Caring for expectant mothers is one of the most rewarding parts of being a chiropractor. A healthy pregnancy often leads to an easier labor, a smoother delivery, and a better start for your baby. At Network Wellness Center, we’ve seen firsthand how vital it is for moms-to-be to receive care throughout their pregnancy, not just for comfort but for both mother and baby’s overall health and well-being.
Chiropractic Is Essential During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings numerous changes to a woman’s body. As your baby grows, the pressure on your spine and pelvis increases, and your posture shifts to accommodate your changing center of gravity. While these changes are natural, they may also lead to spinal misalignments or subluxations, which interfere with the function of your nervous system, affecting everything from your hormones to your ability to move comfortably.
Improving Labor Outcomes with Chiropractic
Studies show chiropractic care can significantly reduce labor times. In fact, women receiving chiropractic care during their first pregnancy experience 24% shorter labor times, while those with previous pregnancies see labor times reduced by 39%. These outcomes are primarily due to better pelvic alignment, which allows the pelvis to open more easily during delivery, reducing the likelihood of back labor and the need for medical interventions.
It’s also important to consider how delivery positions impact labor. Common positions, such as lying on your back, may actually close off vital space needed for the baby’s passage through the pelvic outlet. This restriction can stall labor, leading to increased use of interventions like epidurals, forceps, and cesareans. Squatting allows gravity to assist the process and increases the pelvic outlet diameter, making it easier for your baby to move through the birth canal.
The Effects of Birth Trauma on Newborns
The journey through the birth canal can be difficult, especially when medical interventions are involved that apply significant force to a newborn’s head and neck. Even without these tools, the pressures during birth may cause subluxations in a baby’s spine, impacting their health.
That’s why we recommend gentle chiropractic adjustments for newborns as soon as possible after birth. We use only light pressure designed to help babies recover from any birth-related subluxations, promoting better spinal alignment and overall health from the very start.
The Importance of Preventing Subluxations
Chiropractic care isn’t about treating specific conditions like colic, allergies, or asthma; it’s about promoting wellness and helping your body function as it should. By preventing subluxations during pregnancy, you not only support your own health but also reduce the likelihood of subluxations in your baby, contributing to a more positive birth experience.
Listening to the stories of moms who’ve had difficult births reveals a common theme—babies struggling with health issues now often experienced challenging deliveries. Chiropractic throughout pregnancy helps minimize challenges by preparing your body for an easier, more natural birth. It’s preventive care at its best, ensuring both you and your baby enjoy a healthy start together.
If you’re expecting, consider making chiropractic care at Network Wellness Center a part of your prenatal routine. It’s a safe, effective way to support your body’s natural ability to give birth, helping you and your baby experience the healthiest journey possible. Schedule your visit today!