FORT WAYNE NEWBORN & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | How Prenatal Chiropractic Care Can Support Your Whole Pregnancy Journey
- Yvette Cherie
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
Pregnancy can be one of the most magical and transformative times in a woman's life, but let's face it - it can also come with a whole host of aches, pains, and discomforts. From back pain to sciatica to headaches and more, it can feel like your body is going through the ringer.
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But fear not, because we've got a secret weapon for you: prenatal chiropractic care.
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That's right, mamas - chiropractic care isn't just for athletes or people with back injuries.
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In fact, more and more pregnant women are turning to chiropractic care to help them feel better, more comfortable, and more aligned during their pregnancies.
Dr. McDonald joins us on the blog today to help answer some questions about prenatal chiropractic.
Can you explain what prenatal chiropractic care is and how it can benefit pregnant
women?
Prenatal chiropractic care is designed for expectant mothers and addresses the conditions and symptoms they often encounter. As pregnancy advances, the body produces increased levels of a hormone called relaxin, which softens the ligaments and connective tissues. This facilitates the expansion and rotation of the hips as the baby grows and begins to descend in preparation for childbirth. These changes can lead to issues such as pelvic pain, round ligament discomfort, and, most commonly, sciatic problems.
What qualifications and certifications do you have in prenatal chiropractic care, and
how do they make you uniquely qualified to treat pregnant women?
After graduation, I started attending additional seminars focused on prenatal and pediatrics through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), where I became certified in the Webster technique.
Can you walk us through a typical prenatal chiropractic session? What can pregnant
women expect?
During the initial visit, we review the health history together. After that, the patient lies on the table using our pregnancy pillows. We conduct an orthopedic exam to identify the cause and location of the problems.
How did you become interested in prenatal chiropractic care, and what drew you to this
area of practice?
Pregnancy can be challenging due to the numerous variables that differ from individual to individual. I aim to ensure I could offer the best possible care to each and all my patients.
How do you work with other healthcare providers to ensure the best care for your
pregnant patients?
We get numerous referrals from local midwives and some OBGYNs, who consistently inquire about follow-up visits, recent scans, and developments.
Can you share any success stories or testimonials from pregnant women you have
treated?
Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to help decrease the effort and duration of labor. I've had patients who experienced challenging deliveries with their first child but noticed significant improvements in subsequent pregnancies after starting chiropractic treatment.
What tips or recommendations do you have for pregnant women to help them maintain good spinal health throughout their pregnancy?
In addition to regular chiropractic adjustments, I suggest staying active. This includes walking, light exercise, and prenatal massages.
Many pregnant women experience headaches during pregnancy. Can you explain how
chiropractic care can help relieve this type of pain, and what techniques do you use to
treat it?
For addressing headaches and migraines, I employ a particular upper cervical technique. This method examines each vertebra in the neck to identify which one is misaligned and the direction of its shift. Misalignments in the neck can lead to increased pressure, particularly at the brain stem, potentially resulting in heightened tension headaches.
Can you share a particularly memorable experience you had treating a pregnant patient
with chiropractic care?
We frequently encounter expectant mothers seeking additional assistance when their baby is in a breech position. It's always delightful when they return to share that the baby has turned to the correct alignment.
How frequently should pregnant women see a chiropractor during their pregnancy, and
is it necessary to continue chiropractic care after giving birth?
The frequency varies from case to case. For patients with minimal symptoms, I generally suggest visits every other week. If there are multiple symptoms, the recommendation is typically 2-3 times a week for 2-3 weeks. By the third trimester, I advise weekly visits. Postnatal chiropractic care is crucial, as childbirth is a traumatic experience for the body, regardless of how smoothly it proceeds. We want to ensure proper alignment. I usually recommend waiting 2-3 weeks after delivery to allow for rest and recovery before scheduling an appointment.
I hope this post has left you feeling informed, empowered, and excited! Remember, pregnancy is a time to celebrate and honor your incredible body, and chiropractic care is one of the many ways you can support it on this journey. So go forth, mamas, and keep being the amazing, powerful, and beautiful women you are - with a little extra help from your friendly neighborhood chiropractor!