Nothing is more amazingly wonderful than the birth of a child. For mother and father this can be a beautiful, life changing experience. Of course, along with the joyful adventure, for many there is also the potential downside of morning sickness, low back pain, a long and difficult labour and various pregnancy related health problems. The good news is that pregnant women respond well to gentle and specific chiropractic care. This can often facilitate a more comfortable transition from early to late term pregnancy, through to postpartum (after birth) recovery. 

Of critical importance are the structural and hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy. As the uterine size and weight increases with foetal growth, the low back and abdominal muscles tend to weaken. This increases sway of the low back and places greater pressure on the small facet joints at the back of the spine. The resultant posture is often referred to as the “pride of pregnancy”. In addition, a hormone called relaxin is released into the body to loosen joints in preparation for labour. Relaxin may also have the effect of creating instability in the two pelvic joints at the base of the spine known as sacroiliac joints. This can lead to low back pain, especially when weight bearing. The “pregnant waddle” that can be notice as a woman walks is due to increased movement in the sacroiliac joints, causing the woman’s feet to turn out and her knees to lock. Chiropractic adjustments and specific exercises can help stabilise the sacroiliac joints, making movement and walking more comfortable. 

Chiropractic care not only eases symptoms during pregnancy but it may also reduce delivery time and pain. A small study done in 1990 showed that women who were under chiropractic care throughout their pregnancies had reduced labour times. First time mums experience 25% less time in labour, while mums with previous babies averaged 31% shorter labour times. Another study done in 1991 shared that women who experienced back pain during their pregnancies had a 72% chance of having significant back pain during labour and birth. 

The benefits of chiropractic care do not stop at birth. The postpartum period is also important as mothers attempt to regain their pelvic and spinal tone, while at the same time dealing with the challenges of motherhood. Support from family, friends and health professionals during this time is very important. Chiropractic can be of great assistance throughout this period of body change.