Pregnant? Don't Let Back Pain Ruin Your Joy

Becoming a mom can be one of the most life-changing and rewarding experiences of life. However, due to the many changes that occur in a pregnant woman’s body, pregnancy can also be a time of great adjustment, increased discomfort and even potential danger. Did you in know 27 percent of women experience a fall during their pregnancy? Furthermore, 56 percent of women report experiencing significant back pain?

In order to support the baby’s development, a woman’s body must adapt in many ways. Some of the areas that are significantly altered during pregnancy include: hormones, cardiovascular system and blood flow, oxygen consumption, metabolism, kidney function and even changes to oral health. One of the most noticeable changes during pregnancy is to the mother’s skeletal system. As the baby grows, a woman’s center of gravity shifts forward. Her body will naturally compensate by adjusting posture, which can cause increased pressure on the lower back. Additionally, due to the hormone flux in pregnancy, many women experience increased joint flexibility, which can lead to a feeling of instability and may increase risk of falling. All of these factors contribute to the pregnant mom’s pain level, safety and overall quality of life.

Chiropractic care is sought out by many pregnant mothers to address some of the discomforts and changes during pregnancy. Pain relief is one of the most common reasons a pregnant mom may seek chiropractic care. Because many prescribed pain relief medicines are unsafe to use during pregnancies, alternative treatments are often recommended. Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, is a highly safe and effective option for pregnant women suffering from pain in the hips, lower back and pelvis. Chiropractors trained in prenatal care will use specific techniques to gently relieve pain and discomfort.

Pelvic alignment may be another reason moms seek chiropractic care during pregnancy. One of the most important functions of the pelvic bones is to help transfer loads generated by body weight, during normal daily activities. This function is even more important during pregnancy because on average body weight increases over 20-35 pounds within 40 weeks. A pelvis out of alignment can be extremely dangerous during pregnancy as pelvic dislocation is at increased risk. A trained chiropractor can make adjustments to properly align the pelvis, which contributes to a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy. A properly aligned pelvis can lead to an easier labor and delivery as well.

Another reason moms may seek chiropractic care in pregnancy is improved function of the nervous system. Studies have shown how a healthy nervous system can affect the overall health and functionality of many bodily systems, whether it be digestive, exocrine, skeletal, muscular, glandular, respiratory or circulatory. Our nervous system communicates with the rest of the body through our spinal cord. Subluxation or misalignment in the spine interferes with the body’s ability to communicate properly between systems as well as deliver the proper nutrients to all parts of the body. This is important to everyone, but even more so to pregnant women.  An added benefit of a properly functioning nervous system is relief from nausea or morning sickness, as spinal misalignments can impede the proper communication between the nervous system and the stomach and digestive system. Because proper alignment is closely associated with balance and stability, spinal and pelvic adjustments also help with a change in balance that many pregnant women experience as a result of the increased joint flexibility and posture changes.

If you are a pregnant mom who is looking for pain relief, a healthy, properly-functioning nervous system, and an increased chance of a smooth and safe delivery, talk to our trained chiropractors at Legacy Chiropractic. We’d love to help you find relief. Call today and schedule your assessment!