Can Going to the Chiropractor Induce Labor?
It’s natural. It’s exciting. It’s a true miracle. Pregnancy is the epitome of self-sacrifice toward bringing a new human being to life. But the imminent joy of seeing their children cooing or laughing is not the only common denominator amongst pregnant women. According to research, one in two women experiences lower back pain during pregnancy and three out of four during labor. Unfortunately, only one in five women seek medical care, especially alternative, noninvasive pain relief methods.
As you anxiously approach your due date, the potential discomforts of labor can overwhelm the anticipation of meeting your baby. While some women do experience it spontaneously, others seek natural ways to induce labor, either because they are past their due dates or for other medical reasons.
One complementary therapy that has gained attention for its potential role in promoting labor is chiropractic care. This article explores how a chiropractor helps induce labor and the many benefits it can provide for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy!
What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy offers several benefits for expecting mothers! It focuses on maintaining the health of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems through spinal adjustments and other noninvasive techniques.
Here are some potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy:
Alleviation of Pregnancy-Related Discomfort
Pregnancy causes significant strain on the muscles in a woman’s body, leading to discomfort (i.e., back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica). Chiropractic care alleviates these issues by correcting misalignments in the spine and pelvis, thus reducing pain and inflammation.
Improved Pelvic Balance
A balanced pelvis is essential for giving the baby sufficient room to grow and move within the womb. Chiropractic care ensures proper pelvic alignment, which may reduce the risk of intrauterine constraint and allow for proper fetal positioning.
Reduced Labor and Delivery Time
Research suggests that chiropractic care during pregnancy is associated with shorter labor times and reduced need for medical interventions during delivery.
What Can a Chiropractor Do to Induce Labor?
While chiropractors are not explicitly trained to induce labor, they can help create optimal conditions for a more comfortable and natural birth by focusing on the alignment of the spine and pelvis. Chiropractic treatment, particularly the Webster technique, addresses musculoskeletal imbalances and reduces pelvic area tension, indirectly facilitating labor onset.
The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment that targets the sacrum and the ligaments supporting the uterus, aiming to improve the alignment and biomechanics of the pelvic muscles. A rebalanced pelvis allows for more room for the baby to move into the optimal birth position, thus potentially promoting the onset of labor.
However, it’s important to remember that chiropractic care is not a guaranteed method to induce labor. The primary goal of chiropractic care during pregnancy is to maintain the health and well-being of the mother and optimize her body’s natural ability during the birthing process. Pregnant women should always consult with their obstetrician or midwife before seeking chiropractic treatment or any other complementary therapies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their specific circumstances.
How Will Chiropractic Care Help Me After Giving Birth?
Chiropractic care is exceptionally beneficial for new mothers after giving birth, as it addresses various issues arising during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.
Here are the ways chiropractic care can help you after giving birth:
Spinal Alignment and Posture
Pregnancy and childbirth put significant stress on the spine and affect posture due to changes in the center of gravity, weight gain, and hormonal fluctuations. Chiropractic care restores proper spinal alignment and improves posture, alleviating discomfort and promoting overall well-being!
Pelvic Realignment
The pelvis undergoes various changes during pregnancy and childbirth, including the loosening of ligaments and joints to accommodate the growing baby and prepare for delivery. Regular chiropractic adjustments realign the pelvic bones and ensure they are functioning correctly, thus reducing pain and improving mobility.
Pain Relief
Many new mothers experience back, neck, and shoulder pain from breastfeeding, carrying the baby, and other postpartum activities. Chiropractic care alleviates this pain by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting proper biomechanics.
Recovery From Cesarean Sections
Chiropractic care helps address any scar tissue or adhesions that may have formed during the healing process after a cesarean section. This approach can help improve mobility and reduce discomfort associated with scar tissue.
Stress Relief
Chiropractic sessions positively impact the nervous system, helping reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Looking for Ways to Ease Your Pregnancy? Dr. Doerr Can Help!
At the Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, follows the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere. Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
References
- Can Chiropractor Help Induce Labor?, www.anewmedical.com/blog/240222-can-chiropractor-help-induce-labor#. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.
- Borggren, Cara L. “Pregnancy and Chiropractic: A Narrative Review of the Literature.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647084/. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.