Numerous scientific studies affirm that chiropractic care significantly contributes to the well-being of both mothers and their babies. By addressing vertebral blockages, the body is relieved of mechanical tension and strain, allowing for optimal movement. Chiropractic adjustments*, among other benefits, stimulate the release of chemical messengers such as endorphins and dopamine, positively impacting hormonal well-being. Scientific evidence further indicates that chiropractic interventions have a substantial influence on stress reduction, increased energy levels, enhanced concentration, and improved overall quality of life. So let us take a closer look at how chirpractic care can help you during your pregnancy.
An easier birth…
Approximately 50% of pregnant women suffer from back pain, primarily affecting the lower back and pelvis, which is where the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints are located.³ Here chiropractic treatment can provide highly effective care for both the mother and her unborn baby.¹¹ Regular adjustments of the nervous system can contribute to a less stressful and easier birth.
Chiropractic care can even shorten labour time. Research by Dr. J. Fallon shows that the study’s group of first-time mothers experienced a 24% reduction in labor duration, while multiple birth mothers (those who have given birth before) had a 39% shorter labor compared to the average.¹²
Another study by Freitag P. focussed on the inclusion of chiropractic care in a hospital setting. The study found that prenatal adjustment of the nervous system, i.e. chiropractic care, allowed for a 50% reduction in pain medication during labour.¹³
…and relief from back pain.
Chiropractic therapy can effectively balance the woman’s pelvis, helping to prevent or alleviate back pain. Additionally, it creates ample space in the uterus, which has great benefits for the baby’s freedom of movement and growth.
A well-functioning nervous system can spare both mother and child from certain complications during pregnancy.² Complaints such as nausea, heartburn, respiratory and digestive issues, hemorrhoids, or increased urination, often considered “normal” pregnancy-related symptoms, can be specifically addressed through targeted thoracic and lumbar spine treatments, positively impacting the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, bones, soft tissue) and organ functionality.
Our pregnancy pillow also allows women to comfortably lie on their stomachs during chiropractic treatment.
(IMAGE of the preg pillow)
Common complications…
…that I observe in pregnant women include severe back or symphysis pain (pubic bone), limiting mobility when walking, sitting, and even lying down. Due to the severe pain, a relieving posture or an unwillingness to move sufficiently often arises. However, regular exercise and gentle training are crucial, especially from the fourth month onward.²¹
Pregnancy fitness // Birth Fitness
From the fourth month onwards, it is particularly important to continue doing moderate exercise. Natural childbirth can be compared to a marathon and who starts a marathon without preparing extensively in the months leading up to it? Probably no one. Pregnancy doesn’t have to be a passive process. As with running a marathon, it is the “many, but less intensive training sessions” that are important when preparing for labour and not the “few, but very intensive training sessions”.
- No studies have demonstrated a correlation between terminated pregnancies and ongoing engagement in physical activities. Regardless, it is understandable that mothers develop a protective instinct as soon as they are pregnant. Yoga for pregnant women, swimming, and brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day are ideal activities.
Pregnancy yoga helps build strength and flexibility, which can make different positions and “pushing” during labor much easier. - Brisk walking, a cost-free and natural form of exercise, prepares the cervix excellently for labor with each step, ensuring the unborn baby assumes the correct position in the pelvis.
- Swimming provides gentle rocking for the baby and optimizes its position in the uterus. Additionally, it offers a sensation of weightlessness, which is a real blessing during pregnancy. (Caution: There are health concerns about chlorine in the pool during the first three months; swimming in non-chlorinated water is preferable. Limit swimming in chlorinated pools to a maximum of once a week.)
Contraindications:
If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary heart disease, vaginal bleeding, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), cervical insufficiency, previous preterm births, anemia, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, thyroid diseases, or either you or your baby experience other complications during pregnancy, please discuss your tailored exercise program individually with your trusted obstetrician, gynecologist or chiropractor.
Generally, in my practice, I attend to individuals dealing with acute concerns or those proactively seeking preventive healthcare. A significant portion of my further education, which I pursue consistently, is dedicated to treatments for pregnant women, children, and infants. I am deeply interested in these areas and, in the case of pregnancy, I am helping TWO individuals simultaneously, which aligns with my belief that an optimal start to life begins in the mother’s womb. Stay tuned for more information on chiropractic care for pregnancy and infants.
* A term frequently used by chiropractors, referring to the alignment of the nervous system through gentle manual therapy on joint blockages.
References:
¹ Campbell CJ, et al. Surrogate Indication of DNA Repair in Serum After Long Term Chiropractic Intervention – A retrospective study. http://www.expressfullhealthpotential.com/uploads/3/1/8/2/31829261/surrogate_indication_of_dna_repair_in_serum_in_long_term_chiro_care.pdf
² Dr Barham-Floreani J, Well Adjusted Babies – Book (page 73).
³ Berg G. et al. Low Back Pain during Pregnancy – Obstet Gynecol
¹¹ Borggren C.L. Pregnancy and Chiropractic: A narrative Review of literature. 2007
¹² Fallon, Joan. “The effect of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labor: a comprehensive study.” Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic (1991): 24-31. no link available
¹³ Freitag P. Expert testimony of P Freitag MD PhD., comparing results of two neighboring hospitals. May 1987
²¹ Dr Motha G. et al. Gentle Birth Method – Month by Month programme to help you: carry your baby to full term, have a shorter, easier labour, feel happy, confident and in control. Book. 2004
Author: Patricia Peer
