Hello and welcome! I'm Dr. Michelle Andrews, the principal chiropractor at ChiroHer, our bespoke chiropractic clinic in Oklahoma City. Today I’d like to discuss how finding the right prenatal chiropractor can make a big difference in your pregnancy. At ChiroHer, we've created an immersive wellness experience tailored to each patient and one of our areas of expertise is in prenatal and pregnancy chiropractic care. Specifically, my approach focuses on overall health, easing discomfort, and supporting both you and your baby. Let's look at how choosing the right chiropractor can positively impact your pregnancy experience.

Benefits of Seeing a Prenatal Chiropractor

Pregnancy can bring many emotions - immense joy, anticipation, and often physical discomfort, and prenatal chiropractic care during this time can truly make a difference.

As a Webster Certified prenatal chiropractor, I focus on the unique needs of pregnant women, using safe techniques to ease common pregnancy-related discomforts like back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. 

Beyond just pain relief, studies have shown regular chiropractic visits can support a healthier pregnancy, contribute to a smoother childbirth process, and aid postpartum recovery. Let's go over how prenatal chiropractic care can positively impact your pregnancy and provide tips on finding the best care near you.

Understanding Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Prenatal chiropractic care caters specifically to the unique needs and changes of pregnant women. As a specialist in this field, I've completed additional education and training to ensure the techniques I use are safe and effective for expectant mothers. While this may seem straightforward, not all chiropractors have the same experience so it’s important to ask.

The main goal in prenatal chiropractic care is to maintain or improve spinal and pelvic alignment as your body changes during pregnancy. And there are important points, in my opinion, that are non-negotiable. Good chiropractic pregnancy care should include:
•    Individualized treatment plans
•    Specialized equipment and tables
•    Techniques like the Webster Technique for pelvic alignment
•    Integration with other prenatal health services

It’s important to remember prenatal chiropractic care isn't just about easing discomfort; it's about improving your overall pregnancy experience and preparing your body for childbirth.

Physiological and Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant physiological and hormonal changes that can affect your spinal and pelvic alignment. An important hormone called relaxin loosens ligaments and joints to prepare for childbirth but can also cause instability and discomfort. Your center of gravity shifts as baby develops and pressure is put on your lower back. Body changes during pregnancy are extensive, you get the idea.

As a prenatal chiropractor, I use gentle, non-invasive techniques to manage these changes, for better musculoskeletal alignment and easing discomfort. We manage these changes proactively for a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and prepare your body for the demands of childbirth.

Relieving Common Pregnancy-Related Discomforts

As we discussed earlier, pregnancy often comes with various discomforts, from mild to severe. The most common patient issues I see are back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain.

As a prenatal chiropractor (or pregnancy chiropractor), I use specific techniques designed to help relieve these discomforts. We focus on realigning the spine and pelvis, relieving nerve pressure and reducing pain and in this case back pain during pregnancy. I also offer advice on posture and ergonomics to prevent often overlooked daily activities from becoming more serious problems. Many prenatal patients work at a computer and don't think of themselves as needing chiropractic care until something starts to hurt. Even though you may not be doing physically taxing activities, lots of changes are happening internally and misalignments occur.

Here are some common pregnancy-related discomforts I can help with:
•    Back pain
•    Sciatica
•    Pelvic pain
•    Carpal tunnel syndrome
•    Morning sickness
•    Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)
•    Digestive issues
•    Balance and coordination problems

The Webster Technique: Improving Pelvic Alignment

The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic adjustment focused on reducing sacral subluxation and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This technique is particularly helpful for pregnant women since it helps improve pelvic alignment and nerve function to make childbirth smoother and less painful. Working with a Webster Certified chiropractor, such as myself, is an extremely important part of prenatal chiropractic care and I encourage expecting mothers to always ask about this credential before beginning prenatal treatment.

Safety and Contraindications of Prenatal Chiropractic

Prenatal chiropractic care is generally safe for most pregnant women, but it's important to discuss your health history and any potential risks with your chiropractor. Certain conditions may contraindicate chiropractic care during pregnancy such as:

• vaginal bleeding

• placenta previa or abruption

• eclampsia

As we discussed earlier, make sure that your chiropractor is trained and experienced in prenatal care, and in using techniques and equipment that are safe and comfortable for pregnant women [Source].

The Potential Impact on Labor and Delivery

Prenatal chiropractic care can improve labor and delivery by optimizing nervous system function and spinal and pelvic alignment for an easier childbirth [National Library of Medicine]. Some research suggests that regular chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy might shorten labor time, especially for first-time mothers who generally have longer labor. Although more studies are needed to fully understand all of the benefits, combining chiropractic care with other prenatal health services can offer comprehensive support through pregnancy and childbirth.

How to Find the Best Prenatal Chiropractor Near You

Choosing the right prenatal chiropractor is important for a positive and safe experience. Look for professionals with specialized training and certifications in prenatal care. First-hand recommendations from healthcare providers or other mothers can be invaluable along with online reviews and testimonials like ours at ChiroHer.

When selecting a prenatal chiropractor, consider their experience, certifications (such as the Webster Technique), individualized care approach, clinic environment, and commitment to ongoing education. All reputable practitioners will be happy to answer any questions you have and it'll ensure you receive the best possible care during your pregnancy. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has a convenient tool to find a Webster Certified chiropractor near you.

Including Chiropractic Care with Your Prenatal Health Plan

Prenatal chiropractic care can be an important part of your overall health plan, complementing services like obstetric care, nutrition counseling, and physical therapy. Performed correctly, chiropractic care supports wellness throughout your pregnancy and helps the discomforts that expecting moms develop like lower back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain.

Open communication between your healthcare providers is important. Make sure your chiropractor collaborates with your other healthcare providers, such as doulas or midwives, and your OBGYN.

Ready to Improve Your Pregnancy Experience?

I hope this information is helpful in your search for a pregnancy or prenatal chiropractor near you. If you're looking for a pregnancy chiropractor in Oklahoma City, schedule a free consultation now. At ChiroHer, we pride ourselves on a high standard of personalized care. Let’s work together to support your path to motherhood and start feeling your best today!