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Chiropractic care for pregnancy and babies

How does it work?
Chiropractic care will correct misalignments in the body. A restriction or subluxation, describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, this may cause nerves to become stretched or twisted (pinched) and interfere with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. For example: Restrictions may occur in the neck, caused as it compensates for the changes in the lower spine by moving forward, this may result in neck pain, headaches, nausea and/or insomnia to name a few. A chiropractor specialises in detecting and correcting these restrictions.

Chiropractic for Pregnancy
The female body undergoes major postural and hormonal changes during and after pregnancy, chiropractic care may help to relieve any accompanied aches and pains and make for an easier transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Many women are, understandably, afraid to do anything strenuous during their pregnancy and the thought of receiving manual therapy such as chiropractic is daunting to say the least. Let me assure you, as long as you have made your chiropractor aware that you are pregnant, chiropractic care is safe and may be very beneficial during this physically stressful period.

During pregnancy many physiological and hormonal changes take place in the body. Fluctuations in hormones cause a laxity or loosening of ligaments and joints throughout the body, which increases the risk of sprains and strains, pregnant women may also hear more frequent “pops” and “clicks” at different stages of pregnancy. The breasts and internal structures increase in size and with an ever expanding belly the pelvis starts to gradually tilt causing an increase in the curvature of her back, resulting in pubic and lower back pain. Furthermore, the combined effect shifts the centre of gravity forward and may lead to changes in ones sense of balance increasing the risk of trips and falls.

A restriction or subluxation, describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, this may cause nerves to become stretched or twisted (pinched) and interfere with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Studies have shown that women who received chiropractic adjustments during their pregnancy were able to carry and deliver their babies with more comfort and painkillers during delivery were reduced by half.

Chiropractic for Babies
The birth process is said to be the most risky journey you will ever take in your lifetime. Even under natural circumstances, without any form of intervention, the birth process can affect an infant’s spine and is potentially traumatic for both mum and baby. During the pushing stage of labour, pressure is exerted on the baby’s spine as he/she is compressed and moves down the birth canal. Pulling, twisting and the use of instruments, such as forceps and suction cups, at the time of delivery may cause further spinal distress. Other factors to consider are the changes in environmental forces that the baby is exposed to as he/she exits a buoyant, closed-packed environment to enter one with weight-bearing and gravitational forces. Spinal distress commonly occurs throughout this process.
Preliminary studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can all be signs of spinal distress. Problems with sucking/feeding, misshaped head, restlessness and irritability may also be helped.
Reduce spinal distress, helping to provide relief from the signs mentioned above making for a more comfortable, happy baby.

Written by Chiropractor Gail Rees-Jones. You can view Gail's profile in our Directory, click here

CranioSacral Therapy for babies. For birth trauma