When Should You Start Seeing a Chiropractor During Pregnancy?

Aches and pains during pregnancy are part of the entire experience. About 50 percent of pregnant women experience pain in the back and hips at some point in their pregnancy. Supporting the extra weight puts pressure on the lower back, and it gets uncomfortable before the woman delivers. Fortunately, chiropractic care can reduce discomfort. It is important to find out when you should see a chiropractor during your pregnancy. 

 

Safety of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive therapy. It corrects misaligned joints maintains the spinal column. There is no surgery or drugs involved. Physical therapy helps reduce stress to the spinal nerve, promoting health throughout the entire body. 

 

Chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy. However, special circumstances can make it unhealthy for pregnant women. Hence, you should consult your doctor before visiting a chiropractor while pregnant.

 

When You Should See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy

Most women wonder about the right time to start seeing a chiropractor when they are pregnant. If you are considering chiropractic care, speak to your doctor before making the appointment. 

 

While some people recommend waiting until after the first trimester, chiropractic care is safe at any point of the pregnancy. As long as your doctor gives the go-ahead, you can visit a chiropractor during your pregnancy. Your doctor will help determine whether the therapy is safe for you and your baby.

 

When a Pregnant Woman Should Avoid Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is not for all pregnant women. A woman should avoid it if she is experiencing any of the following: 

 

• An ectopic pregnancy
  
   

• Vaginal bleeding
  
   

• Cramping
  
   

• Placenta abruption
  
   

• Premature labor
  
   

• Moderate to severe toxemia
  
   

Licensed chiropractors generally receive training in handling pregnancy. However, some chiropractors specialize in prenatal care. 

 

How Chiropractic Care Helps During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman will experience physical and hormonal changes that affect posture and comfort. As the baby grows and becomes heavier, there is a shift in the center of gravity, affecting the woman’s posture. 

 

The physical changes can cause misalignment of the joints in the spine. Another change that occurs during pregnancy is an increased curve of the back. This is the result of the protruding belly. There are changes to the pelvis that occur as the body prepares for labor and adaptations to the posture. A chiropractor can address these issues. 

 

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Studies show that most pregnant women who receive chiropractic care experience pain relief. The adjustments help re-establish alignments and balance. Chiropractic care is beneficial for both mother and baby. When adjusting a pregnant woman, the chiropractor uses a special table that effectively accommodates the growing belly. Chiropractors must use techniques that do not put pressure on the woman’s abdomen. 

 

Apart from managing pain in the joints, back and hips, chiropractic care will help establish pelvic balance. The care can result in easier and faster labor and delivery.


 

To learn more about when to see a chiropractor during pregnancy, visit Frame Chiropractic & Acupuncture at our office in Toledo, Ohio. You can call (419) 573-0077 today to schedule an appointment.