CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby.

The following changes can result in a misaligned spine or joints:

• Protruding abdomen and increased back curve
• Pelvic changes
• Postural adaptations

Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy.

When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint.  A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. Breech and posterior positions can interfere with the natural ease of labor and lead to interventions such as c-sections. By balancing the pelvis we are able to make space for baby to get in their ideal position for delivery.

The nervous system is the master communication system to all the body systems including the reproductive system. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively.

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THE WEBSTER TECHNIQUE

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. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment to a woman’s pelvic region which reduces the interference to the nervous system and creates balance in the pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. By reducing nervous system interference, improved function of the pelvic muscles and ligaments lead to the reduction of constraint in the woman’s uterus, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.

The Webster Technique is used when a misaligned pelvis causes the tightening and torsion of specific pelvis muscles and ligaments. It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their constraining effect on the uterus, which prevents the baby from achieving the best possible position for birth.

At the time of your fist visit, the doctor will talk to you about your pregnancy and any concerns. You will then be assessed for the Webster Technique. You will lay face down on the chiropractic table which releases for your belly. While you are face down, the doctor will flex your legs up to your buttocks which helps to identify which side of the pelvis needs to be adjusted. The adjustment will be delivered by using Drop Table Technique where the lower part of the table is raised one inch and when the adjustment is made by the doctor the table will drop one inch to accentuate the gentle force the doctor uses. After the adjustment is delivered the doctor will check the leg length again. At this point some very mild muscle work to release the sacral ligaments is performed by holding pressure on the sacrotubercle ligament. Next you will flip over face up and the doctor will assess for round ligament tenderness and tightness. Corrections are done by using very minimal pressure to release the tension on the ligament.

We encourage patients to start treatment as soon as they become pregnant. This will help to keep the pelvis aligned properly while the body is changing due to the growth of the baby. We also recommend that you bring a significant other who will be with you during the birth as we will show them gentle massage techniques to do while you are in labor.

Establishing a good “home” for your future baby is important. Fertility issues are on the rise. With the help of chiropractic, acupuncture and nutritional recommendations, I will make sure your body is as healthy as it can be before you have your baby.