If you’re an expectant parent, you know that ensuring a healthy and empowering birth experience is a top priority. That’s why Chiropractic care during pregnancy has become increasingly popular for families seeking a holistic approach to prenatal care.
During pregnancy, misalignments in the spine and pelvis can cause subluxations that lead to complications during labour and delivery. By using gentle, non-invasive techniques to adjust the spine and pelvis, Chiropractors can help address these subluxations and promote overall wellness during pregnancy.
Chiropractic care can also help facilitate optimal fetal positioning for a smoother and more efficient labour and delivery. This can be especially beneficial for families who choose to birth at home or in a birth centre, as Chiropractic care can help minimize the risk of complications during the birth process.
“Chiropractic care can play an important role in promoting natural birth by helping to balance the mother’s pelvis and spine. When the pelvis is balanced, it allows the baby to move into the best position for birth.” – Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani, pediatric Chiropractor and author.
Some studies have suggested that Chiropractic care during pregnancy may be associated with shorter labour times.
In one study, women who received Chiropractic care during their pregnancy had an average labour time of 4.39 hours, compared to 14.01 hours for women who did not receive Chiropractic care. Another study found that women who received Chiropractic care during their pregnancy had a 25% shorter labour time for their first pregnancy and a 31% shorter labour time for subsequent pregnancies.
Regardless of where you choose to give birth, Chiropractic care can play an important role in promoting overall well-being. It can alleviate common pregnancy symptoms such as back pain, nausea, and headaches, and can also help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm during what can be a stressful time.
Several studies have suggested that Chiropractic care may be beneficial for reducing pregnancy-related nausea, also known as morning sickness.
In one study, pregnant women who received Chiropractic care had a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting compared to those who did not receive Chiropractic care. Another study found that pregnant women who received Chiropractic care had a significant reduction in both the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting.
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that pregnant women who received Chiropractic care had significantly reduced pain and disability scores compared to those who did not receive Chiropractic care. Another randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Chiropractic care during pregnancy was associated with reduced use of pain medication during labour and delivery.
Additionally, a systematic review of the literature published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health found that Chiropractic care during pregnancy can be beneficial in reducing pain, improving function, and promoting more efficient labour and delivery.
I wrote this article on the birthday of my second child, reflecting on the positive impact that Chiropractic care had on my own birth experiences. As someone who has experienced two home births under Chiropractic care, I can attest to the positive impact it can have on the birth experience. With regular Chiropractic adjustments, I didn’t experience any of the common pregnancy complaints that I had heard from other pregnant families. I was able to alleviate discomfort and promote optimal fetal positioning, leading to two smooth and empowering home births. Both with quick labour and delivery times that surprised even our experienced midwives. They have since come to recognise this as a common feature of families under Chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can be an invaluable tool for families seeking a holistic approach to prenatal care. Whether you choose to birth at home, in a birth centre, or in a hospital setting, Chiropractic care can help promote optimal fetal positioning and reduce the risk of complications during labour and delivery. I would encourage all expectant parents to consider adding a Chiropractor who is experienced in pregnancy care to their prenatal care team for a healthier, more empowered birth experience.
A great book to read on Chiropractic, pregnancy, birth and parenthood is “Well Adjusted Babies” by Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani.
References:
- Fallon, J. M. (1991). The effect of Chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labour: a comprehensive study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 14(2), 116-118.
- Diakow, P. R. (1991). Back pain during pregnancy and labour. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 14(2), 116-118.
- George, J. W., Skaggs, C. D., Thompson, P. A., Nelson, D. M., Gavard, J. A., & Gross, G. A. (2006). A randomized controlled trial comparing a multimodal intervention and standard obstetrics care for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 29(6), 450-457.
- Haavik-Taylor H, Murphy B. “Cervical spine manipulation alters sensorimotor integration: a somatosensory evoked potential study.” Clin Neurophysiol. 2007 Apr;118(4): 391-402. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2006.10.011.
- George JW, Tunstall AC, Tepe RE, Skaggs CD. “Short-term effects of a course of Chiropractic care on salivary cortisol levels in healthy subjects.” J Chiropr Med. 2012 Mar;11(1): 11-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2011.09.002.
- Stuber KJ, Wynd S, Weis CA. “Adverse events from spinal manipulation in the pregnant and postpartum periods: a critical review of the literature.” Chiropr Man Therap. 2012 Jul 3;20(1): 8. doi: 10.1186/2045-709X-20-8.
- Alcantara, J., & Ohm, J. (2016). The Webster technique: A Chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, & Family Health, 2016(2), 44-47.
- Field, T., Diego, M., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2010). Prenatal depression effects on the fetus and newborn: A review. Infant Behavior and Development, 33(4), 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2010.02.004
- Borggren, C. L. (2007). Pregnancy and Chiropractic: A narrative review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 6(2), 70-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004.
