Written by: TFVstaff • April 5, 2018• Ask the Expert

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

It is our experience that there are too many expectant mothers that don’t realize that chiropractic care can be a part of their pregnancy and birthing process. We all too often hear expectant mothers or new moms say, “I wish I knew” or “I wish I knew sooner” or “Why didn’t someone tell me?” Well, we are here now to do just that.

First, it’s important to understand that during pregnancy many changes take place in a woman’s body, all for the purpose of creating a perfect environment for the developing baby. This is a complex process and involves every system of the pregnant woman’s body. Mom’s body is constantly changing to accommodate a growing baby and some of those changes can leave her feeling uncomfortable in many ways.

While low back or sciatic pain during pregnancy is among the more common reasons pregnant mothers seek chiropractic care, there are many other reasons birth providers, (including OB/GYN’s and Midwives) friends and family recommend chiropractic care during pregnancy. Other common reasons expectant mothers seek chiropractic care are difficulty walking or exercising, numbness in the arms and hands, difficulty sleeping, tiredness and fatigue or even the baby not being in the optimal position for a comfortable and easy labor and birth.

Here are a few of the more common questions we often answer in our practice when talking about pregnancy and chiropractic.

Q: Is Chiropractic care safe for pregnant women?
A: Yes! Chiropractic care is non-invasive and drug-free, meaning that the risks associated with it are very low. Your chiropractor will asses you individually for any and risks and should address any concerns before starting care. Generally speaking there are no increased risks or side-effects with chiropractic for pregnant women. Special techniques, special pillows and table modifications are used to reduce any unnecessary pressure of the abdomen during adjustments to ensure safety and provide a gentle adjustment to the mother.

Q: Are all chiropractors trained to work with pregnant women?
A: Yes! Chiropractors are all trained in school to handle the needs of pregnancy; however some chiropractors have a special interest in serving pregnant women and have taken additional training through various organizations such as the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), which Dr. Shimon and Melissa are both proud members of.

Q: When is the best time to start care during pregnancy?
A: Anytime! Our recommendation is to come in for an initial evaluation as early in the pregnancy as possible to see when care would benefit you best. Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure of the spine and function of the nervous system. This relationship ensures the body is working at its highest and most optimal level and ability. With this being said all expectant moms can benefit from chiropractic care for a more comfortable pregnancy and to better prepare their body for birth.

Q: What is the Webster Technique?
A: The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment typically utilized for pregnant women. It is a specific sacral analysis and adjustment to help facilitate the mother’s pelvic alignment and nervous system function. This adjustment balances the pelvic muscles and ligaments, reducing tension in the uterus.

Q: Can an adjustment help turn my breech baby?
A: A chiropractic adjustment utilizing the Webster Technique in not a breech-turning technique. What this adjustment does is restore proper biomechanical function to the pelvis and relaxes the uterine muscles and surrounding ligaments to create more room in-utero. It is important to realize that chiropractors are not turning babies or managing fetal position or conditions directly. What a chiropractor is doing is ensuring balance in a pregnant woman’s body, with more room available the baby has a better chance to move into the optimal position for birth. Both Drs. Melissa and Shimon are trained in the Webster Technique through the ICPA.

It is our hope that we have answered some of your questions and that you no longer can say “I wish I would have known”. Our team is here to make sure your spine and nervous system are working optimally to help you on your way to a natural and safe birth. We exist to help people of all ages and stages of life reach their highest inborn potential and “Live A Happy Life”. If you have more questions feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors.

The husband and wife team of Drs. Melissa and Shimon Rubinstein of Rubinstein Family Chiropractic, have a family-based Wellness practice in North Miami Beach, which is recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary. Rubinstein Family Chiropractic has recently expanded and with a second location in the heart of Cutler Bay located on the corner of Old Cutler Road and Franjo Road. They look forward to enhancing the lives of Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest and South Dade. For more information visit www.RubinsteinFamilyChiro.com or call (305)336-1803.

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