Chiropractic Help for Expectant Mothers
By Sara Butler
You have a bun in the oven – congratulations! Your body is in for some big changes over the next several months. The real question is: Are you ready? With the help of the chiropractors at The Joint, you can help your body to stay healthy during your pregnancy -- and reduce discomfort while you’re at it! Here’s what you should expect from the next several months and some practical chiropractic tips to help make it easier on you.
What Changes?
You know your abdomen will grow over the next several months and that really shifts things around. During pregnancy, your entire center of gravity shifts forward, creating strains and stress on parts of the body that may not be used to supporting quite so much. Low back pain is incredibly common during pregnancy, as is hip pain, leg pain, and even shoulder pain. Your pregnancy hormones help by loosening the ligaments throughout the body to allow for growth, but even with these natural support mechanisms, a growing baby can produce postural changes that can be a real pain.
What You Can Do
The American Chiropractic Association has some practical tips to help you get through your pregnancy. Always make sure before doing anything new that you check with your doctor, but once you have a green light you can reduce pain and discomfort by:
- Exercise – Safe exercise during your pregnancy can help you to feel better. Aim for gentle exercise as least three days a week and include some stretching in there, too! Walking, stationary cycling, and swimming are great ways to get activity in. Avoid anything that bounces or jerks you around.
- Dress appropriately – You can be fashionable during pregnancy, but you’ll feel better in flat shoes that help to support the arches of the foot as well as provide a cushion to absorb shock.
- Careful when lifting – If you have other children, you’ll likely pick them up. Make sure to bend at the knees and not the back when lifting anything. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Rest – You’re creating another human being here and that’s no small feat! Make sure you allow for plenty of rest. Take a nap if you’re tired or elevate your feet when you need a break.
Make sure you continue to see your chiropractor throughout your pregnancy for regular visits. They can help to makes the aches and pains associated with your growing belly a bit more tolerable and keep an eye on your posture and spine to ensure they continue to be as healthy as possible.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.
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