At chiropractic school, students all receive special training on adjusting pregnant women. This is because pregnant women, although in a more delicate condition, can receive a number of great benefits from chiropractic care. Women who are looking for holistic care from their doctors can receive both prenatal and postnatal care and take advantage of a number of great benefits, with hardly any risks for side effects.
While all chiropractors are trained to adjust pregnant women, there are some doctors that receive even further training to become specialists in this field. Pregnant women who are interested in seeking advice from one of these individuals, look for chiropractors who have the following certifications through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association): CACCP, DACCP, Member of the ICPA, Webster Certified. These are certifications that specifically have to do with pregnancy care.
No matter what chiropractor you visit for care during your pregnancy, there are a number of benefits that any pregnant woman can take advantage of while she is under this type of care.
Restoring Pelvic Balance
Pregnant women often have issues with their pelvic balance. Many women experience pelvic changes during their pregnancy. When the pelvis is not in line, it can restrict the amount of room that the developing baby has. Chiropractors can adjust the pelvic to prevent this issue, also known as intrauterine constraint. This can help lessen the chances of having breeched babies or needing a cesarean delivery.
Restoring Poor Posture
Many women have issues with back pain during pregnancy due to the extra weight they must carry in the front of their body. The protruding abdomen can increase the curve in the back and cause pain and posture issues. Chiropractors can restore proper posture, and prevent the stress of pregnancy on the body from causing long-term pain and posture issues.
Controlling Pregnancy Symptoms
Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with pregnancy. Regular chiropractic care can help women maintain their health during pregnancy, relieve joint and neck pain and control the symptoms of nausea.
Reducing Labor and Delivery Time
Since women who receive regular chiropractic care are taking care of their nervous system, many have found their bodies are better prepared to handle the childbirth process. When the nervous system is working properly, the whole body is working as it should be. With this in mind, many women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy have shorter labor and delivery times.
The body undergoes a number of changes during pregnancy. This can leave any woman feeling uncomfortable as her body handles the physical and hormonal changes that pregnancy brings. Of course, many women are also worried about the health and safety of their baby during this important developmental time. In order to take the best care possible of both mom and baby, it is important to take care of the body with regular chiropractic care.
Chiropractors are highly trained to gently provide adjustments for women who are pregnant. Many chiropractors not only have special techniques to help keep moms safe and comfortable during adjustments, but tools such as pregnancy pillows to help them as well. Pregnant moms who take the time to visit a chiropractor during their pregnancy will find that their overall pregnancy can be more comfortable and enjoyable as they keep their bodies — and their babies — healthy.