Back Clinic Pregnancy Chiropractic Team. Chiropractic care is the health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, related nerves, and bone geometry without medications or surgery. It combines the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints of the body, including, the spine, which reduces spinal nerve stress thus promoting optimal health throughout the body. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Investing in the fertility and pregnancy wellness of women who are pregnant is routine care for most chiropractors.
Specialized chiropractors take a specific interest in prenatal and postnatal care and go through additional training. Chiropractors that have been trained to work with pregnant women may use tables that are made to adjust for pregnant women and will use techniques that avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. A chiropractor who is trained to work with pregnant women will provide the patient with exercises and stretches that are safe to use during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, advises pregnant individuals to exercise regularly during pregnancy. (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2024) The guidelines indicate that individuals who regularly engage in vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise before pregnancy should continue these activities during their pregnancy. (Syed H., Slayman T., & DuChene Thoma K. 2021) According to ACOG, observational studies of pregnant individuals who exercise show benefits such as:
Indoor cycling is ideal because individuals won’t have to deal with balance challenges or generate a heavy impact on their joints. There are many indoor cycling workouts to try, whether spin or on-demand classes. Indoor cycling is safer during pregnancy than outdoor cycling, which is not recommended because of the risk of falls from traffic and weather conditions. Although indoor cycling is generally considered safe during pregnancy, individuals should get clearance from their OB/GYN if they have any underlying medical conditions that might limit physical activity options.
Cycling Classes
Taking cycling classes during pregnancy is safe if a healthcare provider has no concerns. It’s important to take precautions.
It’s recommended to continue with any exercise you were doing before pregnancy rather than start a new routine.
Remember that this is an exercise for two, so the heart rate will elevate quickly and become overheated more easily.
Take it easier on the bike, and don’t push too hard.
Consult With the Instructor
It’s recommended to seek out an instructor with some prenatal exercise training. Individuals may benefit from sticking with the same instructor whenever possible to get to know them and familiarize themselves with their modifications and needs. Whether or not you’re showing, tell the instructor that you’re pregnant before the class starts. This way, they can monitor progress and will not push too hard. The instructor can also give important pointers on modifying the ride to suit your needs.
Modify Bike Set-Up
Individuals may need to adjust the saddle position and raise the handlebars to stay comfortable as their bodies change. Sitting more upright is recommended to relieve strain on the lower back, and increasing the handlebars and bringing them closer instead of leaning forward is another goal. Another goal is to keep the weight more evenly distributed between the hands and body. Also, avoid movable indoor bikes that mimic outdoor riding. They can lean sideways, which might cause a fall.
Dial Down Intensity
With indoor cycling, it’s best to exercise moderately during pregnancy. Consider wearing a heart rate monitor to ensure a safe intensity. It’s also helpful to pay attention to the Rating of Perceived Exertion scale/RPE. Even if the heart rate isn’t too high, slow down or stop exercising immediately if you’re gasping for breath or feeling lightheaded. ACOG guidelines indicate that 13-14 “somewhat hard” on the Borg RPE scale is a safe and acceptable level of exertion. The guidelines also state that RPE is a better gauge of exertion than heart rate and that the talk test (holding a conversation while exercising) can indicate safe workout intensity.
Stay Cool and Properly Hydrated
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing to help you stay cool and a bra with plenty of support. Drink lots of water throughout the workout, actually more than usual. Overheating and dehydration are common during pregnancy and can be dangerous for both parents and babies. Carrying an extra 20 to 30 pounds and having 40% more blood pumping through the body toward the end of pregnancy makes you likely to sweat more and can easily lead to dehydration. Using a fan for home gyms is highly recommended.
Avoid Standing and Stay In a Seated Position
During the early months, you may be able to ride in a standing position without any problems. But as the belly grows, it changes the body’s center of gravity, putting more pressure on the joints and making it difficult to ride standing. Joints are looser or more flexible during pregnancy, which makes standing while cycling more difficult and risky. It is still a healthy workout if you stay seated the whole time—and, most importantly, avoid overdoing it or injuring yourself.
