor and delivery and want our newborn to be healthy. Studies show that therapeutic massageincorporated into regular prenatal care can improve labor outcomes and newborn health. In the past 10 years studies have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. These changes led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight.  

Once we are holding our little miracle in our arms, our body begins to recuperate from the changes and stresses of pregnancy, labor and delivery as well as the new stresses on the body that comes with caring for our newborn. Post-natal massage gives nurturing and emotional support to help regain lost energy, helps restore our body to it's pre-pregnancy condition, and helps relieve the muscle aches and pains that result from nursing, holding and carrying our newborn.   

Pregnancy massage is a safe and proven technique to add to your regular pre and post-natal care. For more information visit the American Pregnancy Associationwebsite and click on pregnancy wellness.

For Mother's Day, we honor the first stage of motherhood: Pregnancy.

Greetings!
 

This Mother's Day and month of May we are honoring the first stage of motherhood: Pregnancy.  The miracle of conception, the intricacy of fetal development and the process of birth mark stages where optimal wellness and spinal health are paramount.  And because of this, I feel my most meaningful work occurs when I'm working with a pregnant mother. This is a time that I not only get a chance to help the new mom with the aches, pains and challenges of pregnancy but also have the opportunity to impact the health of a new life.  Many people are unaware that Chiropractic, when applied to the pregnant patient, can not only help with pain but is highly effective in turning breech babies as well as improving labor and delivery outcomes.  

In fact,  I had the pleasure of turning another breech presentation just last week!  The Mom was scheduled for C-section and through a referral from one of my dedicated patients, the new mom ended up in my office.  Within 2 visits, baby had turned, scheduled C-section was canceled and mom and baby can have a natural birth as was innately planned.  There is so much benefit from Chiropractic care during this precious time!  And although OB/Gyn referrals for Chiropractic care are increasing each day, many people still don't know we can help. So, this month join us in honoring the pregnant mom's by letting them know Chiropractic is a safe and effective option for them during pregnancy.  To learn more, please visit our website and/or take a look at the incredible research www.ICPA4kids.com 

Until our next adjustment....

Yours in health,    

Dr. Heidi (Proud Mom) & the InnerMovement Wellness Team