Maternity chiropractor
Chiropractor for pregnancy
Pregnancy and the early stages of infancy are remarkable and transformative periods in a person’s life. During this time, the body undergoes significant changes, and proper healthcare is crucial for both the mother and the baby’s well-being. Chiropractic care offers a holistic and non-invasive approach that can provide numerous benefits for pregnant women and newborns alike. In this post, we will explore the role of a chiropractor for pregnant women, and how to promote a healthy pregnancy and supporting optimal baby development.
Pregnancy brings about significant changes in a woman’s body to accommodate the growing baby. These changes include hormonal fluctuations, gait modification, weight gain, and a shifting center of gravity. As the pregnancy progresses, the body releases hormones like relaxin, which relaxes the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth. These changes can lead to various musculoskeletal issues and discomforts.
Common musculoskeletal issues during pregnancy
As the baby grows, the increased weight in the front can cause the curvature of the lower back to increase, leading to strain and pain in the lower back region (sacrum, lumbars and SI joints). Hormonal changes can also affect the stability of the pelvic joints, leading to pelvic girdle pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). This can cause discomfort while walking, climbing stairs, or changing positions.
Moreover, the sciatic nerve can become compressed or irritated due to the pressure exerted by the growing uterus, resulting in pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
Round ligament
One common complaint experienced by many pregnant women is round ligament pain.
What is the round ligament?
The round ligament is a band of connective tissue that support the uterus. It connects the front of the uterus to the groin area, helping to keep the uterus in its proper position. During pregnancy, the round ligament undergo significant stretching and lengthening to accommodate the growing uterus and the developing baby. This stretching can sometimes lead to discomfort and pain, commonly known as round ligament pain.
Round ligament pain typically occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy and may persist until the third trimester. It is often triggered by sudden movements or changes in position. Some common causes and symptoms of round ligament pain include:
Rapid growth of the uterus: as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, the round ligaments are stretched, leading to pain or discomfort.
Sudden movements or position changes: activities like standing up quickly, rolling over in bed, coughing, or sneezing can strain the round ligaments, causing sharp or stabbing pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen or groin area.
Increased blood flow: the increased blood flow during pregnancy can cause the round ligaments to become engorged, leading to discomfort.
Symptoms of round ligament pain may vary but often include sharp, shooting pains that last for a few seconds or minutes. The pain may be more noticeable on one side and can radiate to the back or thighs. It is typically more pronounced during physical activity and tends to subside with rest.
Benefits of seeing a chiropractor for pregnancy
Chiropractic care during pregnancy offers several benefits for women experiencing musculoskeletal issues and discomfort. Some of the key benefits include:
Relieving back pain and pelvic discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, reducing stress on the joints and relieving pain in the lower back and pelvis.
Improving posture and alignment: Pregnancy can cause postural changes and misalignments in the spine. Chiropractic adjustments can realign the spine, promoting better posture and reducing strain on the muscles and ligaments. Seeing a maternity chiropractor is very often highly beneficial both in terms of treatment and also advice.
Promoting optimal fetal positioning. Proper alignment of the pelvis and spine can create a more favorable environment for the baby to move into the optimal position for birth, potentially reducing the risk of complications during labor.
Enhancing nervous system function: Chiropractic adjustments can improve nervous system function by ensuring proper communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can support overall health and well-being for both the mother and the baby.
Reducing the need for medication or invasive interventions. Seeing a chiropractor for pregnancy provides a drug-free and non-invasive approach to managing musculoskeletal discomfort during this delicate moment. By addressing the root cause of the issues, it can help reduce the reliance on pain medications or more invasive interventions.
Dr. Edoardo Elisei DC
Alive Chiropractic LTD
alivechiropractic.co.uk
1C Crown Gate Square
DT13EJ
Tel: 01305602314
POUNDBURY
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