Women go through a tremendous amount of physical and emotional changes during the various stages of pregnancy. Chiropractic care is a great way to alleviate pains that occur during every stage of pregnancy as well as prepare the body for the birthing process without the use of medication. More women and women’s health providers are discovering the many benefits associated with chiropractic care in pregnancy, specifically the Webster technique. Chiropractors who are proficient in this technique have gone through additional training to help support a more comfortable, safer, and easier birth for the mothers they are caring for.  The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment focusing on improving the mother’s pelvic balance to promote both emotional and physical well-being. As with all chiropractic adjustments, the intent is to reduce the interference to the nervous system so the body can function its best. By removing the interference, the mother can experience reduced low back and pelvic pain caused by postural changes, improved sleep, enhanced immune system, and an overall more pleasant pregnancy experience.

All of these benefits as well as optimal baby position can be achieved by focusing on proper pelvic alignment and optimal nervous system function. When the pelvis is out of alignment, the ligaments that attach the pelvis to the uterus increase in tension. This increase in tension not only leads to discomfort for mom, but also results in distortion to the baby’s environment. The walls of the uterus tighten and restrict movement, thus, affecting baby positioning. By receiving regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, the mother's physiological function is at its best, allowing for the baby's development to be optimized. Baby has optimal space to get into the best possible position for birth. The appropriate baby position can lead to decreased labor times and delivery pain. Regular chiropractic care is not only beneficial for mother and baby during pregnancy, but after birth as well.

Being born is hard work. There are a lot of pressures and forces being exerted onto the baby during his or her journey into the world. A study by Viola Frymann demonstrated that 90% of newborns suffer effects of birth trauma following birth. Birth, in its many different forms, can be quite traumatic for baby. Some causes of birth trauma include very short or long labor, use of Pitocin to strengthen/induce uterine contractions, pain medications, restricted maternal birthing positions, pulling/twisting of the head during the delivery process, extraction using forceps or vacuum, and delivery via cesarean section. If left uncorrected, the trauma continues to impact a baby’s spinal growth and development, leading to reduced healthy function of his or her nervous system. This can lead to greater health challenges later in life that could have been easily prevented. Some potential signs of nerve stress in infants include tilting of the head to one side even after straightening it, difficulty with turning head to one side, disturbances with sleep, difficulty with latch and nursing, and inability to be soothed. Visiting a chiropractor immediately after birth and throughout infancy can make life more enjoyable for not only your baby, but you as a new parent as well.

When bringing baby for a first visit, don’t forget about you! A woman’s body endures a lot during and even after pregnancy. Postpartum chiropractic care can promote faster physical recovery for the mother. Chiropractic care has also been shown to be beneficial in lowering the possibility of postpartum depression.

We, as prenatal and pediatric chiropractors, love caring for you throughout your pregnancy and being along your side throughout your journey to becoming a mother, as well as caring for your family in the years to come. Don’t forget to add regular chiropractic care to your newborn and postpartum check-up schedule, as well.

Dr. Lauren Block earned advanced credentialing in prenatal care from Palmer College of Chiropractic. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association and is certified in the Webster Technique which is specifically designed to care for pregnant mothers.