What Types of Pregnancy-Related Issues Can Chiropractic Care Address?

Pregnancy brings joy and excitement. Yet, it can also cause aches and pains. Your body undergoes major changes to make room for your growing baby. These changes can lead to discomfort, but chiropractic care might help. This is how chiropractors can support you during pregnancy.
 

Back Pain

As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts. This change can put extra stress on your lower back. Many pregnant women experience back pain, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments can help align your spine and pelvis, potentially easing that nagging backache.
 

Sciatica

Do you feel a shooting pain down your leg during pregnancy? That might be sciatica. As your uterus expands, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your lower back, buttocks, and legs.
 

Chiropractic care can help ensure your spine and pelvis are properly aligned. This alignment might reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, giving you some relief from that annoying leg pain.
 

Pelvic Pain

Some pregnant women experience pain in the front of their pelvis. Doctors call this condition symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).
 

Chiropractors can use gentle techniques to help balance the pelvis and reduce this pain. They might also suggest exercises or stretches to help manage SPD symptoms at home.
 

Round Ligament Pain

As your uterus grows, the ligaments supporting it stretch. This stretching can cause a sharp pain or dull ache in your lower abdomen or groin area. This is round ligament pain, and it is pretty common during pregnancy.
 

A chiropractor can help ensure your pelvis is aligned properly. When everything is in the right place, it can reduce strain on these ligaments, potentially easing your pain.
 

Nausea

Morning sickness is a common pregnancy woe. While chiropractic care is not typically the first treatment that comes to mind, some women find it helpful. The theory is that adjustments to the upper part of the spine might help reduce nausea.
 

Headaches

Hormonal changes, poor posture, and tension can all lead to headaches during pregnancy. Chiropractic care might help by improving spinal alignment and reducing muscle tension, potentially easing those annoying headaches.
 

Sleep Issues

Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be tough when you are pregnant. Chiropractic adjustments might help improve your sleep by reducing pain and discomfort. Some chiropractors offer advice on sleeping positions and pillow arrangements to support your changing body.
 

Preparing for Labor

Some women use chiropractic care to help prepare their bodies for labor. The idea is that a well-aligned pelvis might make it easier for the baby to move through the birth canal. While there is no guarantee, some women swear by it.
 

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Generally, experts consider this treatment safe during pregnancy. However, it is best to see a chiropractor trained in prenatal care. These specialists use techniques and equipment designed for pregnant women.
 

What to Expect at a Prenatal Chiropractic Visit

• Health history review.
• Discussion of your current symptoms.
• Physical exam.
• Gentle adjustments using pregnancy-friendly techniques.
• Advice on exercises or stretches you can do at home.

The chiropractor will use special tables and pillows to keep you comfortable during the treatment. They will also avoid putting pressure on your abdomen.
 

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can come with its fair share of discomfort. Chiropractic care offers a drug-free option to address many common pregnancy-related issues. From back pain to breech presentation, chiropractors can provide support throughout your pregnancy.
 

For more on chiropractic care during pregnancy, visit Capital Sports Injury Center at our Silver Springs, Maryland, office. Call (301) 585-3200 to schedule an appointment today.
 

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/chiropractor-while-pregnant

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/