HOW YOUR PREGNANCY CHIROPRACTOR CAN HELP

Seeing a Chiropractor during pregnancy might help the body to adapt to the many and varied physiological changes that occur during this time.

Some of the many reasons why women may choose to see a pregnancy chiropractor during this special but challenging time include;

• Back/pelvic pain - A common complaint during pregnancy with 49-69% of women reporting back pain at some time during their pregnancy.2-8
• Disturbed sleep - 30-58% of pregnant women experience disturbed sleep due to pain. 3,6,8,
• Hip/knee/foot pain - Up to 56% of women in one study reported experiencing hip, knee or foot pain during pregnancy.9
• Pubis symphysis pain and dysfunction

​

TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR SPINE DURING PREGNANCY
From ‘WELL ADJUSTED BABIES’ by Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani1

• Don’t try to sit up from a lying position using your abdominal muscles.  Instead, bend your knees, turn onto your side and push yourself up with your arms.
• Remember to unlock your knees when standing and refrain from wearing high-heels.
• Avoid standing with your hands on your hips and pushing your tummy forward.
• Let others lift heavy items for you and avoid carrying toddlers.
• Avoid twisting your spine on top of your pelvis, instead try moving your whole body with your feet.  For example, when getting out of the car, turn your whole body towards the open door as you place your feet on the ground.
• Avoid remaining in one position for too long.
• Keep your pelvic floor strong.
• Breathe deeply into your lower abdomen, especially when stressed.
• Gently stretch your body daily.

REFERENCES

1. Barham-Floreani J. Well Adjusted Babies. 2nd edition. Vitality Productions, Victoria Australia. 2009
2. Berg G, Hammar M, Moller-Nielsen J, Linden U, Thorbland J. Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1988; 71: 71-5. 
3. Fast A, Shapiro D, Ducommun EJ, Friedmann LW, Bouklas T, Floman Y. Low back pain in pregnancy. Spine 1987;12: 368-71. 
4. Kristiansson P, Svardsudd K, VonSchoultz B. Back pain during pregnancy: a prospective study. Spine 1996;21:702-9. 
5. ​Ostgaard HC, Andersson Gv, Karlsson K. Prevalence of back pain in pregnancy. Spine 1991;16:549-52. 
6. Skaggs CD, Prather H, Gross G, George JW, Thompson PA, Nelson DM. Back and pelvic pain in an underserved United States pregnant population: a preliminary descriptive survey. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2007;30(2):130-4. 
7. Ostgaard HC, Andersson GB. Previous back pain and risk of developing back pain in future pregnancy. Spine 1991;16: 432-6. 
8. Wang S, DeZinno P, Maranets I, Berman M, Caldwell-Andrews A, Kain Z. Low back pain during pregnancy: prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes. Obstet Gynecol 2004;104(1):65-70. 
9. Hullo VJ, Richardson JK, and Hurvitz EA. Hip, knee, and foot pain during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Journal of Family Practice July 1996: 63+. Academic OneFile. Web. 25 May 2016.