prenatal chiropractic care

What Does a Prenatal Chiropractor do for Pregnancy?

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Are you pregnant and experiencing discomfort, pain, or even just curious about how chiropractic care can help during pregnancy?

Prenatal chiropractic care is a game-changer for many expecting mothers, providing a comfortable and healthy pregnancy.

Key Takeaways

  • Prenatal chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to reduce pregnancy-related discomforts, balance the pelvis, and enable the baby to move into an optimal birth position.
  • Pregnancy chiropractors use specialized techniques such as the Webster Technique for pain relief and pelvic alignment throughout pregnancy.
  • The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) provides resources and instruction for prenatal/pediatric care while collaborating with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive holistic care for expectant mothers.

The Essence of Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on easing discomfort, enhancing pelvic alignment, and safeguarding the well-being of both mother and baby to facilitate a healthier pregnancy and symptom management. It offers advantages, such as:

  • Balancing the pelvis
  • Decreasing the possibility of uterine torsion
  • Enabling the baby to move into the most suitable birth position
  • Inducing relaxation
  • Providing guidance for complementary therapies

Rest assured, chiropractic care is considered safe throughout pregnancy, with no known contraindications, and can help alleviate common pregnancy-related discomforts such as back pain, sciatica, and joint pain.

Chiropractors accommodate the distinct requirements of pregnant women by leveraging specially-designed tables and techniques that avert unnecessary abdominal pressure.

A pregnant woman dealing with back pain from her pregnancy.

In contrast to regular chiropractic, prenatal chiropractic focuses on the pregnant woman’s pelvis to facilitate pelvic alignment and guarantee ample space for the baby’s growth and inversion in the third trimester.

The Role of Pregnancy Chiropractors

Pregnancy chiropractors which have specialized training, offer care specifically designed for pregnant women.

They use a gentle touch that is safe for both mother and baby while modifying their techniques for comfort and efficacy throughout the duration of the pregnancy.

Prenatal chiropractic care early in pregnancy is recommended, as it facilitates a smoother pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, adjustments during the third trimester may be beneficial for alleviating pain, including neck pain, and promoting pelvic alignment.

A pregnancy chiropractor specializes in mitigating common pregnancy-induced discomforts like back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. By addressing these issues, they help expectant mothers maintain their daily activities with ease and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy experience.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) is an organization that furnishes resources and instruction for chiropractors specializing in prenatal and pediatric care.

The ICPA carries out yearly practice-based research and case study reports that are subject to peer review.

Through this research, the practice of family wellness chiropractic gets represented globally. Their most recent published articles on pregnancy and chiropractic can be accessed through their website.

If you’re in search of a chiropractor with experience in treating pregnant individuals safely, the ICPA database can be used to locate a Webster Certified or ICPA trained chiropractor in your local area. With the right chiropractor, you can trust that you and your baby are in safe and capable hands.

Prenatal Chiropractic Treatment

Prenatal chiropractic treatment includes:

  • Customized adjustments to accommodate the pregnant belly, aiming to offer pain relief and maintain proper pelvic alignment
  • Focusing on the pelvis to ensure it is in proper alignment, as well as any other areas of pain or tension
  • Care is taken to avoid certain pressure points that may trigger discomfort or contractions.

Pregnant women can anticipate that their prenatal chiropractic treatment may vary slightly from conventional adjustments. The treatment may include:

  • The use of a special bolster or pillow to comfortably support the belly away from the table
  • Securing the head, shoulders, hips, and legs with the table
  • Addressing pain and alignment issues without causing any discomfort to the mother or baby

Accommodating the Pregnant Belly

Throughout prenatal chiropractic treatment, chiropractors use special bolsters or pillows to support pregnant patients.

These supports securely hold the pregnant belly off the table while providing a comfortable support for the head, shoulders, hips, and legs on the table. This helps the mother feel at ease and can fully benefit from the chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic tables have different sections that can be individually adjusted in order to make it comfortable for the practitioner to move particular body areas away from the table.

This allows the patient to be positioned exactly where necessary. This design ensures that the expecting mother’s protruding abdomen is well-supported and comfortable, allowing the chiropractor to perform the necessary adjustments without causing any strain or discomfort.

Techniques for Pain Relief and Pelvic Alignment

Chiropractors employ delicate techniques to lessen pain and enhance pelvic alignment during pregnancy.

These techniques focus on addressing common pregnancy-related ailments such as back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. By relieving these discomforts, prenatal chiropractic care can help promote a more comfortable and healthier pregnancy.

The Webster Technique is one method employed by chiropractors. The technique centers around repositioning of the pelvis and giving relaxation to abdominal muscles.

This makes more room for the baby to move into the preferred orientation for labor which allows for an easier and healthier childbirth. 

When to Begin Prenatal Chiropractic Care

You can start prenatal chiropractic care at any pregnancy stage. Establishing a balanced pelvic floor and back prior to pregnancy is the best way to reduce the likelihood of any issues or discomfort during the gestation period.

Although not a prerequisite for labor preparation, chiropractic treatment can be beneficial in relieving common pregnancy-related complications.

Whether you’re in your first trimester or nearing your due date, it’s never too late to start prenatal chiropractic care. The sooner you begin, the more benefits you will have throughout your pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy

Chiropractic care in early pregnancy can assist in preparing the body for a smooth pregnancy and delivery. It’s ideal to start prenatal chiropractic care as soon as possible, preferably in the first trimester.

By starting chiropractic care early in pregnancy, you can help ensure a balanced and well-aligned pelvis, which can lead to fewer complications and discomforts as your pregnancy progresses.

Third Trimester Adjustments

Adjustments in the third trimester can aid in achieving proper pelvic alignment and fetal positioning, contributing to a more comfortable birthing experience.

Recommendations for the third trimester may include using a pillow between the legs or propping up the belly to ease strain while sleeping. Additionally, prenatal chiropractic care can help reduce swelling, pain, and other pregnancy-related issues.

With the baby growing rapidly during the third trimester, it’s essential to maintain proper pelvic alignment and create an optimal environment for delivery. Chiropractic care can help ensure that both mother and baby are in the best possible position for delivery. 

First-Time Chiropractic Patients and Prenatal Care

Even if you’re a first-time chiropractic patient, you can safely undergo prenatal chiropractic care, as a gentle approach is taken for comfort. Evaluating and treating common musculoskeletal symptoms that affect pregnant women is the approach for first-time chiropractic patients and prenatal care.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is considered safe and effective in alleviating:

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Other pregnancy-related issues

If you’ve never visited a chiropractor before, don’t worry! Our chiropractors are qualified to work with pregnant women, and there are no known contraindications to chiropractic care during pregnancy.

So, whether you’re a first-time patient or a regular, prenatal chiropractic care can provide benefits throughout your pregnancy.

The Webster Technique: A Key Component of Prenatal Care

The Webster Technique, which concentrates on pelvic balance and optimal fetal positioning, is a key component of prenatal chiropractic care. This technique involves specific adjustments to the pelvis and sacrum to promote balance and optimal fetal positioning. Developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), this technique has been shown to have an 82% success rate in turning babies in the vertex position when employed by chiropractors.

The Webster Technique is an essential tool for chiropractors working with pregnant patients, as it addresses pelvic balance and ensures that the baby has sufficient space to move into the correct position for labor. This can lead to a smoother and safer delivery for both mother and baby.

How the Webster Technique Works

The Webster Technique entails specific adjustments to the pelvis and sacrum to foster balance and encourage optimal fetal positioning. It is designed to:

  • Realign the pelvis
  • Alleviate muscle tension
  • Provide more space for the baby to move into the correct position for labor
  • Lead to a faster and healthier labor.

By addressing subluxation and improving the pelvis’ ability to adapt, the Webster Technique can significantly reduce the strain of labor and childbirth.

This technique is particularly beneficial for women experiencing a breech presentation, as it can help create the optimal environment for the baby to turn into the correct position for delivery.

 With the Webster Technique, chiropractors can provide targeted care that addresses the unique needs of pregnant women and their developing babies.

Addressing Common Pregnancy Complaints

Prenatal chiropractic care targets common pregnancy issues like pain, swelling, and reflux to enhance overall comfort. Chiropractic adjustments can enhance pelvic floor function and reduce common pregnancy-related ailments such as sciatica, hip pain, low back pain, restless leg, headaches, and mid-back pain.

A pregnant woman dealing with restless legs.

Through targeted adjustments, prenatal chiropractic care can help alleviate these discomforts, promoting overall well-being and improving the quality of life for expectant mothers. By addressing these common issues, chiropractic care can help pregnant women maintain their daily activities with ease and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy experience.

