During the 9 months of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes various changes. The balance and center of gravity change, the pelvis prepares for the arrival of the baby, and the body secretes different hormones.
All of this can cause discomfort or pain. Chiropractic care can help alleviate these issues, but more importantly, it can provide support and serenity to the expectant mother throughout pregnancy.
Here, we will discuss the 5 main changes that occur during pregnancy:
- Increase in relaxin
Relaxin is a hormone secreted during pregnancy that allows the uterus to expand, anticipating the baby’s growth. It causes a change in the collagen present in our tissues, making it more pliable and flexible, particularly in the pelvis, around the joints, and at the level of the uterine cervix. This effect of relaxin on collagen can explain the pain in the sternum and pubic area. It also leads to increased pelvic mobility and a decrease in spinal stability. Since it also increases ligament laxity in the joints, it raises the risk of injuries such as sprains. The increased joint laxity can last up to 6 months after childbirth!
- Expansion of the ribcage
As the fetus grows, it exerts upward pressure. To ensure good air exchange, the ribcage increases in diameter by 2 cm. This change in the ribcage explains the pain in the sternum or gastroesophageal reflux.
- Gestational weight gain
Gaining weight increases pressure on the sacroiliac joints, pelvis, and pubis. Did you know that a 20% weight gain is equivalent to a 100% increase in pressure on the joints?
- Uterine growth
The uterus is attached to the abdomen by ligaments. These ligaments attach, among other things, to the lumbar region. The weight gain in the uterus increases tension in the ligaments. They then pull on the lumbar vertebrae, which can cause lower back pain.
- Postural changes
The baby is growing. The belly and breasts are also growing. The weight gain projects mainly forward, causing a shift in the center of mass forward. To compensate for this, the lumbar and thoracic curvatures become more pronounced. This exerts additional pressure on the intervertebral discs, lumbar spine, and sacrum. This increased lumbar lordosis increases the activity of the iliopsoas muscles, and the piriformis muscle remains in a contracted state, which can lead to sciatic pain. The cervical lordosis also shifts forward and loads both the head and shoulders, which can cause headaches, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, and upper back pain.
How can chiropractic care help during pregnancy?
Through gentle adjustment techniques tailored to the pregnant woman’s stage of pregnancy, chiropractic care helps release the spine from its blockages, reduces muscle tension, facilitates the circulation of information in the nervous system, and ensures the harmony of pelvic movement, essential for a facilitated childbirth.
Misalignments in the pelvic area and imbalances in the uterus can contribute to the development of vertebral subluxations and postural changes. These changes also affect the baby. Pelvic imbalances in the mother create tension on the ligaments, changing the shape of the uterus and providing less space for the baby to grow. Often, this process can alter the way the fetus is positioned in the mother’s womb, such as transverse or breech. A misaligned pelvis can make it difficult for the baby to reach the best possible position for childbirth. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural and non-invasive childbirth.
Of course, a more flexible pelvis can be beneficial during the childbirth process. Women who received prenatal chiropractic care reported a decrease in discomfort during labor and, furthermore, had an easier and safer childbirth. The presentation of the baby’s head is crucial for natural childbirth. Additionally, adjustments during pregnancy help the mother’s nervous system maintain proper communication throughout the body and aid in the baby’s development. The chiropractor’s role is to correct vertebral subluxations, balance the pregnant woman’s pelvis, and help the baby gain more space to grow and develop healthily.
Doctors reported favorable results in relieving limitations that can contribute to the fetus’s poor position, with a 92% success rate using the Webster technique.
Webster Certification
The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic technique that focuses on analyzing and correcting the movement of the sacrum. The purpose of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of subluxation in the sacrum/sacroiliac joint. By doing so, the neurobiomechanical function of the entire pelvis is facilitated. Indeed, a subluxation (blockage) in the sacrum can contribute to labor difficulties, be the cause of uterine dysfunction, pelvic contractions, and a less optimal presentation of the baby for childbirth. Correcting the sacral movement can have a positive effect on all these causes of dystocia.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?
- Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
- Reducing episodes of nausea during the first trimester
- Shortening labor and delivery time
- Alleviating back, neck, and joint pain
- Preventing stress for the newborn both during pregnancy and during childbirth
“Hello Audrey!! I wanted to tell you that Antai was born on the same Wednesday with a wonderful, painless, very fast water birth, and above all, greatly enjoyed. I infinitely appreciate your support in every way, physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
A message from Luna, who received chiropractic care throughout her pregnancy
We want women and families to have a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy. We want these families to have a glorious and triumphant birth experience. We want childbirth to be experienced as it should be: full of joy and empowerment. Chiropractic care is an essential part not only for birth but also of childbirth education, and it has the potential to change birthing as we know it.
Below, you will find more scientific studies on chiropractic care and pregnancy. If you have any questions or need information, we are here for you!
Audrey Jeanneau, Certified Webster Technique Chiropractor
- https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2019/11/11/resolution-of-breastfeeding-difficulties-following-chiropractic-in-a-neonate-with-birth-trauma-plagiocephaly-edema-from-an-asynclitic-presentation-a-case-report/
- https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2019/07/28/trauma-during-pregnancy-resolution-of-hip-pubic-and-low-back-pain-following-chiropractic-care-in-a-pregnant-woman-a-case-study-review-of-the-literature/
- https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2019/05/16/resolution-of-low-back-pain-placenta-previa-following-chiropractic-care-to-reduce-vertebral-subluxation-in-a-pregnant-woman-a-case-report-review-of-literature/
- https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/chiropractic-care-of-a-pregnant-patient-presenting-with-a-history-of-migraine-headaches-hypothyroidism-and-tachycardia/
- https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbac-in-a-pregnant-woman-with-placenta-previa-migraines-neck-back-pain-undergoing-subluxation-centered-chiropractic/
