Chiropractor

During pregnancy, your body ramps up a hormone called relaxin. As the name states, it starts to relax your ligaments and joints to pave the way for the baby to make an exit. The downside is that a bigger belly can make you feel a bit wobbly and clumsy. 

Your body is growing fast during this time which means that your ligaments and muscles can have a hard time keeping up. All of that can truly do a number on your back and spine. This is why there is prenatal chiropractic care available. It can leave you wondering though, what is it, and is it safe for you and your growing baby. 

What is a prenatal chiropractor? 

Prenatal chiropractors are practitioners trained in the techniques of stretching, applying controlled pressure, and making specific joint manipulations. 

There are many techniques that can be used and your chiropractor should explain each one before they are used. One of the methods specifically developed for pregnant women is called the Webster Technique. It is supposed to ensure that your baby has enough room to move around and it could possibly help turn breech babies. The thought is that if your baby can move around more easily, then they are more likely to end up in the preferred head-down position. 

One big thing that many women find is that a spinal adjustment also eases the tension in the ligaments surrounding the pelvis, which reduces the lower back pain associated with a growing belly. 

Is it safe to go to a chiropractor during pregnancy? 

Before you decide to see a chiropractor, it is often in your best interest to talk to your doctor. Then, you should make sure that any chiropractor you choose is licensed by your state and has been trained specifically to work on pregnant women. 

You will also want to ensure that the person you see has a table that is designed to keep the pressure off your stomach during treatments. Once you are in your third trimester, it is also not a good idea to lie on your back during your chiropractic visit. 

While more research needs to be done, studies have shown that getting adjusted during pregnancy does not increase your risk of miscarriage. 

Benefits of seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy 

Sadly, there is not a lot of research on the benefits of seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy. However, there are many that do see one find that it may reduce a host of pregnancy concerns which include: 

  • Lower back pain
  • Ligament pain 
  • Morning sickness
  • Breech babies
  • Pelvis and sacrum pain 

Many women have found that having an adjustment made their pregnancy easier by reducing the amount of pain they are in. This is why if you have any more questions or concerns about what a Gaithersburg chiropractor can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone like our friends at AmeriWell Clinics for more information today.