Childbirth Choices :: Complementary Care
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine | CranioSacral Therapy | Chiropractic | Therapeutic Massage
Chiropractic care can be an integral part of a woman’s prenatal and postpartum care. It can alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms arising from the muscular, ligamentous and biomechanical stresses typical during pregnancy. Doctors of Chiropractic work to correct spinal, pelvic and cranial misalignments (subluxations). Misalignments in these areas create imbalances in the surrounding muscles and ligaments and manifest themselves in a variety of ways that result in nervous system stresses affecting the body's ability to function optimally.The potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
•
Releases imbalances and optimizes pelvic biomechanics in preparation
for safer, easier births
• Relief for back, neck or joint pain
• Decreased pulling and pubic symphysis pains
• Relief for nerve irritations (numbness, sciatica, etc.)
• Optimized health benefits for both the mother and baby
• Increased ability to stay active and mobile throughout the postural changes of pregnancy
According
to current research studies, 84% of patients receiving spinal
manipulations during pregnancy reported relief of back pain and
discomfort during pregnancy. In addtion, first time Moms averaged a 24%
decrease in shorter labor, while multiparous Moms experienced a 39%
reduction in average labor lengths (Fallon, 1991).• Relief for back, neck or joint pain
• Decreased pulling and pubic symphysis pains
• Relief for nerve irritations (numbness, sciatica, etc.)
• Optimized health benefits for both the mother and baby
• Increased ability to stay active and mobile throughout the postural changes of pregnancy
What can I expect?
If you are seeing a chiropractor for the first time, you may want to look for a practitioner who specializes in providing care for women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Although all chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant, many have advanced training in the care of pregnant women. Spinal adjustments can be particularly gentle during pregnancy and postpartum, since natural hormonal shifts render the ligaments softer and more relaxed. These adjustments are made using tables or pillows that adjust to a pregnant woman’s body, utilizing positions and techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen. The frequency of care during pregnancy can vary for a number of reasons with the proper regularity determined by your care provider. Most insurance companies cover some of the cost of chiropractic care. Be sure to check with your insurance company to understand the benefits available under your plan.
What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been a high reported success rate of the baby turning to the normal vertex position. This technique has been successfully used in women whose babies present transverse (side-lying) and posterior (face, or "sunny-side" up) as well. The Webster Technique provides a gentle alternative, which can sometimes prevent the need for a version or a cesarean. A chiropractor trained in this technique does not try to turn the baby; rather, the technique relies on gentle maneuvers to relieve tensions in a pregnant woman’s musculoskeletal system. At no time should this technique be interpreted as an obstetric, "breech turning" technique.
What other things should I consider?
A lack of awareness and potential misinformation about chiropractic care may cause some skepticism from outside the complimentary care community. Outside views have questioned the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments, their scientific basis, and the potential risks in subsets of patients. But, research studies on chiropractic care are ongoing, particularly in the area of understanding what happens in the body, cells, and nerves when specific chiropractic treatments are given. The results are expanding the understanding of chiropractic care.
There are also different "schools of thought" among the chiropractic community, so different chiropractors may have different treatment methods or techniques based upon their schooling. Before choosing a chiropractor, it is a good idea to inquire about his or her specific techniques and training, such as training in the Webster technique previously mentioned.
Careful considerations will be addressed by the doctor regarding treatment options such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound and/or x-ray regarding the safety and effectiveness for the pregnant woman. As with any healthcare treatment, there can be side effects ranging from mild to more severe, with the most common side effects of treatment being temporary discomfort in parts of the body that were treated, headache, or tiredness. These mild effects tend to be minor and to resolve within 1 to 2 days.
For pregnancies involving complications or higher risks, a conversation between the chiropractor and the prenatal care provider can help determine if chiropractic treatment would be appropriate. Chiropractic care should always be performed with the knowledge of the current treatment, medication and care you are receiving from traditional medicine.
For more information on chiropractic care during pregnancy, read Jeanne Ohm’s article, Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy for Safer, Easier Births, or visit the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association’s website.
Several local chiropractors are members of the Triangle Birth Network, and have advanced training in working with pregnant women. For a list of these members and their and contact information, visit the chiropractic care provider's section of the TBN Members list.