Childbirth may be a miracle, but it sure doesn’t feel like it sometimes. One of the most important things to expect when you’re expecting is that you can experience a wide range of changes to your body during pregnancy. Some of them are exciting, like feeling your future baby kick and wiggle. Others are not nearly as enjoyable, and one of the most prominent complaints in pregnant women is the increase in back pain. Here at Bare Chiropractic, we know that chiropractic care can provide substantial relief and numerous benefits to anyone expecting a child, and we hope to share this information with our community to help pregnant women in and around Billings.
The Joys of Pregnancy
Long before your child is old enough to be a pain in your backside, they’re going to be a pain in your back. While the little bundle of joy is growing, your organs are pushed around, and your spine curves back further than usual to accommodate your growing belly. This is a necessary shift in anatomy, as there would be complications with growth and birth otherwise, but it throws your spine out of balance by design. This means your back might be hurting more frequently, not just from the shifting vertebrae, but also from the extra weight you now have to carry.
How Chiropractic Can Help
The benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy are far more diverse than just the elimination of back pain, however. Though it may seem like a new concept, many expectant mothers report an improved overall quality of life after multiple prenatal adjustments. There are a few major benefits that chiropractic can provide during pregnancy.
Reduced Back Pain
The shifts in your spine during pregnancy can lead to posture issues after the baby is born. However, the relief that chiropractic can bring doesn’t just affect the mom-to-be. Chiropractic adjustments, in addition to improving posture and reducing back pain, have also been shown to provide baby with more room to grow by optimizing space within the abdomen.
Shorter Labor
Because of the weight and placement of the baby, your spine and pelvis are put under a lot of strain throughout labor and delivery. Prenatal chiropractic adjustments have resulted in better lower back alignments and more ideal birthing positions, which can lead to quicker and less complicated deliveries.
Easier Recovery
Your body still has to return to normal after the baby arrives, and that’s not always smooth sailing. New moms can experience post-partum pains up to a year after giving birth. Fortunately, studies have shown that women who received chiropractic care during pregnancy achieved a lower amount of pain post-partum and saw faster healing after delivery.
