Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women
By Janin Hendry
Pregnancy is something many women experience. The anticipation of that first smile and the little moments of joy as the child grows older are irreplaceable. But pregnancy problems and complaints are difficult to manage and often take a toll on your body.
How Does Your Body Change?
A growing baby takes up room in your body and puts it under considerable stress. You are aware of moments and growing pains and back pain, and neck strain as you get further along. There are several things you will notice as you get close to your due date.
Back pain - Back pain is the most common complaint among pregnant women. As your baby grows, it puts more strain on your lower back along with your internal organs. You will also notice greater difficulty with doing things like standing straight or turning.
Hip pain - Your body is getting ready to deliver a baby from the first weeks of pregnancy. The result is spreading hips and pelvis to make this possible. The changes to your hips and lower body do not come without pains and discomforts.
Neck pain - Neck pain develops from moving around in uncomfortable positions. Your body is being pulled forward, making it harder to straighten up and put more strain on your neck.
General aches - Pregnancy pains can be anything from sudden spasms in your arms and legs to swollen joints.
How Can a Chiropractor Help With Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care can leave your doctor's office when you start to feel greater amounts of discomfort. A happy, healthy pregnancy is possible when you try to care for your body as it changes by taking steps to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Manual therapy - Manual therapy can be care manipulations to your spine to help with back, hip, and neck pain. It can also include spot treatment from aching joints and sore limbs to slight pelvis adjustments.
Relaxation - Visiting a chiropractor can be relaxing. You and your body are under considerable strain, and personal attention and pain reduction can improve your mood and help you relax.
Sleep improvement - Sleeping becomes a challenge as your body becomes more uncomfortable. Visiting a chiropractor can help you to find a measure of relief from physical discomfort and help you learn more about how you can sleep as your body changes.
Final Thoughts
Preparing to expand your family can be one of the greatest things a lot of women do. They go through serious pains and emotional upheavals, and visiting a chiropractor can help make the process more comfortable. The benefits extend beyond the pregnancy into faster recovery times and improved emotional stability.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic Clinic in Pico Rivera, Calif.