Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother. Specific chiropractic adjustments throughout pregnancy work by enhancing nervous system function thereby providing greater health potential for both the mother and baby.

It is easy to see postural changes through pregnancy—the center of gravity changes, the weight of the baby places increased pressure on the spine and pelvis; and towards the end of the pregnancy, changes are seen in gait pattern (also known as the waddle). What we can’t see are the millions of different hormonal changes and chemical reactions occurring both in the mother and the developing baby—all of which are controlled and coordinated by the nervous system.

Another important reason for chiropractic care throughout pregnancy is to help establish balance in the mother’s pelvis. Williams Obstetrics tells us that "Any contraction of the pelvic diameters that diminish the capacity of the pelvis can create dystocia during labor." Further stated, the diameter of the woman’s pelvis is decreased when the sacrum (the triangular bone we sit on) is displaced. This will affect the way the uterus is supported by the suspensory ligaments. Unequal ligament support of the uterus will twist or turn the uterus reducing the amount of room for the developing baby.

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment that helps to allow the breach presentation baby to turn. The adjustment works to correct sacral subluxations and has a reported 85% success rate. Correcting the sacral subluxations balances the muscles and ligaments in the woman’s pelvis, removes constraint, and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.

Chiropractic adjustments result in easier pregnancy, significantly decreased average labor time, and help the mother get back to prepartum health. In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had 24% shorter labor times than the group not receiving chiropractic. In addition, 84% of women reported relief of back pain and sciatica during pregnancy with chiropractic care.

The Joint…a chiropractic place is located at 3016 Lake Washington Road in Melbourne. For more information visit www.thejoint.com or call 321-254-2828. No appointments are necessary and every visit is just $20.