Easing the Discomforts of Pregnancy

During pregnancy, chiropractic care can provide the following benefits:

  • Relief from back pain
  • Improved stability and posture
  • Management of nausea
  • Reduction of pregnancy-related pain throughout the body

By receiving chiropractic care, expectant mothers can enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling pregnancy experience, with healthier pregnancy controlling symptoms.

Chiropractic care is both safe and effective for pregnant women, as chiropractors are trained to work with them. By addressing common pregnancy discomforts, prenatal chiropractic care can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of expectant mothers.

Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals

Prenatal chiropractors work in concert with healthcare professionals like OBs, midwives, and doulas to offer comprehensive care during pregnancy. This collaboration enables a more holistic approach to prenatal care, as healthcare professionals can offer additional services and guidance that the chiropractor may not be able to provide.

By working together, prenatal chiropractors and other healthcare professionals can ensure that expectant mothers receive comprehensive care throughout their pregnancy. This collaboration can minimize the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery, ultimately leading to a smoother and more enjoyable pregnancy experience.

Summary

In conclusion, prenatal chiropractic care offers benefits for pregnant women, addressing common pregnancy complaints, promoting pelvic balance, and ensuring optimal fetal positioning. 

By collaborating with healthcare professionals, prenatal chiropractors provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to prenatal care, ultimately leading to a more comfortable pregnancy experience and a smoother delivery.

If you’re pregnant and considering chiropractic care, don’t hesitate to reach out to Impact Chiropractic. You can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and pave the way for a smooth and safe delivery for both you and your baby.

Chiropractic Care for Baby Positioning

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Chiropractic adjustment on prenatal patient using the webster technique for optimal baby positioning.

Welcoming a new life into the world is a remarkable journey, and at Impact Chiropractic in Loveland, Colorado, we understand the importance of ensuring both mother and baby experience this journey in the healthiest and most comfortable way possible. Our chiropractic care, centered around the renowned Webster technique, aims to create the optimal conditions for a smooth pregnancy, birth process as well to support baby positioning. Join us as we delve into how chiropractic care, specifically the Webster technique, can make a world of difference for expectant mothers and their precious bundles of joy.

The Webster Technique: Enhancing Neurobiomechanical Function

The Webster technique stands as a pillar of our chiropractic care for expectant mothers. This specialized technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment that focuses on the sacral and pelvic regions. By reducing subluxation and addressing any sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, this technique aims to improve neurobiomechanical function within the sacral and pelvic region.

Benefits for Mothers

For mothers-to-be, the Webster technique offers a range of benefits that can transform the pregnancy experience. One of the most notable advantages is the significant reduction in aches and pains commonly associated with pregnancy. The adjustments provided by our certified doctors can alleviate discomfort, contributing to a happier and healthier pregnancy journey. Even allowing for a faster birth process with research showing a reduction in labor times averaging around a third.

Benefits for Babies

Optimal positioning is crucial for the well-being of the developing baby and the ease of the birthing process. The Webster technique plays a pivotal role in achieving this by addressing torsion within the uterus. Imagine the uterus as a space-limited environment, much like a hot air balloon tethered at awkward angles. Our chiropractic care eliminates this torsion, providing the baby with ample room to move and position themselves correctly.

Chiropractic Care for Baby Positioning

The technique’s multifaceted approach involves addressing various aspects of chiropractic care for the ideal baby positioning. By rectifying sacral rotation, we reduce strain on the uterosacral ligament, effectively decreasing torsion within the uterus. Additionally, addressing the hip flexor muscle creates a more symmetrical lower abdominal space, reducing the sensation of crunching on one side and offering the baby a comfortable environment to grow. During pregnancy, the round ligaments that attach to the uterus can become tight and tender, leading to discomfort and stress on the uterus itself. The Webster technique excels at releasing this tension, relieving pain for the mother and promoting optimal space for the baby. This liberation from stress ensures that the uterus is free to accommodate the baby in the best possible way.

The Importance of Timely Care

Early adoption of chiropractic care can be a game-changer for mothers-to-be. Most babies naturally assume a head-down position in the early stages of pregnancy. However, if a baby hasn’t settled into this position by around 32 weeks, it’s an opportune moment to incorporate chiropractic care into the prenatal routine. At Impact Chiropractic in Loveland, Co, our expertise in the Webster technique provides the guidance needed to support a smooth transition for both mother and baby.

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, and at Impact Chiropractic in Loveland, CO, we’re dedicated to enhancing that journey for both mothers and babies. Through our specialized Webster technique, we offer a comprehensive approach to chiropractic care that focuses on achieving optimal positioning and comfort. By reducing aches and pains, addressing torsion, and promoting symmetrical growth, our certified doctors empower expectant mothers to experience a more joyful and healthier pregnancy. Prepare for birth the right way – with chiropractic care that makes an impact. Contact Impact Chiropractic today to embark on a pregnancy journey filled with comfort, happiness, and optimal well-being.

Webster Certified for Prenatal Care: What Does It Mean?

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Our Doctors at Impact Chiropractic are Webster Certified, which means they have specialized in the care of prenatal patients. What sets our doctors apart from others by being Webster Certified?

The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction, as well as work with the soft tissues of the low back and pelvis. In doing so, the neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved. This helps to establish more room in the uterus for baby to develop and move into an optimal position. 

Why is this important for expecting mothers? Because of the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight gain, and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of sacral subluxation and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general population.

The chiropractic adjustment has beneficial effects on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress. Pregnant mothers may see significant improvement in symptoms by having their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, as well as optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.

This certification is not part of the requirements for a typical doctor of chiropractic degree, so our doctors took additional classes and training to become proficient in the art of adjusting prenatal patients. If you are expecting and looking for doctors who have specific training in prenatal care please call and make an appointment today!

Birth Trauma: What Happens In Vagus Doesn’t Stay In Vagus

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The medical definition of birth trauma refers to damage of the tissues and organs of a newly delivered child, often as a result of physical pressure or trauma during childbirth. The term also encompasses the long-term consequences, often of a cognitive nature, of damage to the brain or cranium. Birth trauma can cause cranial nerve injury to branches of both the facial and vagus nerves. Cranial nerve and spinal cord injuries result from hyperextension, traction, and overstretching with simultaneous rotation. Approximately 80% of lesions involve the right side and ~ 10% are bilateral. The right side is most commonly affected due to the majority of doctors being right hand dominant. There are three major causes of birth trauma: Delayed birth, Oxygen Deprivation, and Birth-assisting tools.

prenatal birth trauma chiropractor fort collins

Delayed birth is one of the leading causes of birth injury due to the amount of pressure added to the fetal brain during an extended labor. The human brain was designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure for a certain amount of time. However, labors that last over 18 hours are considered long, difficult labors for both the mother and the baby and at 18 hours, the compression on the brain becomes too much to withstand. This is generally when the baby starts to show signs of fetal distress as the baby’s brain reacts in emergency mode thus elevating the baby’s blood pressure.

Oxygen deprivation is one of the most common reasons for some of the most severe birth injuries and occurs from either external forces (such as a kinked or prolapsed umbilical cord) or from internal forces such as low birth weight or underdeveloped lungs. Almost all brain-related birth injuries are related to oxygen deprivation and the victims can suffer the consequences for any period of time from only a few days to possibly their entire lifetime.

Birth-assisting tools have been commonplace during difficult deliveries for many decades. Although they are certainly beneficial when used appropriately, the percentage of birth injuries associated with these tools, in particular, forceps, has been a cause for concern. A pair of forceps is a birth-assisting tool that is open at the end and placed around the infant’s head to help guide the baby out during the mother’s contractions. The most common reason forceps are used happens when the mother is unable to push the baby out alone during delivery. This can happen for a variety of reasons including maternal exhaustion, a prolonged second stage of delivery, illness or infection, hemorrhage, or when drugs keep the mother from being able to push the baby out successfully. Fetal factors that indicate the use of forceps include a breech delivery or a troublesome reading in the fetal heart tracing. Often these factors (both fetal and maternal) are time-emergent and doctors justify the use of forceps as an emergency dictates. In almost all cases, forceps are not used unless there is a means to perform an emergency cesarean section surgery (C-section) should the use of forceps prove unsuccessful. Forceps deliveries may involve an increased risk of injury to the upper cervical spine and spinal cord. The application and/or misapplication of these and other similar extraction aids can cause upper cervical complications.

