Chiropractic Articles

The Joy of Pregnancy

Anticipating the birth of a child is a time filled with emotion, excitement and joy. A woman's body will undergo a series of remarkable changes during pregnancy. Some of the changes will ease the physical strain of childbirth, while others will cause pain and discomfort. It is important to understand that pregnancy is designed to be the healthiest time in a woman's life, the natural occurrence that should not cause any undue stress or trauma. That is not always the case.

In the later months, when weight gain is increasing, the expansion of the abdomen creates a tremendous pulling effect on the spinal column and pelvis. At this point there is a greater tendency for lower back pain, muscle tension, changes in center of gravity and stability. These spinal misalignments are referred to as vertebral subluxations. Subluxations interfere with normal nerve flow impulses and therefore, alter the function of muscles, glands, and vital organs of the body.

There are so many things to worry about while you're pregnant. Subluxations should not be one of them. A doctor of chiropractic can help to ensure that the spinal column, pelvis, and related structures are balanced, moving easily and free of spinal nerve stress by evaluating the level of subluxation and gently moving the spinal vertebra back into a normal position.

Besides helping to relieve the discomfort many expectant mothers' experience, chiropractic care helps to normalize nervous system function. This is an important component of overall good health.

It has been my experience that women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy have less incidents of morning sickness, reduce their pain levels, deliver full-term healthier babies, and have an easier and shorter labor time. Properly educated pregnant patients can experience a greater level of comfort, health, and vitality with chiropractic care.

The complaint of lower back pain in pregnant women is not new. In fact, it is the second most common elements next to nausea. An increase in the lower back curve cause by weight gain is the main culprit. Also, during pregnancy, the entire pelvic region experiences tremendous fluidity of movements due to hormonal changes. This "relaxation" of the muscles and ligaments surrounding the pelvis combined with the extra weight creates pressure on the vertebrae of the lower spine. This often causes a subluxation or misalignment of the vertebrae, which can result in irritability and pain in the lower back, buttocks and down the leg. Some women who had a history of back problems prior to pregnancy will actually benefit from the hormonal affects of relaxation and experience less pain during pregnancy.

Lower back pain is the main reason many pregnant women decide to see a chiropractor. But it should not be the only reason. Other conditions often associated with pregnancy can be helped with chiropractic care:

Bell's palsy: a general paralysis that usually affects one side of the face. The cheek muscles are most commonly affected, but it may involve all parts of the face, from the brow to the chin. A common cause of Bell's palsy is a subluxation in the cervical spine (neck), the result of changes that occurred during pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments will help this condition heal quickly and more completely.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: 1/5 of all pregnant women complaint of pain in hand. Most have carpal tunnel syndrome, defined as compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrists. While the numbness and pain are observed in the wrist, a misalignment of the cervical spine is usually the cause of the irritation. Again, subluxations play a major role in the formation of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially during pregnancy.
Headaches: the majority of women will complain of headaches at some time during their pregnancy. Most are tension type headaches and our subluxation in induced. 90 percent of all headaches are the result of spinal problems. Chiropractors can help alleviate the pain without medication. This approach is safer for both mother and baby.
General well-being: every tissue and organ of the body is connected to and controlled by the nerves from the spinal cord and brain. The role of a chiropractor, especially during pregnancy, is to prevent any interference to the flow of nerve energy that could cause a disturbance of delicate bodily functions.

Most Important

Chiropractic will help balance your body chemistry. The Mother's body chemistry is vital during pregnancy it controls the development and growth of the new baby. It will allow the pregnancy to follow its natural course. I cannot stress enough the vital importance of balanced body hormones (chemistry). This will allow for a healthy pregnancy.

Chiropractors work with mothers-to-be in various stages of their pregnancy. The first visit should be within the first trimester if not before you get pregnant, at which time a frank discussion on eating habits, posture and lifestyle is discussed. A thorough spinal examination is important to detect any problems, which could be aggravated by the pregnancy, spinal adjustments performed by a chiropractor or can relieve pain and discomfort at any time during a pregnancy.

Chiropractic care tends to make the delivery process easier for both mother and child.

Regular spinal adjustments during pregnancy may help decrease the intensity of morning sickness, help reduce lower back pain, and tend to make the entire delivery process easier and less traumatic for both mother and child.

By paying attention to diet, exercise and the mobility of the spine and pelvis, a woman can affect the course of her own pregnancy. With the help of a chiropractor or she is able to enhance the mechanics of her body, keeping it functional and ready for labor. Chiropractic care will not only ease some of the pain and discomfort associated with being pregnant, but it can make a pregnancy the pleasant experience it was meant to be.

Dr. Fisher will be happy to answer any questions at (775) 337-0184. He has been in private practice for more than a two years.

-- by Dr. Cliff Fisher