As you have probably read from some of my recent posts, this pregnancy has been quite the challenging one. Besides all of the tests and complications we faced early on, physically it was a lot different on my body this time around. By the second trimester I suffered from intense back pain, which resulted in a lot of day-to-day discomfort, lack of sleep and a very irritable mommy at home!

I had enough and it was then that I booked an appointment with my chiropractor, Dr. Aliya. I have heard a lot of concern from mothers about seeing a chiropractor while pregnant, but I was confident that Dr. Aliya could help relieve a lot of the back pain I had been experiencing so far being pregnant with baby #2.

We all know that pregnancy can really impact our body’s natural alignment and there is discomfort that comes along with these changes. Even after my first visit with Dr. Aliya, a lot of the back pain was alleviated. I started to feel like myself again and could move and get out of bed without wincing in pain. I could also be active without feeling stiff as a board and fighting through the aches. Thank you, Dr. Aliya!

I realize that there’s still a lot of stigma around chiropractic care during pregnancy, so that’s exactly why I’m writing this post. I wanted to share my positive experience, but also share Dr. Aliya’s answers to some frequently asked questions about receiving chiro care during pregnancy. I’m sure you have had some of these questions yourself and hopefully after reading the rest of this post you will have some reassurance.

Q & A With Dr. Aliya

Q. What are the benefits of receiving chiropractic care during my pregnancy?

Pre-existing and often unnoticed imbalances in the pelvis and spine become stressed during pregnancy. In addition, the weight of a growing uterus has a tendency to change a woman’s biomechanics, shifting the center of gravity and putting pressure on joints of the hips, pelvis and lower back. These things make everyday activity increasingly difficult for a pregnant woman.

Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can relieve and even prevent the common discomforts experienced in pregnancy. Specific adjustments may eliminate the causes of stress in the spine.

Here are some specific benefits of receiving prenatal chiropractic care:

Decreasing back and pelvic discomfort and pain
Increasing the ease in which the body adapts to the natural changes related to pregnancy
Aligning the pelvis and lumbar spine may allow for optimal baby positioning and growth

Q. Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care is safe through all trimesters of pregnancy as early as the first month and does not harm the growing fetus. The type of care you experience may vary depending on your treatment plan, the chiropractor you visit and your pregnancy. Special pregnancy pillows, wedges and supports are used during treatment to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed

Q. Will the treatment be painful?

Not at all!

Chiropractic manipulation is a gentle yet specific adjustment designed to help ease the symptoms of an unbalanced pelvis and misaligned spine. There are a variety of techniques the can be used and your chiro will do a thorough assessment to determine which will be best for you. In addition, we will spend some time releasing tight muscles and ligaments in the areas of the body that are holding tension. You will walk away feeling like a new person!

Q. Can chiropractic help turn breech babies?

Using the Webster Technique, a chiropractor may gently open up and align the pelvis as well as release any tension in the ligaments of the uterus. This may allow space or room for your baby to move into the proper head down position naturally. If the baby is in correct position, the technique may also help maintain that ideal positioning leading up to delivery. This technique is offered by chiropractors who have completed additional training, like myself!

The Webster Technique has been found to have an 82% success rate in clinical studies for breech babies (JMPT July/August 2002).

Q. I’m pregnant! When can I start receiving chiropractic care?

You can start receiving care as soon as you would like! There isn’t a specific set time to begin care. However, in my experience, the earlier – the better! Including chiropractic care in your prenatal care and wellness routine will only help keep you feeling amazing throughout your pregnancy! Many mamas that are under my care during their pregnancies (and beyond!) report significant improvements in their sleep, quality of life and overall health and general wellness.

For More Info On Chiro Care During Pregnancy

Hopefully after reading this you feel more comfortable about seeing a chiropractor before, during and after pregnancy. If you would like more information on this topic, check out the latest post on the Ontario Chiropractic Website here. Also, make sure you watch our short video below on helpful tips to relieve back pain during pregnancy.

Chiro and Pregnancy