Each of these causes for trauma during birth has one alarming thing in common, possible dysfunction of the vagus nerve. Why is the function of the vagus nerve so important? It turns out, what happens in the vagus nerve doesn’t stay in the vagus nerve. The longest of the cranial nerves, the vagus nerve is so named because it “wanders” like a vagabond, sending out fibers from your brainstem to your visceral organs. The vagus nerve is literally the captain of your inner nerve center, the parasympathetic nervous system to be more specific. Like a good captain, it oversees a vast range of crucial functions, communicating nerve impulses to every organ in your body including the heart and lungs. When a baby experiences trauma during the birthing process, the vagus nerve is most commonly affected because it passes through a delicate location in the neck. Therefore the use of forceps, excessive pulling or twisting of the baby as they are birthed can add excessive pulling or torsion to the nerve which can cause lasting problems for the baby. Since the vagus nerve is such a significant piece of the body’s puzzle it is absolutely necessary to make sure that is it able to function properly without any disruption.  Luckily, there is a growing body of research on the positive effects of chiropractic adjustments on sensory processing, motor output, functional performance and sensory-motor integration which are all effects of vagus nerve dysfunction!

To minimize birth trauma for yourself or your baby – make an appointment with us today.

The Importance of Pelvic Floor Control

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Everyone can benefit from having strong pelvic floor muscles, but especially pregnant women.

“The pelvic floor muscles (the Levator Ani muscle complex) are known to have active roles in pregnancy and childbirth, as well as in spinal stabilization. When the pelvic floor muscles are damaged or stressed over time, health issues like incontinence and vaginal prolapses can crop up [1]. We know these are problems with massive emotional, physical, social and financial costs across the world and a significant cause of stress for these women.

prenatal chiropractor fort collins pelvic floor

For a woman in labor, the ability to relax pelvic floor muscles (as well as contract them) to allow the baby to move through the birth canal is incredibly important, especially as the baby crowns. If the woman can’t relax these muscles as the baby moves through, she will tire more quickly and may require more interventions to assist the birthing process [2]. Muscles that cannot relax could also interfere with a birth progressing without interference. In an ideal situation, strong pelvic floor muscles with an ability to relax would better prepare a mother for a natural, vaginal birth.”

Chiropractic care relieves subluxations, or misalignments of the vertebra which cause nerve interference, thus clearing up any miscommunications to the pelvic floor muscles.  Chiropractic adjustments help by giving the patient more control over their pelvic floor muscles, and in pregnancy can make vaginal childbirth easier.  Our doctors are Webster Certified and specialize in prenatal care, helping women become more comfortable during pregnancy, labor and delivery.

For those who aren’t pregnant, strengthening those pelvic floor muscles may mean a decreased risk of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and vaginal prolapse.

The direct quotes above come from the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, you can find the article entirely here.

PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL CARE

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Chiropractic care is important while a woman is pregnant.  Regular care can reduce pain and decrease pregnancy related symptoms, but it is important for optimal growth and development of the baby as well. As chiropractors in Fort Collins, Dr. Elise and Dr. Lara are both Webster certified and love to see mothers throughout their pregnancy.  Although it is extremely important to be checked in pre-natal stages, it is also vital to get checked post-natal.

“During pregnancy, your spine and the soft tissues of your body undergo the most rapid transformation that they will go through in your entire life. The first part of this change happens over a nine-month period, but the second part of this change (the return to previous form) happens more rapidly, as the weight of the baby is suddenly no longer there. Your body is able to integrate these changes with more ease when you receive chiropractic care. In fact, many of the common symptoms during pregnancy, especially neck pain, back pain, headaches and heartburn, are related to the stress on your nervous system from this rapid change. Remember, the spine encases the central nervous system and when it is misaligned, it can put tension on the exiting nerves and decrease normal function. The same goes for the fourth trimester. Your spine is trying to adjust to the absence of the baby in your belly. Chiropractic adjustments aid beautifully in this process to realign your spine and pelvis.

Your spine is also very “soft” at the end of pregnancy. Your body has produced a hormone called relaxin to soften the joints and ligaments and allow for your pelvis to open wide and birth your baby. As you begin to nurse your baby and carry him in your arms, you may find that you feel back pain and headaches again because this softness allows your joints to become misaligned more easily. Once again, chiropractic is an excellent way to restore function and reduce pain and discomfort.”

– The full article can be found at: https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/The-Outer-Womb/the-fourth-trimester-a-guide-to-healthy-postpartum-recovery.html#sthash.0Y69w6VU.dpuf