During pregnancy, there are several biochemical and hormonal changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. The body will physically change and compensate and the pelvic joints, ligaments and muscles will come under tension to accommodate the growing baby .More than 50% of soon-to-be pregnant mums will experience some level of discomfort during the gestation period. The release of the hormone relaxin causes muscle and ligament relaxation but unfortunately allows joints to more easily misalign. Depending on the condition of their spine many will complain of lower back pain, leg pain or sciatica.

Williams Obstetrics Text tells us that, "Any contraction of the pelvic diameters that diminish the capacity of the pelvis can create dystocia (difficulty) during labor." They further state that the diameter of the woman's pelvis is decreased when the sacrum is displaced. Dr. Abraham Towbin, medical researcher on birth tells us that the bony pelvis may become "deformed" this way by trauma. Chiropractors define this displacement/ deformation as spinal misalignment or subluxation primarily caused by the stress of trauma. Quite often when the pelvic bones are imbalanced, the uterus is unable to enlarge symmetrically. This forces the pelvic girdle out of its normal alignment and can lead to an imbalance in pelvic ligaments. The uterus will torque or twist hence reducing the maximum amount of room for the developing baby. This common condition is referred to as "constraint". This will inadvertedly affect the baby's spine and cranium, making birthing position more difficult and increase the likelihood of medical intervention. More complications can thus arise for postnatal baby.

Chiropractors at the Lisburn and Bangor Chiropractic Clinics are well trained to establish the level of dysfunction in any spinal system and to help correct any misalignment of the spine or Sacro-iliac joints of pregnant mums. Specific exercises are often recommended as well.

Chiropractic adjustments are safe, gentle and very effective in preparing pregnant women. Research have also demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments effectively reduce the average amount of time spent in labor by nearly 25% while mothers having their second or third baby experienced a 40% shortened labor period).Chiropractic care helps to condition the spine making labor more straight forward, natural and less invasive.

Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother.

In many cases we have recommended yoga for pregnancy from Marie Quail yoga centre in Lisburn. For more information please look up: www.yogaireland.com

Back to other conditions