Today women have become increasingly concerned about their health during pregnancy. Eating healthy foods as well as avoidance of alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes are to be congratulated. Today’s’ mothers are more aware of how prenatal care effects fetal health. Chiropractic care is an integral part of prenatal care.
During pregnancy a women’s body releases many hormones. One of these is Relaxin which purposely reduces ligament tension. This has the effect of “relaxing” or loosening the ligaments and allowing more movement of the structures to which they are connected. This is necessary because of the many postural changes that occur during pregnancy.
A women’s center of gravity changes due to the increase in weight and the size and position of the fetus. Not only do the ligaments of the spine become relaxed, but so do the ligaments of the pelvis to allow for stretching during delivery. The curve in the lower back increases during pregnancy and may cause back and leg pain.
All of these changes make the spine more flexible and therefore less stable. This can be compounded by an already unstable spine. Since all nervous system control flows through the spine, chiropractic care is a necessity in maintaining proper control of body functions thru spinal health. Many symptoms such as back pain, leg pain and morning sickness can be helped with chiropractic care. Chiropractic care will help to normalize the functions of the nervous system and improve overall health. Optimal functioning of the mother’s body directly influences the proper development of the fetus.
Chiropractic features many different techniques. Modifications to chiropractic techniques and equipment during different the stages of pregnancy make adjustments for pregnant women gentle and comfortable. Many women report that deliveries were shorter and more comfortable than those before chiropractic care. A properly functioning nervous system is an integral part of total health during pregnancy to reduce stress on the spine and pelvis as well as producing healthier infants.
