Chiropractic care can aid your pregnancy
At DMC Health we support mothers with a range of safe, effective, and gentle treatment options to reduce pain and support changes to the body during pregnancy and post-natal periods.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide several benefits for expectant mothers. These include:
- Alleviation of back pain: Pregnancy can cause significant strain on the back and spine, leading to pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate this pain by in the spine and pelvis.
- Improved posture: As the baby grows, the centre of gravity shifts, which can cause a pregnant woman to adopt poor posture. Chiropractic care can help correct this through gentle and safe adjustments to the spine to restore proper posture.
- Reduced labour and delivery time: Some research suggests that chiropractic care during pregnancy may help reduce the duration of labour and delivery.
- Pain-free delivery: Chiropractic care may improve the pregnant woman’s comfort and function in the pelvic region during pregnancy and delivery.
- Better adjustment to motherhood: The chiropractic care may help the mother have better balance and general well-being during pregnancy and the post-partum period
Supporting exercise through pregnancy
In addition to the chiropractic care provided at the clinic, our goal is to maintain your activity level as much as possible and empower you towards an active lifestyle. There are several benefits of regular exercise for both the mother and the baby. They include:
- Helps to maintain a healthy weight: Regular exercise can help control weight gain during pregnancy and promote a healthy weight for the baby.
- Improves mood and reduces stress: Pregnancy can be a time of significant emotional and physical changes. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which can help improve mood and reduce stress.
- Reduces the risk of pregnancy-related complications: Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm labour.
- Increases energy levels: Physical activity has been shown to increase energy levels, which can be especially beneficial during the later stages of pregnancy when fatigue is common.
- Improves sleep: Regular physical activity can also improve sleep quality, which can be a challenge during pregnancy.
- It can prepare the body for labour and delivery: Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles used during delivery, which can make the labour and delivery process easier.
It’s important to note that while chiropractic care and exercise may be safe and beneficial for many pregnant women, it’s important to consult with your OB-GYN and your chiropractor to determine if it’s appropriate for your specific needs. Get in touch with the clinic today to discuss how chiropractic care may help you.
References
Weis, C. A., Pohlman, K., Draper, C., Stuber, K., & Hawk, C. (2020). Chiropractic care for adults with pregnancy-related low back, pelvic girdle pain, or combination pain: A systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 43(7), 714-731.
Van Kampen, M., Devoogdt, N., De Groef, A., Gielen, A., & Geraerts, I. (2015). The efficacy of physiotherapy for the prevention and treatment of prenatal symptoms: a systematic review. International urogynecology journal, 26(11), 1575-1586.
About the Author
David McNaughton is a clinician and a researcher. He is the director and principal chiropractor at DMC Health & Wellness. He has an extensive background in the diagnosis and management of chronic pain. In addition to his clinical studies, David holds a Master’s of Research and PhD in Psychology. He regularly publishes his research in peer reviewed medical and psychology journals. David has taught both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Chiropractic and Psychology at Macquarie University.
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