Pregnancy is a wonderful part of life that families and mothers get to enjoy before welcoming home a new member of the family. However, it can become quite uncomfortable for the mother when spinal problems develop. As we all know, the ligaments in the pelvis need to expand and relax to make room for the growing baby, and this can often lead to problems in this area as well as the low back. The added weight of the baby growing can also place extra pressure on the spine leading to low back pain, pelvic pain and sciatica.

All of these problems are a result of the shifts and changes to the pelvis that take place as the woman’s body makes room for the baby.

The delivery process can also place a great deal of strain on the low back and pelvis. Sometimes spinal discs can bulge as a result of the tremendous amount of pushing that the woman needs to do during labour. The other common problem that can develop during the pregnancy or delivery process is muscle strain. As the pelvis expands and changes, the muscles need to as well. This causes strain on the muscles that become inflamed and painful.

Another lesser known issue can result in pain years after delivering a baby – It is a result of spinal epidural injections that are commonly offered during labour to ease pain. Since the injection is piercing through spinal tissue and into the spinal canal, disc ruptures and other tissue damage can occur. This is not always felt right away but some chiropractors have noticed a correlation with epidurals and unexplained back pain several years after giving birth.

If you or someone you know is pregnant and experiencing any of these issues, it may be necessary to seek the advice and treatment of a trained chiropractor.

You might be thinking, is it even safe to receive chiropractic care during my pregnancy?

Yes! Chiropractic is very safe for both mother and baby and can help reduce pain, and other complications during pregnancy and delivery.

A Chiropractor will make the appropriate accommodations to their treatment style and table so that the pregnant mother is both comfortable and safe during a chiropractic treatment.

Some of these accommodations include, using special pillow or tables that accommodate the baby bump and using instrument adjusting techniques or other techniques that do not involve twisting of the low back.

Many chiropractors are trained to administer safe and effective adjustments during pregnancy, it is important to ask around and see if the chiropractor you are thinking of visiting has any experience delivering this type of treatment.

Pregnant mothers can see a chiropractor right up until the day before they deliver the baby. And, they can return for visits as soon as they feel comfortable right after delivering the baby.

They may also wish to bring their newborn for a check up too.

Sometimes during the birthing process, a baby can undergo quite a bit of strain to their tiny spines, and getting them checked by a chiropractor is an easy way to ensure their spines are as healthy as can be.

An experienced chiropractor will use very gentle adjustments or mobilizations to correct any dysfunction they find in the baby’s spine. This too is very safe and can be done at any point after birth.

If you or someone you know is pregnant and considering their options to manage pain, speak to our doctor who would be happy to discuss their options with them during a free 15 minute consultation. Call 519-751-0728.