A Happier, Healthier You

PREGNANCY AND POSTNATAL CARE

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help to minimize the typical discomforts associated with this time of transformation as well as facilitating optimal labor and delivery. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is gentle, safe and effective.
Normal, physiological changes of pregnancy contribute to spinal stress in the mother-to-be. Hormonal changes lead to ligamentous laxity and increased joint mobility which make the pregnant woman’s spine more unstable and prone to discomfort and injury. There are also important biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy, including weight gain, increased breast size, change in the center of gravity, increased lumbar lordosis, and an increased load on the spine. Dr. Weston is trained in a pregnancy specific technique called the Webster technique that has been known to help facilitate correct pelvic alignment. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments and reduces torsion to the uterus which may offer better fetal positioning for birth.
Evidence points to improved outcomes in labor and delivery for women who’ve received chiropractic care during their pregnancy. In fact, it may help reduce the length of time you’re in labor.
Most people have no idea how important postpartum chiropractic care is. Once the baby arrives, mom’s attention is focused on caring for the newborn, often to her detriment. After delivery, the hormone relaxin keeps making ligaments soft for up to 4 months which increases vulnerability to lower back and pelvic joint misalignment and pain. In addition, baby-holding and breastfeeding put tremendous stress on the neck, upper back, shoulders and arms. Because postpartum care for mom is often neglected, many new moms suffer from headaches, neck and shoulder aches as well as wrist and forearm problems. Chiropractic adjustments can quicken recovery time, assist the body in normalizing overall pelvic and spinal biomechanics and help you overcome the postural issues created by taking care of your new baby.  Yes, this is a time that we are focused on that new baby and who wouldn't be? Remember though, to give your baby your very best, you need to take good care of yourself too.