The spinal strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance.
The pregnancy hormone,relaxin softens the pelvis
causing major spinal instability
The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort.
Studies have found that half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies.
This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, legs, and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve.
For those who already suffer from low-back pain, the problem can become even worse.
During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. Although a woman’s sacrum (tailbone) has enough
depth to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her joints.
As the baby grows in size, the woman’s weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the
spinal disks. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases, as well.
While these changes sound dramatic, pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural changes designed to accommodate
the growing baby can result in postural imbalances, making pregnant women prone to having awkward trips or falls.
Pregnancy Tips:
- Have regular chiropractic checks throughout your pregnancy to make your “carrying”easier and potentially an easier delivery.
- Balanced pelvic mechanics make sense and chiropractic work optimises that throughout pregnancy.
- Wear flat, sensible shoes. High or chunky heels can exacerbate postural imbalances and make you less steady on your feet, especially as your pregnancy progresses.
- When picking up children, bend from the knees, not the waist.
- Never turn your head when you lift.
- Avoid picking up heavy objects, if possible.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Pamper yourself and ask for help if you need it.
- Take a nap if you’re tired, or lie down and elevate your feet for a few moments when you need a break.
Pregnancy Ergonomics:
Your Bed and Desk
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Full-length “body pillows” may be helpful.
- If you have to sit at a computer for long hours, make your workstation ergonomically correct.
- Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your eye level, and place your feet on a small footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet.
- Take periodic breaks every 30 minutes with a quick walk around the office.
How Can Your Doctor of Chiropractic Help?
Before you become pregnant, your doctor of chiropractic can detect any imbalances in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to pregnancy discomfort or
possible neuro musculoskeletal problems after childbirth.Sciatica pain is common problem in pregnancy that can be helped by chiropractic.
Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy.
Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain.
Doctors of chiropractic can also offer ergonomic, and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth:
The eight weeks following labour and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again.
Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching, should be chiropractically adjusted before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy
state-to prevent ongoing lowback pain, headaches, and shoulder problems.
Note:
At Golden Bay Chiropractic Works we have specialised Hydraulic tables that have highly changeable contours so they can comfortably accommodate pregnant women.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH OUR CHIROPRACTIC VIDEO.