Body Signs
Listen to the body while exercising. If you get winded, dizzy, or unwell while riding, take a break or reduce your effort by a few notches. If a 45-to-60-minute class is too intense, feel free to depart early; just let the instructor know you’re OK. Energy will likely ebb and flow during pregnancy, so pay attention to the body’s signals and take care of them accordingly. Stop exercising if you experience any of the following (Syed H., Slayman T., & DuChene Thoma K. 2021)
Abdominal pain
Dyspnea: shortness of breath before exertion
Headache
Dizziness
Calf pain or swelling
Muscle weakness affects balance
Chest pain
Amniotic fluid leakage
Regular painful contractions
Vaginal bleeding
Call your doctor if you experience sharp pain, contractions, a surge of fluid, a sudden severe headache, prolonged swelling, or decreased baby movement.
Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic
It’s important to exercise wisely during the nine months to accommodate body changes, the extra weight, the increasingly relaxed ligaments, and the shift in the center of gravity. The stationary bike provides a personalized, low-impact workout. You get to control the intensity and the duration of the ride. Monitor your heart rate and/or RPE to avoid overdoing it. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Chiropractic Lower Back Pain Pregnancy Treatment
References
Hinman, S. K., Smith, K. B., Quillen, D. M., & Smith, M. S. (2015). Exercise in Pregnancy: A Clinical Review. Sports Health, 7(6), 527–531. doi.org/10.1177/1941738115599358
Syed, H., Slayman, T., & DuChene Thoma, K. (2021). ACOG Committee Opinion No. 804: Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Obstetrics and gynecology, 137(2), 375–376. doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000004266
Stress on the lower back during pregnancy often leads to back (upper, middle, lower), sciatica, and leg pain. Can you use a massage gun while pregnant?
Pregnancy Massage Gun Use
Pregnant women often experience back, hip, and leg pain along with symptoms such as swelling (edema), muscle spasms, cramps, and fatigue, which interfere with daily functions and sleep. Pregnancy massage gun use is a safe and helpful form of stress and tension relief, so long as healthcare providers and safety precautions are followed and sensitive areas are avoided. Massage guns use percussion and vibration to create a form of massage that can relieve tension, stiffness, and muscle soreness, break up tissue adhesions, and reduce inflammation. Moreover, pregnancy massage can provide relaxation and pain relief for muscles and joints that are adapting to a growing, changing body. Traditional massage therapy and massage gun therapy have been shown to help reduce muscle soreness and pain. (Imtiyaz S., Veqar Z., & Shareef M. Y. 2014) The benefits of pregnancy massage gun use include:
However, it is essential to discuss massage gun use with a healthcare professional and follow safety precautions when using massage guns during pregnancy.
Benefits
While there is no specific research on the benefits of massage guns for pregnant individuals, studies have demonstrated the general benefits of massage during pregnancy, including deep tissue massage. Therapeutic massage effectively reduces pregnancy discomforts and pain and is a safe and affordable method of pain relief. (El-Hosary EA, Abbas Soliman HF, El-Homosy SM. 2016) Researchers believe this relief helps improve the health of mother and baby in ways that include. (El-Hosary EA, Abbas Soliman HF, El-Homosy SM. 2016) (Mueller S. M., & Grunwald M. 2021)
Improves cardiovascular health
Overall circulation improves
Increases serotonin and dopamine levels
Decreases chronic back pain
Relieves muscle aches and joint pains
Improves sleep patterns
Increases energy
Reduces anxiety
Increases immune response
Enhances sense of well-being and mood
Reduces risk of preterm delivery
Massage Gun Safety
Pregnancy massage gun use is generally safe for those who do not have preexisting conditions. (Mueller S. M., & Grunwald M. 2021) However, there are no studies on the safety of massage guns or other massage tools for pregnant individuals. It is recommended to discuss the use of massage guns with a doctor before use.
Individuals with high-risk factors, such as bleeding, pre-term contractions, and preeclampsia, should avoid using massage guns unless a doctor clears them to do so.
Preeclampsia
This condition causes a rise in blood pressure that can be serious.
