Pregnancy is an amazing time for every woman as she prepares to become a mother! Did you know one of the best things she can do for her and baby is to be under regular chiropractic care throughout her pregnancy? Read below to find out why!
Pre-conception/Conception
Did you know that chiropractic care can actually help with fertility? Yes! Why would that be? Remember, chiropractic’s purpose is to help the nervous system function optimally! When there is interference to the nervous system (referred to as a spinal misalignment or subluxation) your body does not work as well. Since the nervous system is the master control system of the body, this can definitely affect hormones and sexual function. Fertility is also a sign of general health – if other organs/organ systems are not functioning properly, this can also affect fertility. Both men and women can benefit from chiropractic care to help ensure their nervous systems are properly functioning, which in turn can have a positive effect on fertility. There are many other reasons for infertility, but working from this foundational level is always beneficial!
1st Trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy for many women can be challenging. This is typically the trimester that has symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, headaches and nausea… to name a few. Her body is adapting to all the changing hormones and growing a baby! One of the new hormones in her body is relaxin – which does exactly what it sounds like – it relaxes the ligaments in the body to help with pregnancy and birth. This in turn can cause an increased likelihood of subluxations (spinal misalignments) leading to disturbances in the nervous system. Can these disturbances lead to the symptoms mentioned earlier? Yes! Getting regular adjustments throughout the first trimester may help these symptoms lessen or disappear.
Although the baby is itty bitty during this trimester, maintaining proper pelvic alignment is important – even at this stage! The foundation for the rest of the pregnancy is being set into motion.
We also can support each woman’s physiology and emotional health through homeopathics, which can also help the symptoms of first trimester pregnancy. Remember, symptoms are showing the body is healing and accomplishing something. It is not that we want to RID of the symptoms, we want to help her body to do exactly what it needs to so she can stay healthy and strong for her and the baby.
2nd and 3rd trimester
2nd trimester is typically referred to as the “easy” trimester. This is the time where symptoms seem to subside and she finds herself with more energy (which is always nice to have!). Baby has grown quite a bit more and most women will start to see a baby bump and even begin to feel the baby move! With baby growing, women may experience low back pain or sciatica as baby gets bigger.
Proper pelvic alignment becomes even more important during this trimester as baby grows. This helps the baby to have plenty of room to grow and move. Getting adjustments helps mom’s body to function better as well as feel better! Healthy mama = healthy baby!
Another goal of chiropractic care in pregnancy is to empower each woman by reminding her of the strength of her body and her innate ability to grow, care for and birth her baby. We also love to remind women all the different options and choices she has so she can have the birth she hopes to have.
This all leads up to the birth of the baby! With mom under chiropractic care it helps ensure proper pelvic alignment which in turn can help baby have optimal positioning and a smooth, easy exit!
Dr. Keppy can also help pregnant women balance their physiology through homeopathic remedies (a safe and effective option) and support her through any emotional blocks that are impeding her.
Do you know someone who has recently become pregnant? Let them know the many benefits of chiropractic care so they can have a healthier, happier pregnancy!