Caring for Moms to Be

Preparing for your new bundle of joy is full of challenges. From making decisions on caring for your new little one, to preparing your home for a baby and caring for yourself to boot there is a lot to consider. During pregnancy many women experience a host of symptoms like nausea, low energy and towards the second half of the pregnancy a lot of discomfort.

Pregnancy comes with a whole bunch of new hormones each with important goals to promote growth of the baby and prepare the mother’s body for birth. Many Chiropractors and pregnant women are quite familiar with the hormones produced during pregnancy. Along with the hormones there are more obvious physical changes that put a lot of extra physical stress on the spine and pelvis. Many women experience pain in the lower and mid back, into the gluteal muscles hips and shoulders. Much of this discomfort is associated with the physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. For some women taking pain relievers to deal with some of this discomfort is a concern for the health of the baby but are there some drug free options to make mom more comfortable?

The Mayo clinic suggests a few options to relieve back pain during pregnancy. Heat is wonderful for relaxing tight muscles which can lead to pain. Use caution however, too much heat can be a problem and can lead to dehydrated muscles and more discomfort. Use heat sparingly just 20 or so minutes here and there, look for moist heat sources like a warm bath (less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Ice can also be used to relieve sore muscles. Again ice should be used in 20 minute increments with a 20 minute break between icing. Muscles relax and circulation improves when the ice is removed so its important to take breaks from icing and avoid icing for long periods of time. Ice is great on the back of the neck for headaches associated with posture changes and can be useful on swollen feet and ankles.

Massage is another great option for relieving muscle pain during pregnancy. Be sure to look for a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage these practitioners will have the equipment necessary to be sure there is plenty of room for a pregnant belly allowing for a more comfortable massage. Massage can also be great for swollen feet and can help mom to relax and get some much needed sleep.

Chiropractic is also a great option for relieving a lot of discomfort associated with pregnancy. Chiropractic helps joints to move better and better accommodate the physical changes associated with pregnancy. Joints that are moving correctly put less strain on muscles and ligaments resulting ultimately in less discomfort.

Chiropractic has the added benefit of better preparing mother and baby for birth. A normal labor and birth require a couple important bio-mechanical factors. Baby must be in the best possible position to trigger labor and easily move through the birth canal, ideally head down. And the mother’s pelvis must be able to open and move normally through the stages of labor. Chiropractic care and specifically Webster’s technique supports normal functioning of the bio-mechanical factors necessary for normal birth.

Your pregnancy should be a joyous time in your life. Chiropractic may be the very ticket to helping you enjoy your pregnancy even more. Dr. Jayme at Keystone Chiropractic Health Centre is a Webster Certified Chiropractor and happy to help cope with the many bio-mechanical changes a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy.

Call today to Schedule your appointment. 952-471-2560