It typically develops around 20 weeks of pregnancy or later.
Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT
Avoid using a massage gun if there is a history of deep vein thrombosis.
Blood volume increases during pregnancy, and leg circulation can be poor.
Certain hormones that prevent hemorrhage during delivery can cause blood to clot more easily.
Using a massage gun on areas with potential blood clots may release the clot, leading to a life-threatening embolism. (Sutham K. et al., 2020)
Compression socks are a better alternative for relieving leg pain and swelling, but follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Placenta Previa, Accrete, or Abruption
These conditions involve the placenta, which can lead to bleeding.
Gestational Diabetes
High blood sugar levels do not necessarily mean individuals cannot use a massage gun during pregnancy.
However, speak to a doctor and monitor blood sugar before use.
How to Use
Although there are no specific expert directions for the use of massage guns during pregnancy, there are guidelines to consider while using the device. This includes:
Never place the massage gun directly over bones, nerves, or joints.
Avoid using the device around injured, swollen, or painful areas.
Avoid using a massage gun directly on the abdomen.
Start by trying a light 10- to 15-second pass over sore or tight areas.
Perform three to five sweeps over the location, then move on to another.
Be careful not to keep the gun on a single area too long, as you could overwork the muscle, leading to bruising and irritation.
The recommended time for leaving the massager in one area is two minutes.
Stop using the massage gun if there is unusual pain, sensations, or discomfort.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Massage during pregnancy can help relieve symptoms such as anxiety, stress, pain, discomfort, tightness, and poor circulation. Regular massage can help improve sleep and can even benefit the baby. However, it is recommended to consult with a doctor about using a massage gun before trying it out. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help individuals recover and regain the benefits of quality rest through healthy sleep practices and lifestyle accommodations. We build optimal health and wellness solutions with primary healthcare providers and specialists. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Pregnancy and Sciatica: How Chiropractic Helped
References
Imtiyaz, S., Veqar, Z., & Shareef, M. Y. (2014). To Compare the Effect of Vibration Therapy and Massage in Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR, 8(1), 133–136. doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2014/7294.3971
El-Hosary EA, Abbas Soliman HF, El-Homosy SM. (2016). Effect of Therapeutic Massage on Relieving Pregnancy Discomforts. IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science., 5(4), 57-64. doi.org/10.9790/1959-0504025764
Mueller, S. M., & Grunwald, M. (2021). Effects, Side Effects and Contraindications of Relaxation Massage during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(16), 3485. doi.org/10.3390/jcm10163485
Sutham, K., Na-Nan, S., Paiboonsithiwong, S., Chaksuwat, P., & Tongsong, T. (2020). Leg massage during pregnancy with unrecognized deep vein thrombosis could be life-threatening: a case report. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 20(1), 237. doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-02924-w
For pregnant individuals, dehydration during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for the individual and the fetus. Is it possible to prevent dehydration by drinking more water and managing morning sickness?
Pregnancy Dehydration
Maintaining proper hydration is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Dehydration during pregnancy can occur for several reasons. A pregnant body needs more water to support the increased physical demands. Pregnant individuals need more water than non-pregnant ones and risk losing more water throughout the day. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2023) Pregnant individuals need eight to 12 glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration. Risks of dehydration during pregnancy include:
Low amniotic fluid levels and preterm contractions.
Early symptoms can include decreased urination, increased thirst, and dry mouth.
Serious symptoms can include dizziness, confusion, fainting, and low blood pressure.
In severe cases, intravenous/IV intervention may be required to replenish fluids.
The body’s physiological changes during pregnancy cause it to require more water. Pregnant individuals need more water and lose more water throughout the day. Dehydration happens when the body loses more water than it takes in. Factors that contribute to dehydration during pregnancy include: (Song, Y. et al., 2023)
Increased Blood Volume
A pregnant body requires increased blood circulation.
Blood volume increases as much as 30% to 45%.
The body needs more water to keep up with the increased volume.
Changes In The Urinary System
The kidneys often increase slightly in size during pregnancy.
This causes changes in the urinary system, causing the body to lose more water.
