Whether you are pregnant or have recently given birth, during this time your body will be undergoing rapid physiological changes. In the early stages of pregnancy your body releases hormones to help your ligaments to relax so that a baby can pass through the birthing canal, this hormone has global musculoskeletal effects making you more flexible in most joints. Later in pregnancy as the baby grows there will be postural changes to adapt to the changes in centre of gravity and weight on the pelvis. After giving birth your body will rapidly change again as your hormones change to allow for feeding a baby and you adapt to the physical challenges of looking after a baby. This process is natural but these rapid changes in shape, weight, flexibility and activity levels can have painful consequences on the musculoskeletal system.
Chiropractic and massage treatment can help you to relax, to remain pain free and active or to reduce and manage painful symptoms such as lower back and pelvic girdle pain.
During your visit, you will be given a chiropractic examination. Your postural and muscular tension will be assessed as well as the individual and global movement of the body, spine and neck.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy aims to optimize the function of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles. While chiropractors do not directly manipulate the position of the baby, they focus on creating an optimal environment within the mother's body to support a healthy pregnancy and potentially influence the baby's positioning.
We take a particular interest in the symmetry of the pelvis and lower back. We also look closely at your feet, knees and hips in relation to their alignment with regards to the pelvis and symphysis pubis. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, chiropractic care may help optimize the space within the uterus. This can allow the baby more room to move into the head-down position as it prepares for delivery.
Each patient will have an individually tailored treatment program.
The technique we use will vary on where you are in your pregnancy or post partum and the level of stability of your joints.
We may use a ‘doughnut’ pillow – with a hole in the centre – so you can lie comfortably during treatment as well as other modalities to ensure comfort.
During your treatment program you will receive advice on posture, exercises and how to prepare physically for the birth process and after.
Massage during pregnancy is a very delicate issue. Many people say that it should be avoided, but this is not totally true. Special skills are required dealing with a pregnant woman, but massage is still possible and extremely beneficial.
First, the most important thing is that you should be comfortable. It may not be possible for you to lie on your stomach, and often, especially in the later stages, lying on your back is also difficult. Therefore most massage techniques for pregnant women are done lying on your side.
Second, the pressure used should be minimal, not just on areas near the abdomen, but everywhere.
Finally stretches have to be modified to suit, especially as the baby becomes bigger. For example, many people suffer from sciatica, but a pregnancy sciatica is very different and requires different help.
