Everyone knows that chiropractic care can be a great relief to the new mother plagued by back pain after childbirth. But what most people don’t know are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, both for the mother and the unborn child.
1. Some Common Misconceptions
There are many myths about the dangers of chiropractic care during pregnancy. Some of the more common myths concern the discomfort experienced during therapy, awkward spinal positioning during treatment, and undue pressure on the fetus. these myths may discourage pregnant mothers from seeking chiropractic care during their pregnancy, fearing damage to them selves or the baby. It is certain, though, that no licensed and competent chiropractor every did lasting harm to either a mother or her unborn child. It is too bad that these myths are so common, since there are few people who could use chiropractic care more than a new mother in her first pregnancy.
2. The Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
The most obvious effects of chiropractic care during a mother’s pregnancy are the relief of pain in the neck, back, and joints caused by carrying the extra weight of an infant in addition to the demands of supplying both herself and the child with sufficient nutrition. What may not be immediately obvious are other benefits such as relief from morning nausea, because of the central nervous system benefits chiropractic care has. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can also lead to shorter delivery times and less time spent in labor. Regular chiropractic care can also prevent any spinal misalignment or damage caused by the excessive spinal curve many mothers develop from the effort of carrying the weight of the child, especially during the last trimester.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not only safe, but should be actively sought out my mothers who are currently pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. The benefits to the spine, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system are undeniable. Even the relief from back pain common to pregnancy (especially in the later stages) can be of enormous benefit to both the mother and the unborn child in the form of reduced levels of pain-caused stress hormones.