Changes In The Respiratory System
The increased demands on the body cause increased breathing.
Each time the body exhales, it loses water through the breath.
Increased Metabolism
Pregnancy causes the adrenal and thyroid functions to become slightly hyperactive.
This leads to increased metabolism and sweating.
When the body loses water through sweat, dehydration risks increase.
Increased Nutrition
A pregnant individual requires 300 extra daily calories, which increases to 450 additional daily calories in late pregnancy.
Eating more means the individual needs added hydration to support digestion and prevent constipation.
Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are common.
Morning sickness causes fluid loss, increasing the risk of dehydration.
If the body does not acquire enough water when mildly dehydrated further symptoms can present and include fatigue, dizziness, feeling overheated, and having Braxton Hicks contractions or tightening and release of the uterus that are not from labor contractions. (Mulyani E. Y. et al., 2021)
Emergency Symptoms
Severe dehydration can lead to serious pregnancy complications and require immediate medical care. Emergency signs and symptoms include: (National Library of Medicine, 2023)
Irritability
Confusion
Sunken eyes
Fainting
Low or no urine
Low blood pressure
Rapid heart and breathing rate
Shock
Risks
Staying hydrated is essential, and hydration status affects health and pregnancy outcomes. When pregnant, the body needs extra water to produce enough amniotic fluid, which fills the amniotic sac with the fetus. When amniotic levels are low, the fetus has little room to grow and move. This can lead to delayed growth and development and potential umbilical cord issues. If the umbilical cord becomes compressed, the baby cannot receive oxygen and nutrients, which can quickly lead to an emergency. (Song, Y. et al., 2023) Chronic, untreated dehydration during pregnancy increases the risk of complications and can include (Aziz M. M. et al., 2018) (Song Y. et al., 2023)
Preterm contractions
Decreased birth weight and length
Reduced head circumference and chest circumference
Neural tube defects – malformations in early development of the brain and spine.
Low milk production
Rehydrating and Adding Electrolytes
Individuals must drink eight to 12 glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020). Rehydration with water and electrolytes, essential minerals the body needs for normal function, may also be recommended. Ask a healthcare provider if they recommend consuming electrolytes through sports drinks, Pedialyte, coconut water, or electrolyte powders.
Drink between meals if drinking water is difficult because of nausea or feeling full.
Always have a water bottle, and drink what is possible when nausea is not manifesting.
Other recommended sources can include milk, natural fruit juices, and broth.
To reduce water loss, avoid high-caffeine or sugar drinks.
Take frequent breaks and drink more water when in the heat.
Minor Dehydration Treatment
Most pregnant individuals can safely treat mild dehydration at home. Call a healthcare provider if there are any concerns about symptoms. To treat minor dehydration, rest in a cool area and replenish fluids. Drink water, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution like Pedialyte. If symptoms do not improve, contact a healthcare provider. (Song Y. et al., 2023)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Fortunately, treating and preventing dehydration is possible by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, avoiding drinks with caffeine or sugar, and taking frequent breaks. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other associated medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to improve the body’s flexibility and mobility and resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Mulyani, E. Y., Hardinsyah, Briawan, D., Santoso, B. I., & Jus’at, I. (2021). Effect of dehydration during pregnancy on birth weight and length in West Jakarta. Journal of nutritional science, 10, e70. doi.org/10.1017/jns.2021.59
Song, Y., Zhang, F., Lin, G., Wang, X., He, L., Li, Y., Zhai, Y., Zhang, N., & Ma, G. (2023). A Study of the Fluid Intake, Hydration Status, and Health Effects among Pregnant Women in Their Second Trimester in China: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients, 15(7), 1739. doi.org/10.3390/nu15071739
Aziz, M. M., Kulkarni, A., Tunde-Agbede, O., Benito, C. W., & Oyelese, Y. (2018). Are Women With Threatened Preterm Labor More Dehydrated Than Women Without It? Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing: JOGNN, 47(5), 602–607. doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2018.05.006
Healthy posture and movement are essential for everyone, but especially for mothers-to-be. Practicing healthy posture is one of the most important contributions to a healthy pregnancy. Proper body alignment decreases low back and neck discomfort symptoms and muscle fatigue. A chiropractic therapy team can educate on maintaining a healthy posture when standing, sitting, and lying down throughout pregnancy, alleviate any subluxations, maintain optimal alignment, and keep the muscles relaxed through massage techniques.
