Introduction to Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Looking for a natural and effective way to tackle those pregnancy discomforts? Dr. Kelsey at Sweet Family Chiropractic is Webster certified and trained to care for women throughout all stages of pregnancy. The Webster technique is gentle and safe for both you and your baby, providing a natural and effective solution for your pregnancy-related pains and helping to support your body during labor and delivery. Discover how you can benefit and schedule your first appointment today.
Prenatal chiropractic care supports your body’s natural physiology by helping to realign your spine and pelvis, reducing the strain on your ligaments and muscles.
As pregnancy progresses, a woman’s body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes. A mother’s growing stomach, accompanied by weight gain, shifts their center of gravity forward, introducing new biomechanical stressors to the joints of the spine, pelvis, and extremities.
In addition, complex hormonal changes begin to take place. The presence of relaxin enables the relaxation of ligaments and joints, aiding the pelvis in accommodating the baby through the birth canal. While these changes are crucial for the safe delivery of a baby, they can sometimes lead to discomfort.
It has been reported that approximately 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy, and 50% to 75% of women experience back pain during labor (Phillips & Meyer, 1995; Diakow et al., 1991; Berg et al., 1988).
When to Seek Prenatal Chiropractic Care
In general, it is never too early for mothers to start seeing a prenatal chiropractor. Both mothers and their babies can benefit from chiropractic care at all stages of pregnancy. To ensure the highest standard of care, expecting mothers should actively seek out chiropractors who possess special designations, such as being Webster Certified. This designation signifies that a doctor has taken advanced steps in learning a specific technique that is safe and effective for pregnancy.
Dr. Kelsey is Webster Certified with over 180 hours of training in treating the prenatal and pediatric community.
What is Webster Technique?
The Webster technique is a specialized analysis and adjustment of the sacrum and pelvis, designed specifically for pregnancy. When the sacrum is misaligned or subluxated, it could potentially contribute to challenging labor, a condition known as dystocia. Dystocia typically arises from three causes: inadequate uterine function, insufficient contractions, and incorrect positioning of the baby.
Correcting a subluxated sacrum through a chiropractic adjustment can potentially have a positive impact on all the factors that contribute to difficult labor. This is because of the sacrum’s close relationship with the nervous system. As highlighted by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, the primary aim of the adjustment is to mitigate the effects of subluxation and/or SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, it enhances the neuro-biomechanical function in the sacral and pelvic region, leading to potential improvements in labor outcomes.
What Are The Benefits of Prenatal Care?
Prenatal chiropractic care offers relief from many common pregnancy-related aches and pains, such as:
- Back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Sciatica
- Round ligament pain
In addition, other benefits can include:
- Improved Posture
- Better Mobility
- Enhanced Pelvic Floor Function
- Improved Sleep
- Reduced labor and delivery time
- Optimal Baby Positioning
Best of all, it is safe, Drug-Free, and less invasive compared to other modes of pain management.
But Is Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Safe?
Prenatal adjustments involve minimal force and are carefully tailored to the mother, ensuring a safe and effective experience. “According to the American Pregnancy Association, ‘There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy.'” In other words, chiropractic care is considered safe for pregnant women. As a good rule of thumb, it is best to talk openly with your birth team, complete a thorough history, and exam, and share any concerns you may have to help ensure the best possible experience with your chiropractor.
“Highly recommend! Kelsey is amazing! I’ve had back problems all my life and they only got worse with my pregnancy, she listened to me and adjusted me to make my pregnancy a better experience”.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
During your initial appointment, Dr. Kelsey will conduct a comprehensive examination and gather your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for prenatal chiropractic care. Following a thorough assessment, she will present you with a personalized care plan and guide you through the entire process.
For your comfort during treatment, we provide a specially designed pillow that cradles your stomach like a hammock in order to be adjusted laying facedown. Our approach employs the Webster Technique, a method that involves pelvic adjustments tailored to the unique requirements of pregnancy and postpartum adjustments, followed by gentle soft tissue contact work. To ensure safety and effectiveness, pelvic adjustments are administered using a drop table, eliminating any twisting or torquing motion on your abdomen and pelvis. Evaluation of the upper back and neck is also included.
As the session progresses, the patient transitions onto their back with an elevated headpiece, facilitating the assessment of the front half of the body (pubic symphysis, hip flexors, and round ligaments). To address joint restrictions of the pubic symphysis, an activator, a handheld low-force adjusting tool, is utilized. Before any adjustments take place, Dr. Kelsey ensures that you understand the adjustment process, and she takes the time to explain the upcoming steps.
Subsequent visits will include prescribed stretches and exercises tailored to your individual requirements, accessible through our online portal. Consistent care throughout your pregnancy is paramount for achieving optimal outcomes. It’s important to note that this journey involves a series of adjustments rather than a singular event. We emphasize the significance of continuous care during pregnancy for achieving positive results. Our care plan extends to the postpartum period, aiding in the recovery process.
As an additional benefit, the first postpartum visit includes a complimentary examination and adjustment, the same applies to your new baby, demonstrating our dedication to comprehensive family well-being.
