So excited to introduce you to Thrive Family Wellness today!! Dr. Dustin Worthen has written a guest post for us, about the ways chiropractic care can be helpful in pregnancy. I personally benefitted from chiropractic care when I was pregnant with my firstborn, so this is a topic I find interesting and hope it is helpful for those of you who are expecting.
Dr. Dustin is a Texas man (we’ll forgive him) who graduated in 2018 with his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Parker University. He opened Thrive Family Wellness in March 2024, and is passionate about serving the whole family. Dr. Dustin’s wife Hannah is currently pregnant with their 3rd child. Enjoy this guest post from my friend and Little Rock chiropractor!!
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is an exciting, yet physically demanding, time for many women. As the body adjusts to accommodate the growing baby, it can lead to discomfort, aches, and pains. One treatment option that has gained recognition for its positive effects during pregnancy is chiropractic care. Chiropractors focus on the alignment of the spine and overall nervous system health, and their approach can be particularly beneficial for expectant mothers. Let’s explore how chiropractic care can support pregnant women throughout this transformative experience.
First, we need to understand our technique. The Webster Technique is a prenatal chiropractic technique used to assess and correct pelvic alignment for optimal outcomes of function. A chiropractor who is Webster Technique certified knows exactly how to take care of a pregnant woman and their impact can be seen way into the postpartum phase. We use the Webster Technique to look at pelvic alignment, the sacrum (the key to pelvic alignment!), the psoas and piriformis muscles, sacrotuberous ligament, and the round ligament to make sure there are no areas of tension within the belly and pelvis. These ligaments hold the uterus and tend to get overworked and tight. We work to balance the sacrum alignment of these ligaments and calm the muscles in the pelvis for every pregnant mom.
1. Relieves Back Pain and Discomfort
One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back pain, especially in the lower back. As the baby grows, the center of gravity shifts, which can cause strain on the spine and surrounding muscles. Chiropractic care can help by gently adjusting the spine to alleviate pressure and tension. These adjustments can also improve posture and ease the misalignment of the pelvis, which is often a contributing factor to discomfort.
2. Improves Pelvic Alignment
Pelvic alignment is crucial during pregnancy, as misalignments can reduce the available space for the baby to grow and move. Chiropractic adjustments can help maintain proper pelvic alignment, which may aid in reducing complications during delivery, such as breech positions. Ensuring the pelvis is in optimal alignment can also minimize the risk of labor difficulties, providing a smoother birth experience.
3. Enhances Nervous System Function
Chiropractic care focuses on the health of the nervous system, which is responsible for controlling many of the body’s functions. During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous changes, and a misaligned spine or pelvis can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to function properly. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help maintain healthy communication between the brain and body, leading to improved bodily functions. This can also reduce symptoms like fatigue, digestive issues, and headaches, which are common during pregnancy. So, lets break down the nervous system in two different aspects.
Gas vs. Brake Pedal: The Role of the Nervous System During Pregnancy
Pregnancy involves significant changes to the body, and your nervous system plays a key role in managing these changes. It operates like a car with two modes: the gas pedal and the brake pedal. Understanding these systems—sympathetic (gas) and parasympathetic (brake)—can help improve your pregnancy experience.
- The Gas Pedal: Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight)
The gas pedal represents your body’s stress response—known as fight or flight. When stressed, this system activates, leading to physical changes like increased heart rate and muscle tension. During pregnancy, excessive stress can trigger symptoms like:- Morning sickness
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Muscle tension
- Sleep issues
- Anxiety
If the gas pedal is stuck on, it can interfere with your body’s ability to rest, digest, and heal—important functions when growing a baby.
- The Brake Pedal: Parasympathetic Nervous System (Rest and Digest)
The brake pedal represents the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation, digestion, and healing. This system is crucial during pregnancy because it supports:- Digestion and nutrient absorption
- Immune function
- Cellular repair and growth
- Relaxation and sleep
Engaging the brake pedal helps your body rest and repair, providing essential support for both you and your baby.
- Why It’s Important to “Pump the Brakes”
Activating the parasympathetic system regularly is key to a healthy pregnancy. It helps your body manage stress, reduces discomfort, and supports growth and development. Chiropractic care can assist in balancing the nervous system by ensuring spinal alignment, helping you spend more time in a calm, restorative state.
By balancing the gas and brake pedals, chiropractic care can reduce pregnancy-related symptoms, promote overall wellness, and support a more comfortable, healthier pregnancy.
4. Reduces Pregnancy-Related Symptoms
Many women experience pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, morning sickness, headaches, and swollen joints. Chiropractic care can provide relief from some of these discomforts. By optimizing spinal alignment and nervous system function, chiropractic adjustments may help reduce nausea, relieve headaches, and even improve circulation, which can help reduce swelling in the legs and feet.
5. Supports a More Comfortable Labor and Delivery
There’s growing evidence to suggest that chiropractic care can lead to a more comfortable labor and delivery experience. By ensuring that the spine and pelvis are properly aligned, chiropractic care may reduce the likelihood of labor complications, improve the baby’s positioning, and reduce the duration of labor. Many women report experiencing shorter, less painful labors after receiving chiropractic adjustments throughout their pregnancy.
6. Improves Overall Wellness
Chiropractic care during pregnancy goes beyond just pain relief. It promotes overall wellness by supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and function. This holistic approach can benefit the immune system, improve sleep quality, and boost energy levels— all of which are crucial for expectant mothers as they navigate the challenges of pregnancy.
7. Safe for Both Mother and Baby
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option, making it a safe alternative for pregnant women. Chiropractors who specialize in prenatal care are trained to use techniques that are gentle and tailored to the unique needs of pregnant women. Before beginning chiropractic treatment, expectant mothers should always consult with their healthcare provider to ensure the treatment plan is safe and appropriate for their specific circumstances.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for pregnant women, from relieving back pain to enhancing overall wellness. By addressing misalignments in the spine and pelvis, chiropractic adjustments can provide relief from discomfort, support a smoother pregnancy, and potentially lead to a more comfortable labor and delivery. For women seeking a natural, holistic approach to pregnancy care, chiropractic care may be a valuable addition to their healthcare routine. Always consult with your doctor or chiropractor before starting any treatment to ensure it is the right choice for you and your baby.