Pregnancy Posture
Many changes occur in the musculoskeletal system during pregnancy for the growing fetus. This impacts posture, balance, and gait. Pregnancy posture can significantly influence the comfort and/or pain levels in the pregnant and postnatal body. This includes:
Sleeping in the best position while pregnant.
Sitting in the best position during pregnancy.
These little changes and adjustments impact the health of the mother and baby.
Postural Changes During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, several factors work against maintaining correct and healthy alignment. For one, the baby’s weight causes the lower back to sway as the center of gravity shifts forward.
Increased Lumbar Lordosis
The concave curvature in the spine can become more pronounced because of the forward pull of the growing fetus.
The normal slight forward curvature of the spine in the neck or cervical area is called cervical lordosis.
The growing fetus aggravates the forward pull on the neck.
During pregnancy, the breasts grow, adding more weight to the thoracic or mid back, causing the neck curvature to get pulled forward and down.
Both shoulders also move forward and inward.
These changes can lead to back problem symptoms/pain, sciatica, and other musculoskeletal disorders and conditions if left untreated.
Unhealthy Posture Happens Naturally
The abdominal muscles become stretched as the baby grows.
Hormone levels increase and cause joints and ligaments to loosen.
The muscles cannot contract fully and keep the lower back in alignment.
Healthy Posture Requires Practice
Standing
Proper posture when standing. From top to bottom:
Maintain a neutral gaze that looks straight ahead.
Don’t bend the head too much forward or backward.
Avoid twisting/bending movements whenever possible, or keep them to a minimum.
The chest should be up, the core braced, and the shoulders back.
The body weight is distributed evenly along the lower extremities.
Contract abdominal and pelvic floor muscles during movements, as they support the stability of the pelvis and the trunk.
When standing and having to hold the position for an extended period, use a box or stool to prop up one foot.
For example, when washing dishes, the cabinet under the sink can rest the foot on the ledge.
Switch position every 20 to 30 minutes.
Chiropractic
Whether in the planning stages or the second or third trimester, it’s essential to keep postural health in mind. A chiropractor trained in the needs of pregnant women will use tables that adjust for a pregnant woman’s body, and they will use techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen and provide safe exercises and stretches. Benefits of chiropractic include:
Helps maintain a healthier pregnancy.
Helps regulate symptoms of nausea.
Relieves back, neck, discomfort symptoms, and pain.
Relieves and reduces excess strain on muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Spinal curvature exaggeration is corrected.
The normal spine curvatures are restored and maintained.
As more women seek the benefits of chiropractic for pregnancy, more healthcare providers seek trained doctors of chiropractic to refer their pregnant patients. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider, and schedule a visit to Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic to check posture and biomechanics.
Chiropractic Pregnancy Treatment
References
Bauer, A W. “NEUE GESICHTSPUNKTE UEBER HALTUNG UND ERNAEHRUNG WAEHREND DER SCHWANGERSCHAFT” [NEW VIEWPOINTS ON POSTURE AND NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY]. Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946) vol. 113 (1963): 875-6.
Fitzhugh, M L, and M NEWTON. “Posture in pregnancy.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology vol. 85 (1963): 1091-5. doi:10.1016/s0002-9378(16)35644-7
Gutke A, Ostgaard HC, Oberg B Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006 Mar 1; 31(5):E149-55. Pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain in pregnancy: a cohort study of the consequences in terms of health and functioning.
Schröder, Guido et al. “Impact of pregnancy on back pain and body posture in women.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 28,4 (2016): 1199-207. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.1199
Yoo, Hyunju, et al. “Changes in the spinal curvature, degree of pain, balance ability, and gait ability according to pregnancy period in pregnant and nonpregnant women.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 27,1 (2015): 279-84. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.279
The body experiences physical changes during pregnancy. As the baby grows, the body has to adjust, which can cause unfamiliar aches and pains. A common issue for pregnant women is sciatica symptoms or lumbar radiculopathy, which radiates discomfort sensations that travel down the lower spine, down the back of the thigh, and into the foot. Chiropractic care and massage therapy can realign the spine and hips, therapeutically massage circulation through the body, relieve symptoms, and restore function.
Pregnancy Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body and the main nerve in the legs. In most cases, sciatica happens when this nerve gets compressed by bulging, slipped, or ruptured spinal discs, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Symptoms
Aches and pains that result from sciatica range from mild to severe sensations. Symptoms include:
Pain that travels from the pelvis down the back of the leg.
A burning sensation in the low back and buttocks.
Jolting pain that feels like an electric shock.
Numbness, muscle weakness, or tingling in one leg or foot.
Tingling sensation in one part of the body and pain in another.
Pain that worsens when coughing, sneezing or sitting for long periods.
Causes
Sciatica during pregnancy can be caused by:
Weight gain is going to pull the spine and muscles down.
Increased fluid retention can place added pressure on the nerve as it passes through the pelvis.
The expanding uterus can press down on the nerve in the lower part of the spine.
The growing belly and breasts shift the center of gravity forward and stretch the lordotic curve causing the muscles in the:
Buttocks and pelvis to tighten up and compress the sciatic nerve.
The baby’s head can rest directly on the nerve when settling into the proper birth position in the third trimester.
A herniated or slipped disc caused by the extra pressure of the growing uterus can be the cause, although this is less common.
Pregnancy also causes the body to release a hormone called relaxin, designed to relax the ligaments and prepare the pelvis for childbirth.
Loose ligaments can cause spinal compression and affect the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica will most likely occur during the third trimester when mother and baby are bulking up, but it can develop earlier, although this is less common. Most women experience symptoms on one side, though it can affect both legs. The condition can be constant or intermittent, depending on the amount of pressure placed on the nerve, and can remain for a few months after giving birth when the excess weight and fluid are gone.
Treatment Techniques
Simple home remedies and treatment to help ease the symptoms. These include:
Sleep on Your Side
Rest on the side of the body that does not present symptoms when lying down.
Prenatal massage can reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and regulate hormones.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
Chiropractic is non-invasive and drug-free, making it a safe and gentle option for mom and baby.
A professional chiropractor can evaluate the condition.
Identify and remove interferences in the nervous system from the source.
Realign the bones.
Provide a personalized treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and stretches and strength-building exercises.
Sciatica In Pregnancy
References
American Pregnancy Association: “Prenatal Massage Therapy.
American Pregnancy Association: “Sciatic Nerve Pain During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment.”
FRIEDMANN, E. “Narrowing of the spinal canal due to thickened lamina a cause of low-back pain and sciatica.” Clinical orthopedics vol. 21 (1961): 190-7.
Goldsmith, Laura T, and Gerson Weiss. “Relaxin in human pregnancy.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences vol. 1160 (2009): 130-5. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03800.x
KULOWSKI, J. “Unusual causes of low back pain and sciatica during pregnancy.” American journal of obstetrics and gynecology vol. 84 (1962): 627-30. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(62)90156-4
Trager, Robert J et al. “Ischial osteochondroma as an unusual source of pregnancy-related sciatic pain: a case report.” Chiropractic & manual therapies vol. 30,1 45. 17 Oct. 2022, doi:10.1186/s12998-022-00451-3
Pregnant and Chiropractic: Many women experience back/pelvis/leg/feet swelling, soreness, achiness, and pain during pregnancy. A growing belly added weight and changes in connective tissue can cause a variety of musculoskeletal strains and misalignments. Chiropractic care provides health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, nerves, joints, muscles, and bones. It is an art and science of adjusting a misaligned body, reducing stress, and promoting health throughout the body.
Pregnant and Chiropractic
With a primary doctor’s clearance, chiropractic can provide safe adjustments. Chiropractors trained to work with pregnant women utilize techniques that avoid applying pressure on or around the abdomen. Benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy include:
Restores and maintains spinal alignment and balance.
Helps control symptoms of nausea.
Improves energy levels.
Relieves body pain.
Helps reduce labor time and delivery.
Restores pelvic positioning and balance, improving standing, sitting, and walking mechanics.
A chiropractor trained in the needs of pregnant women will also provide exercises and stretches that are safe during pregnancy. A chiropractor will discuss/recommend treatment options, patient concerns, and a complete medical history assessment. They will monitor symptoms to customize treatments to the individual’s specific needs to get the most relief.
Body Composition
Gestational Hypertension
Gestational hypertension develops during pregnancy. It is not preventable and returns to normal levels postpartum. However, there is an increased risk of developing chronic hypertension later if gestational hypertension begins to develop. According to Mayo Clinic, gestational hypertension is diagnosed by the following:
Blood pressure is higher than 140/90 on at least two occasions.
Must be more than four hours apart.
There is no other organ damage present.
References
Gutke, Annelie et al. “Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica vol. 94,11 (2015): 1156-67. doi:10.1111/aogs.12681
Poděbradská, R et al. “The effect of physiotherapy intervention on the load of the foot and low back pain in pregnancy.” “Vliv fyzioterapeutických postupů na zatížení plosky a bolesti zad v těhotenství.” Ceska gynekologie vol. 84,6 (2019): 450-457.
Schreiner, Lucas et al. “Systematic review of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy.” International journal of gynecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics vol. 143,1 (2018): 10-18. doi:10.1002/ijgo.12513
With a growing belly and changes in connective tissue, many pregnant women are unable to stay comfortable. A pregnancy chiropractor is safe and effective in helping manage pain in the back, hips, legs, joints and establish pelvic balance. This can provide the baby with space to grow and move throughout the pregnancy and lead to faster, easier labor and delivery. Relief and better symptom management are possible with a pregnancy chiropractor.
Chiropractic Is Safe During Pregnancy
Before engaging in any treatment during pregnancy, consult a doctor. For the most part, non-invasive chiropractic is considered safe for healthy, low-risk pregnancies and even higher-risk pregnancies once cleared by a doctor. Because pregnant women cannot take medications or undergo other invasive treatment options for pain, chiropractic treatment is recommended for sore, tight muscles, irritability, and pain management.
How A Pregnancy Chiropractor Can Help
What a chiropractor can offer includes:
Restore pelvic balance.
Improve mechanics for standing, sitting, and walking that could otherwise cause pain.
Pain management through therapeutic massage and adjustments.
Optimize the pelvic position to allow for an easier birth; evidence indicates a shorter labor time thanks to an optimal pelvic position.
Clinic Appointment
The pregnancy chiropractor begins with an initial consultation. Here the patient asks questions, discusses any concerns, along with a full assessment of medical history. They will suggest various treatment options to restore the body to its optimal balance. The chiropractor will continually monitor the patient to tailor the treatments to their specific needs and achieve the most relief.
Body Composition
Impact of Breastfeeding and Body Composition
It turns out that breastfeeding and weight loss are showing that there could be a relationship. A study suggested that breastfeeding could eliminate weight gain during six months. These findings are corroborated by another study comparing body fat loss between exclusively breastfeeding and mixed feeding mothers. The researchers found that exclusively breastfeeding promotes more significant body fat loss than mixed feeding among mothers during the first 12 weeks after childbirth. A weight loss of approximately about a pound per week between 4 and 14 weeks after delivery in overweight, lactating women who were exclusively breastfeeding showed no adverse effect on the growth and development of their newborns.
References
Bernard, Maria, and Peter Tuchin. “Chiropractic Management of Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: A Case Study.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,2 (2016): 129-33. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.003
Borggren, Cara L. “Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 6,2 (2007): 70-4. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004
Weis, Carol Ann et al. “Chiropractic Care for Adults With Pregnancy-Related Low Back, Pelvic Girdle Pain, or Combination Pain: A Systematic Review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 43,7 (2020): 714-731. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.05.005
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
