Pregnancy is a time of significant change for a woman’s body. Pregnant women experience back issues, aches, and pains. This is where chiropractic care can help. Regular visits to the chiropractor may help relieve some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy and keep the woman’s body in alignment.
The frequency of a pregnant woman’s visits to the chiropractor will depend on her individual needs and medical history. Read on to understand why a pregnant woman may need to visit the chiropractor more often.
What Is Prenatal Chiropractic Care?
Prenatal chiropractic care applies gentle and specific adjustments to pregnant women’s spine and other joints. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help reduce pain, improve spinal alignment and motion, reduce stress on the body’s nervous system, and facilitate better communication between mother and baby.
It is crucial to note that chiropractic care is not a medical treatment and should not replace traditional medical advice. It can be used as a separate and distinct service alongside your current doctor’s recommendations.
How Often Should Pregnant Women Go To the Chiropractor?
The frequency at which a pregnant woman should visit her chiropractor is based on individual needs. Every pregnancy and every woman’s body is different, so the amount of care needed will vary by person.
a) First Two Trimesters:
A pregnant woman should visit her chiropractor once per week at minimum during the first two trimesters. There may be more frequent visits to keep your spine and pelvis in proper alignment during this time.
b) Third Trimester:
During the third trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended that pregnant women visit their chiropractor about twice a week. As the baby grows, it’s essential to stay ahead of any misalignments in the spine and pelvis.
c) Postpartum:
After delivery, a pregnant woman is advised to visit her chiropractor at least once per week. This helps ensure proper recovery and keeps your body in alignment as you adjust to life after pregnancy.
Problems Associated With Pregnancy That Need Chiropractic Attention
As pregnancy progresses, the changes in a woman’s body can cause physical issues. The most common conditions requiring chiropractic care are low back pain, sciatica, pelvic instability, misalignment of the spine, and neck and shoulder pain.
a) Lower back pain:
Low back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. As the baby grows, it puts increasing pressure on the woman’s lower back muscles and ligaments, causing pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve this discomfort by realigning the spine and relieving muscle tension.
b) Sciatica:
As the baby grows, it can press down on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and numbness in the lower back and legs. Chiropractic adjustments can help by relieving pressure on the nerve and promoting proper alignment of the spine.
c) Pelvic instability:
Pregnancy hormones cause a woman’s ligaments to relax, making the pelvic area unstable. As a result, the pelvis can shift out of alignment, causing pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can help align the pelvis and reduce pain.
d) Spinal misalignment:
The expanding uterus can cause a woman’s spine to be pulled out of alignment. This can lead to pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can help to restore balance to the spine and reduce pain.
e) Neck and shoulder pain:
As the baby grows, it increases pressure on the woman’s neck and shoulders, causing pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help by realigning the spine, relieving pressure on the neck and shoulders, and restoring muscle balance. Chiropractic care is an excellent way for pregnant women to ensure their bodies function at their best throughout the pregnancy. Call Radix Chiropractic for an expert prenatal chiropractor in Colorado Springs