Top 10 reasons to visit a Chiropractor during pregnancy:
As a pregnant mother goes through pregnancy, many changes are taking place. These changes are normal, but if her body and nervous system are not in balance, these changes can cause problems for her and her unborn baby. Stress in a mother’s body can be expressed in a variety of ways.- Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help a mother’s body adapt to these changes and can relieve and even prevent many common complaints of pregnancy. Best-selling author William Sears, MD says, “It is our personal theory that chiropractic attention in pregnancy not only helps avoid or relieve back pain, but also can affect your labor by helping your back and pelvic structures be better prepared to handle the stresses of labor and birth”. [1]
- Many women complain of low back pain during pregnancy, pain that begins early and gets worse as the pregnancy progresses. [2]
- The majority of Obstetricians and Midwives support the use of Chiropractic during pregnancy. 84% of women who go to Chiropractors for low back complaints get relief. Going to a chiropractor during pregnancy decreases the chance of back labor during delivery.[3]
- Chiropractic care has been shown to decrease labor times. One study reported a 25% decrease in labor times for first time moms, and a 33% decrease in labor duration for moms who have given birth before. [4]
- The Webster Technique aims to facilitate easier, safer deliveries for both the mother and baby. Discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, the Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic evaluation method and adjustment that works to correct Spinal and Pelvic misalignments, balances pelvic muscles and ligaments, removes constraint and helps to allow the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.
- The Webster Technique has been shown to have a greater than 82% success rate in its ability to balance pelvic structures and remove constraint to the woman's uterus, helping to allow babies that are breech or otherwise malpositioned to turn into the head-down vertex position. [5]
- Experienced Midwives often make a practice of referring patients to experienced Webster chiropractors, because they want to minimize as many variables as possible that can lead to traumatic birth. Their practices are reaping the benefits of overall easier, safer deliveries for both the mother and baby. [6]
- Chiropractic during pregnancy is safe. The American Pregnancy Association says, “There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy”, and “Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide benefits including: maintaining a healthier pregnancy, controlling symptoms of nausea, reducing the time of labor and delivery, relieving back, neck or joint pain, and preventing a potential cesarean delivery ”.[7]
- Dr. Anne Lundquist uses the Webster Technique to evaluate all her pregnant patients, along with other chiropractic techniques and specially prescribed exercises and behaviors throughout pregnancy to benefit the mother and baby. Dr. Lundquist earned her FICPA and Webster Certification and has over 20 years of experience working with pregnant patients.
An easier, more comfortable and lower stress pregnancy and delivery are good for mom, baby, and the whole family, both now and throughout life. Dr. Anne Lundquist has a passion for helping families have their best possible pregnancy and birth. Please contact us with any questions about Chiropractic and natural birth. Call 714-633-1648 or visit www.Chiropractic4Pregnancy.com for more information.
[1]http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/pregnancy-childbirth/ninth-month/physical-changes
[2]Kristiansson P, Svardsudd K, von Schoultz B. Spine 1996 (Mar 15); 21 (6): 702-709.
[3]Kristiansson P, Svardsudd K, von Schoultz B. Spine 1996 (Mar 15); 21 (6): 702-709.
[4]Fallon J., Textbook on Chiropractic & Pregnancy, International Chiropractic Association, 1994- Arlington, VA.
[5]Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, 2002, Jul-Aug: 25(6), E1-9.
[6]http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/midwifery-and-chiropractic-bonding-for-life/Page-2.html
[7]http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/chiropracticcare.html