Chiropractic Care & Pregnancy: What are the Benefits?

The Benefits of Neurological Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Enhancing Nervous System Function and Improving Birth Outcomes

Pregnancy is a beautiful, life-changing experience, but it also comes with a series of physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that can put stress on a woman’s body. As the body adapts to support the growing baby, many women experience emotional stress, pain, and changes that affect the nervous system’s optimal functioning. One effective way to support the nervous system during pregnancy is through neurological chiropractic care.

Neurological chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and the rest of the body. It aims to ensure the nervous system is functioning optionally, in a balanced state between parasympathetic (think calming side of the nervous system) and sympathetic (stress response) so your body can focus on growing another human! This is particularly important during pregnancy, when the body undergoes significant changes that can impact the nervous system’s ability to transmit signals efficiently.

1. Optimizing Nervous System Function

In utero, baby and mom share a nervous system! Let's say that again: In utero, baby and mom share a nervous system! This means stressors felt by mom are felt by baby. The nervous system controls and coordinates every function in the body, including muscle movement, organ function, and even mood regulation. During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations and physical changes can disrupt the nervous system’s ability to function at its best, leading to aches and pains, sleep issues, and non-optimal baby positioning later in pregnancy. Chiropractic care helps reduce interference in the nervous system to help these issues resolve.

Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can improve nervous system function, reduce stress, and help alleviate pain. A well-functioning nervous system is critical during pregnancy, as it ensures that the body can adapt to the demands of a growing baby, including the changes in posture and alignment that naturally occur.

In our office, Dr. Kevin will perform 3 neurological exams including heart rate variability, surface EMG, and thermography to see how your nervous system is functioning. All these scans are non-invasive and safe. We don't guess in our office and want to know exactly what is happening in your body!

Heart Rate Variability Scan

2. Improving Pregnancy Outcomes

A significant body of research suggests that chiropractic care during pregnancy can positively impact birth outcomes. For example, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care during pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications like preterm labor, breech position, and fetal malpresentation. The study highlights that spinal misalignments, particularly in the pelvic region, can lead to intrauterine constraints that may hinder the baby’s optimal position for birth. Chiropractic adjustments help correct these misalignments, promoting proper fetal positioning and reducing the likelihood of a difficult labor and delivery.

Moreover, chiropractic care can help reduce the chances of interventions during labor, such as the use of forceps, cesarean sections, or medications, by allowing the body to function more effectively during the birthing process. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics revealed that women who received chiropractic care during pregnancy reported a reduction in labor time, less pain, and fewer complications during childbirth.

A gentle, neurological adjustment

3. Relieving Pregnancy-Related Discomfort

One of the most common reasons pregnant women seek chiropractic care is to relieve discomfort caused by the physical changes of pregnancy. As the body adjusts to accommodate a growing baby there is often more issues like lower back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. Chiropractic care can help alleviate these discomforts by improving spinal alignment, reducing nerve irritation, and improving posture.

In addition to musculoskeletal relief, chiropractic care has also been shown to help with common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and headaches. Research has indicated that spinal adjustments can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in controlling nausea and headache responses. For many women, chiropractic care provides a non-invasive, drug-free option to manage these symptoms.

So, Should I Get Chiropractic Care?

Neurological chiropractic care offers a holistic and effective approach to supporting the body during pregnancy. By optimizing nervous system function, improving pregnancy outcomes, and alleviating discomfort, chiropractic care provides a safe, natural alternative to help women navigate pregnancy and prepare for childbirth. Research consistently shows that chiropractic care can help promote optimal fetal positioning, reduce labor complications, and improve overall health for both mother and baby.

If you’re pregnant and considering chiropractic care, reach out to us to learn more and schedule your appointment.

References:

1. Peterson, D. (2007). "Chiropractic care during pregnancy: A review of the literature." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

2. Pistolese, R. (2009). "The chiropractic care of the pregnant patient." Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics.

3. Walsh, S., et al. (2003). "The impact of chiropractic care on pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review." The Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics.