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Chiropractic during pregnancy. Should we? Shouldn’t we? We asked an expert!
Guest blog by Dr. Andrea
Pregnancy is a very exciting time in a woman’s life but also can be quite stressful in many ways. Chiropractic during pregnancy can help. Chiropractic is a non-invasive, natural way to keep our bodies functioning optimally.
Each of us have a spine which is made up of 24 moveable bones called vertebrae, plus the sacrum, pelvis, and skull. These bones act as protectors of the most important system of our body, the nervous system. It’s most important because its the way our body communicates with itself. Here’s how… The brain sends a signal down the spinal cord, through a nerve, and then exits out between the vertebrae. If a vertebra cannot move properly and becomes misaligned this is known as a Vertebral Subluxation. A subluxation will interfere with the messages being sent from the brain to the body, slowing it down, thereby decreasing the body’s ability to function optimally. A Doctor of Chiropractic detects these subluxations in the spine, and, with a chiropractic adjustment, takes pressure off the nerves allowing nerve flow to be restored.
Changes that happen during pregnancy:
Pregnancy can be pretty rough on the body, especially as the baby grows and gets heavier. Back pain is common because as the belly expands there comes with it changes to posture as well as the spinal curvatures. As the pelvis tilts forward it puts a strain on the low back, which can create low back and hip pain. Breasts will increase in size, putting stress on the neck and shoulders by pulling them forward. This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and hands. Relaxin is a hormone that helps loosen and relax muscles, ligaments, and joints; this creates the “pregnant waddle” walk. The uterus will increase to over 300 times its normal size, which can create discomfort in the ribcage, pelvis and abdominals.
Chiropractic during pregnancy:
Regular chiropractic adjustments can maintain proper pelvic balance and alignment, providing room for baby to grow and also helps to get them into the best position for delivery. Research studies have found that women who receive chiropractic care during their pregnancy typically have a faster labor and delivery. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help to create a healthier in-utero environment for the newborn, helping them to get a better start at life.
Dr. Andrea Fontaine-Schiller has been a Chiropractor for 13 years and owns All About Life ~ A Family Chiropractic Center, which is a home-based practice. She is the mother of Sophie and Greyson, both of whom were born at home. She is driven by the innate intelligence of the human body and it is her goal to awaken others to the power within and their own ability to express their OPTIMAL health and potential. She strives to empower others, by letting them know they have a voice in their health and wellness. “The power that made the body heals the body; it happens no other way.” ~BJ Palmer
Connect with Dr. Andrea for more advice or hands on support:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drandreaRI
E-mail: RIchiropractor@gmail.com
