As your baby grows and develops, your body undergoes significant changes to accommodate these developments. These changes can place stress on your spine, pelvis, sacrum, and the surrounding ligaments and muscles, often resulting in discomfort and misalignment. Chiropractic care can help manage these changes, providing relief and promoting optimal alignment and function.

• Pain Relief: Alleviates back pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy.
• Improved Alignment: Optimizes pelvic function and alignment, preparing your body for childbirth naturally.
• Enhanced Well-being: Promotes overall health and wellness during pregnancy.
• The Webster Technique: We are certified and highly skilled in this specialized technique for pregnancy care.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: We tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and concerns

Our team specializes in assessing and treating spine and pelvis pain and alignment issues during pregnancy. Your safety and the well-being of your baby are always our top priorities. We take the time to listen to you, understand how your pregnancy is progressing, and address any concerns you may have. Our approach to treatment is informed by decades of experience and is tailored specifically to your spine and pregnancy needs.

We utilize a variety of techniques to provide you with a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy. One of our key methods is the Webster Technique, in which we are certified and experienced. The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic technique designed for pregnancy care. It focuses on improving alignment and restoring balance to the spine, pelvis, and surrounding ligaments and muscles. This technique helps create an optimal environment for your baby’s development and can alleviate discomfort associated with pregnancy.

To improve alignment and address imbalances during pregnancy, we use gentle adjustments to the spine, pelvis, and surrounding structures. Our practice is equipped with special tables and techniques designed specifically for pregnant women, ensuring that your treatments are both safe and effective.

During pregnancy, numerous hormonal and physiological changes occur, each playing a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of the baby. As the baby grows, a woman’s body weight can increase by 15-25%, significantly burdening the joints, ligaments, and tendons. This additional weight requires the body to adapt in various ways to maintain balance and support the developing fetus.

As pregnancy progresses, the enlarging uterus and increasing breast volume shift the body’s center of gravity forward. This shift causes the pelvis to tilt and the lower back curve to deepen (sway back), resulting in a substantial increase in pressure on the lower back. The changes in body posture and alignment are most pronounced between the second and third trimesters. This period is particularly challenging as the spine, pelvis, and associated ligaments and muscles are under considerable stress, trying to accommodate the growing baby.

Pregnancy hormones such as relaxin play a significant role in preparing the body for childbirth. Relaxin helps to relax the ligaments in the pelvis, making them more flexible. While this increased flexibility is necessary for childbirth, it can also lead to instability in the joints, contributing to discomfort and pain in the lower back and pelvis.

Musculoskeletal complaints, such as low back pain, are common during pregnancy and should be taken seriously. Persistent pain can significantly affect a pregnant woman’s quality of life, making everyday activities challenging. It can also disrupt sleep, which is crucial for both maternal health and fetal development. If left untreated, musculoskeletal pain may continue postpartum, affecting the mother’s ability to care for her newborn and engage in daily activities.

Maintaining an active lifestyle during pregnancy supports spine health. As your body changes, the types of activities you are comfortable with may also change. Activities such as walking, Pilates, yoga, stretching, aqua aerobics, swimming, and jogging are effective ways to support a healthy spine and pelvis during pregnancy. Spine and pelvic stretches can also help your changing body adapt.

Recommended Exercises:

• Walking: Low-impact and easy to integrate into daily routines.
• Pilates and Yoga: Enhance flexibility and strengthen core muscles.
• Aqua Aerobics and Swimming: Provide gentle, full-body workouts with minimal strain.
• Stretching: Helps maintain flexibility and relieve tension in the spine and pelvis.

Our chiropractors can provide personalized exercise recommendations to support your pregnancy journey. To further support your body and enhance your birthing journey, we recommend connecting with a public or private birth education program. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of birth physiology can significantly assist in preparing for and navigating your birth experience. Programs such as Spinning Babies offer valuable resources, particularly for addressing breech presentations and optimizing fetal positioning. Engaging with these educational tools can provide you with practical strategies and insights, ultimately contributing to a more informed and empowered birth experience.

• Avoid Heavy Lifting: Use your knees when lifting objects, keep them close to your body, and tighten your pelvic floor. When lifting toddlers, squat or let them climb onto you while seated.
• Avoid Straining Activities: Steer clear of activities like walking up steep hills, twisting, bending, or climbing ladders.
• Wear Supportive Shoes: Opt for shoes with good arch support instead of high heels.
• Consider a Maternity Support Belt: Provides additional support for your growing belly and lower back.
• Sleep Comfortably: Use a pillow between your knees when side sleeping, support your belly with a pillow, and avoid lying on your back. When getting out of bed, use your arms to raise your body and swing your legs onto the floor.
• Optimal Sleeping Position: Lying on your left side promotes better circulation for you and your baby.
• Use Cold or Heat Therapy: Apply cold or heat to your lower back for up to 20 minutes to relieve pain, avoiding the abdomen.
• Maintain Good Posture: Avoid slouching to prevent additional strain on your spine. Use a rolled towel to support your lower back when sitting, and consider using an exercise ball to improve posture and engage core muscles.

By following these tips and incorporating regular chiropractic care and appropriate exercises, you can maintain a healthy spine and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy.