Women experience all kinds of exciting changes during pregnancy, but unfortunately some changes bring aches and pains with them. In fact, 50 percent of women report having lower back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic care can help. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, drug-free way to alleviate not only back pain, but also some of the other pregnancy ailments that may present themselves, while simultaneously helping the body function optimally.

Here are a few things chiropractic care can address:

Postural Changes. As the baby grows, mom’s center of gravity is going to change. This, in turn, increases the curve of the lower back and puts a lot more stress on the joints and discs of the lumbar spine. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the discomfort or pain by realigning the spine and taking the pressure off of the joints, discs and nerves.

Ligament Laxity. During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of estrogen and relaxin, which cause the ligaments to be more lax and less supportive of all of the joints in the body. This can result in painful subluxations, instability and muscle spasm. Chiropractic adjustments can remove those subluxations, relieving the pain and allowing the joints to function normally.

Digestive Issues. Many moms will experience nausea, reflux or constipation during their pregnancy. These issues may be due to changes in the body that put pressure on the nerve roots innervating the digestive organs. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve the pressure on the nerves, giving those organs the support they need.

Intrauterine Constraint. A misaligned pelvis, sacrum or coccyx can affect how the baby is positioned and may reduce the amount of space available for the baby to turn. This is referred to as intrauterine constraint. Making sure the bones are in proper alignment can help the baby get into the best possible position for birth. This increases the chances of having a natural, non-invasive birth, potentially reducing the need for a cesarean section.

Regular chiropractic care helps ensure a healthy nervous system and balanced joints, better preparing mom for delivery and optimizing chances for reduced labor and delivery times. Considering chiropractic care during pregnancy is a great adjunct to your prenatal care and can aid in a more comfortable pregnancy, healthier mom and healthier baby.

Katie Samsel, DC, is a licensed chiropractic physician offering chiropractic care and more at Samsel Integrative Health, in Langhorne. For more information, call 215-944-8424 or visit SamselHealth.com. May 2018