Becoming pregnant brings about many changes, both hormonal and physical, not to mention stress and financial concerns. Expecting parents often need support throughout this journey.
Chiropractic is a beneficial treatment option for pregnant women during their pregnancy. Why choose chiropractic? Because it helps maintain optimal body mechanics, promotes muscle flexibility, and can also ease childbirth among many other benefits.
Our goal is to support you throughout this journey by providing care that will be beneficial for you and your future baby.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a natural approach that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Chiropractic treatments adopt both a preventive and curative approach. Their goal is to alleviate symptoms as well as prevent their recurrence, particularly those related to spinal dysfunction.
Chiropractic emphasizes the relationship between the body’s structure, especially the spine, and its function, as coordinated by the nervous system.
Chiropractic: An Ally for Relieving Pregnancy Pain
Chiropractic care proves to be highly effective in relieving, reducing, and eliminating muscle and joint tension during pregnancy.
Chiropractic primarily targets pain in the following areas:
- The lower back
- The pubic region
- The legs
- Between the shoulder blades
- The buttocks
- And various other locations
It is etimated that lower back pain affects between 46% and 76% of women during the nine months of pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial not to wait for symptoms to appear before consulting a chiropractor.
Les changements corporels durant la grossesse
Pregnancy has an impact on the entire human body. The cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, and urinary systems are all affected. Here is an overview of the normal physical changes during the three trimesters of pregnancy:1st trimester
- Cessation of menstruation
- Increase in breast size
- Increased heart rate
- Slowing of the digestive system
- Weight gain
2nd trimester:
- Rounding of the abdomen
- Appearance of stretch marks and varicose veins
- Appearance of irregular spots and skin pigmentation
- Feeling the baby’s first movements;
- Mood stabilization
3rd trimester:
- Skin elasticity causing itching
- Production of colostrum (the first breast milk);
- Increase in blood volume
- Improved flexibility
- Onset of dizziness
Postural Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy leads to significant postural changes, such as:- Increased lumbar lordosis (curve of the lower back);
- Rounding of the shoulders
- Altered gait;
- DShifting of the center of gravity toward the lower limbs
The Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy
Chiropractic offers many benefits throughout pregnancy and even afterward. Chiropractic treatments can:
- Make pregnancy more comfortable
- Reduce labor duration by approximately 25% for a first pregnancy and 39% for a second or third pregnancy
- Increase your energy levels
- Facilitate childbirth
- Reduce lower back pain and other symptoms during pregnancy
Approximately 84% of individuals who received chiropractic care reported relief from lower back pain during their pregnancy.
In the past, musculoskeletal pain associated with pregnancy was considered an inevitable part of the changes that women had to endure. Today, we know that these discomforts can be prevented and alleviated with proper care.
5 Good Reasons to See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a natural phenomenon that requires strength and care. Here are 5 good reasons to see a chiropractor during your pregnancy:
- To maintain spinal alignment
During pregnancy, the center of gravity shifts forward due to the baby’s weight. As the baby grows, abdominal muscles stretch, playing a crucial role in posture stabilization. These changes can cause misalignments and dysfunctions of the spine. - To relieve back pain
Numerous studies have shown that manual treatments are effective in reducing back pain during pregnancy. Many women who received chiropractic care reported experiencing less pain during pregnancy and childbirth. - To strengthen and support the joints
During the third trimester, a hormone called relaxin is produced in large quantities, promoting joint loosening to help the pelvis adapt to the uterus. This can put additional strain on the back and pelvic muscles to maintain an upright posture. Chiropractic care can help reduce tension and strengthen the body as a whole. - To reduce medication intake
Most pregnant people try to avoid medication during pregnancy. Many turn to chiropractic care as it is safe, natural, and can help relieve back, neck, shoulder, and hip pain. - To target the pelvic floor
The pelvic floor plays a vital role in supporting the bladder, uterus, and rectum. During pregnancy, it provides support and helps stabilize the pelvis. Chiropractic adjustments can improve pelvic floor control, facilitating natural childbirth.
A Safe Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an important stage in life, whether experienced alone or as a couple. It is essential to be surrounded by skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Chiropractic care can play a beneficial role in promoting a comfortable and safe pregnancy. Our chiropractors at the Chiropratique du Portage Clinic are available to support you throughout this period, helping you reduce and manage your pain.
Do not hesitate to contact us to learn more about our services and find out how we can support you during your pregnancy.
Rest assured, you will be in excellent hands throughout your pregnancy with our chiropractors.
Dr. Émilie Gaudreau, chiropractor
Dr. Patrick Gaudreau, chiropractor
Sources consulted as of November 10, 2024.
Association des Chiropraticiens du Québec. (2024). Qu’est-ce que la chiropratique ? Repéré à : Qu’est-ce que la chiropratique ? | Association des Chiropraticiens du Québec.
Association chiropratique canadienne. (2023). Soins chiropratiques pour les patientes enceintes. Repéré à : Soins chiropratiques pour les patientes enceintes – Association chiropratique canadienne.
Centre de Correction Vertébrale. (2024). 5 bonnes raisons de consulter un chiro pendant la grossesse. Repéré à : 5 bonnes raisons de consulter un chiro pendant la grossesse – Centre CVQ.
Malenfant, J. (2016). Avant et après la naissance de bébé. Repéré à : Avant et après la naissance de bébé – Association Chiropraticiens Québec.
Naître et grandir. (2024). Grossesse : changements physiques et maux courants. Repéré à : Grossesse : changements physiques et maux courants.
Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec. (2024). Qu’est-ce que la chiropratique ? Repéré à : Qu’est-ce que la chiropratique ? – Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec.