Whether you’re pregnant, nursing, or pumping there’s no reason you can’t enjoy one of our favorite, tasty mocktails to spice up your holidays and ring in the new year!
Being pregnant is a beautiful thing, but can also be a real "pain in the neck". Chiropractor Dr. Cynthia D’Amelio walks us through the benefits of Chiropractic care for both mom and baby.
Throughout my career as a Chiropractor, I have treated many women prior to, during and after pregnancy. Chiropractic care has a countless amount of benefits on both the mother and baby.
During the course of pregnancy, there will be many physiological and hormonal changes as your body prepares for the birth of your baby. A recent study found that more than 75% of pregnant women experience pregnancy-related low back pain, pelvic pain, or a combination; and that this pain increases as pregnancy progresses. Chiropractic care is a safe, effective, and drug-free way to manage these and other musculoskeletal symptoms during pregnancy.
What are the benefits of chiropractic prior to pregnancy?
Promotes regular menstrual cycles
Optimal uterine function
Prepares body for healthy implantation
Ensures proper nerve supply to reproductive organs
What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?
SHORTER LABOUR TIME
Pregnant women receiving regular chiropractic care have a 25-50% reduction in labour time.
IMPROVED SLEEP
Pregnant women who sleep less than 6 hours average 29 hours of labour. Those women who sleep 7 or more hours average less than 18 hours of labour.
OPTIMAL FETAL POSITION
When a breech position occurs, an experienced prenatal chiropractor certified in a special technique called the Webster Technique, has a 92% success rate to reduce in-uterine constraint and by allowing more room to help the baby turn head down.
REDUCTION IN PELVIC PAIN
During pregnancy, the hormones relaxin and progesterone loosen ligaments and joints, especially in the pelvic area. The extra weight and body changes in pregnancy along with these loosened joints and ligaments can cause muscle discomfort, pelvic imbalances and ligament pain, especially the round ligament.
REDUCTION OF BACK PAIN AND BACK LABOUR
During pregnancy, the body’s center of gravity moves forward increasing the lumbar (lower back) curve and placing extra strain and force through the lumbar spinal joints.
Growing baby and increased fetal movement creates expansion of lower rib cage which can aggravate mid back joints that connect to ribs.
Increased breast size to prepare for lactation adds additional strain to the upper back.
HELPS RELIEVE HEADACHES AND NECK PAIN
Modified posture through shoulders to offset change in center of gravity causes loss of cervical neck curve leading to headaches.
REDUCE SCIATIC PAIN AND RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
Modified gait/walking becomes wide during pregnancy which can irritate and impinge nerves of the low back and pelvis causing sciatic nerve pain and restless leg syndrome (RLS)
STRENGTHENS THE PELVIC FLOOR
Chiropractic adjustments give women greater control over the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn makes childbirth easier and recovery shorter.
REDUCED NEED FOR PAIN MEDICATION
During pregnancy, women are limited with options of pain relief due to many medications found to be unsafe and increase the risk of birth defects.
Chiropractic care is a safe alternative and holistic treatment to help resolve and/or decrease pain in pregnant women.
In a hospital study that incorporated chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy, there was a 50% decrease in the need for painkillers during delivery.
INCREASES POST-NATAL SUCCESS
Chiropractic treatments help provide more comfort during breastfeeding and greater production of breast milk.
Studies show less incidence of postpartum depression in those women undergoing chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care can help make your pregnancy experience a more positive, healthy and comfortable one.
Dr. Cynthia D’Amelio is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Webster Technique Certified, ICPA Training. She currently practices in Morristown, New Jersey.
*Please consult with your OB/GYN to determine if Chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
If you're anything like us at Milx HQ, you're at some stage in your motherhood journey, staring at your closet, trying to figure out what to wear to your next holiday party. Don't worry -- we've got you covered. Our resident fashion stylist Alessandra Carlin shares her favorite picks for each stage of pregnancy and postpartum life that'll leave you looking fabulous at your next soiree.
