Chiropractic Treatment for Pregnant Woman

It is a general misconception that chiropractic treatment for pregnant womenc can be dangerous. However, many recent studies have proved that chiropractic treatment is not only good for expectant mother but is also highly beneficial for the baby in the womb.

A pregnant woman goes through various physical, hormonal and neurological changes as the baby grows in her womb. With so many changes and growing weight, it has profound effects on the mother’s posture. The location of baby in the front abdomen area, breast enlargement and pressure on pregnant women’s hips, legs and back significantly changes her center of gravity so her upper body has to lean back to compensate. This puts a lot of stress on her spine and might result in low back pain.

Chiropractic treatment can make all this less traumatic for pregnant women and the baby. The area of physical stress for a pregnant mother such as lower back, pelvis, spine and hips are the area of expertise for a chiropractic expert. However, the regular chiropractic method used by the doctor has to be modified to fit with the unique physical condition of a pregnant woman. Ligaments present in a pregnant woman are softer and hence the chiropractor has to use less force.

Most of the pregnant women who has gone through chiropractic treatment have confirmed that seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy for spinal alignment have significantly eased their lower back. Research shows that chiropractic care during pregnancy shortens the labor time by almost 30%. Apart from these benefits, seeing a chiropractor> during pregnancy can have life long benefits for mother as well as the child.

Author: Dr. Steven Read is a 1988 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. He has been practicing in Jacksonville, FL for over 20 years. He is the clinic director for Ortega Chiropractic and Medical Rehab.