Congratulations Mom!
The miracle of life is an amazing experience. Excitement mounts as the first pink indicator appears. In one whole breath you can experience the elation of being pregnant and scared all at the same time. Ahh, breath easy their is a natural and wonderful way to keep both you and your little bundle on board happy, healthy, and prepared for a safe delivery.
The Budding Belly
As your belly grows and the weight begins to get heavier and shift positions, it is not uncommon to begin to experience pains. As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain or sciatic pain at some point during their pregnancies. This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, legs, and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. For those who already suffer from low back pain, the problem can become even worse.
The Safe Natural Solution
Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is safe throughout your pregnancy for you and your unborn child and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain. Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice to help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state to prevent muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort, and shoulder problems. By ensuring that your pelvis is in correct alignment, less stress and pressure is placed on your spine, you can harvest the results of a shorter labor time!
For Your Health,
Dr. Wendy Lanser, DC