5 Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy

Try chiropractic during pregnancy for a health mom & baby

With significant physical changes during pregnancy can come a lot pain or discomfort, leading many moms to consider chiropractic during pregnancy. When pregnant, pain is most commonly noted through the back and pelvis, but may be felt down the legs or through the neck, shoulders, and head. Chiropractic care is a great option for pain relief and improved health during pregnancy and has minimal risk compared to other common treatment options.

Here are 5 benefits of using chiropractic care during pregnancy:

1. Less pain. Back pain is common in pregnancy, and chiropractic treatment appears to be similarly effective for pregnancy-related pains as it is for other patients. Not only does less pain feel better, but it can also help reduce the stress and anxiety that tend to come with it.

2. Less risk to the child. All medications carry some risks and a developing child is at much greater risk of side effects than an adult mother. Even Tylenol (acetaminophen), which had been the go-to medication for pain in pregnancy, has now been linked to higher risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the child. By reducing discomfort, non-drug treatments like chiropractic can help reduce or eliminate the need for medication use by the mother, reducing risks of all kinds of potential side effects.

3. Shorter labor/delivery. A comparison of those using or not using chiropractic during pregnancy, found a significant reduction in average labor time with chiropractic patients, reducing stress on mother and child. Shorter labor time is associated with fewer medical interventions. Chiropractic adjustments may assist in helping the pelvis naturally prepare for delivery.

4. Healthier mom. While chiropractic adjusting and treatments generally focus on reducing discomfort, they may also help reduce related issues like shortness of breath, indigestion, and bowel problems. Nutrition coaching and lifestyle modifications are often used to address other issues as well. By reducing pain and improving function during pregnancy, chiropractic can also help increase healthy activity and the added benefits that come with it.

5. Healthier child. A healthier mom, with less pain, on less medication, under less stress, and experiencing an easier delivery increases the likelihood of a healthy child.

To avoid the risks of medication alone for the developing child, it's worth trying non-drug treatments like chiropractic manipulation to relieve pain. However, as noted above, there are a number of potential benefits to mom and baby when using chiropractic care during pregnancy.

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