Pregnancy Doesn’t Have to be Unbearable
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Written by Dr. Hanna Songer Jorns, DC, ATC, CD(DONA)
Most mommas assume that as pregnancy progresses, they will naturally become more uncomfortable. Lower back aches, sciatic type symptoms, heartburn, achy hips, and everyone’s favorite, “lightning crotch” (more properly called pubic symphysis dysfunction). What if I told you that just because that is common does not mean it has to be your normal? What if I told you I have heard several mommas say they are pain free or feel better now at the end of their pregnancy than they did at the beginning, pre-chiropractic care?!
Pregnant Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care has been recommended by providers and used by pregnant mommas for years and with good reason. It has shown to decrease overall discomfort, allow baby to get into proper positioning for birth, and even reduce overall time spent in labor. Can I get a hallelujah?! The most widely recognized prenatal chiropractic technique is called Webster Technique. It focuses on optimizing the function of the pelvis through adjustments in the lower body, as well as addressing the surrounding ligaments and muscles. When doing so, mommas often experience much relief and babies can do their thing without having to work harder when entering this world.
*Please do keep in mind your chiropractor should not be “flipping your baby”.
There are a few other things I personally like to address as a prenatal chiropractor with my own patients, the most important one being breathwork. Hopefully most of you know that laying on your back screaming the baby out like in movies is not how it has to happen. There are several other options, a topic for another time, but all of them should include breathwork. Breathing that is deep, full 360 degree, diaphragmatic breaths which connect all the way down into your pelvic floor. This kind of breath can help to relax momma and the pelvic floor, create space for baby, and allow contractions to be productive. Other symptoms that can be addressed with prenatal chiropractic care are the diaphragm, if momma is experiencing heartburn or reflux symptoms and/or the pubic symphysis or if momma is experiencing sharp pains in the front of the pelvis, often with single leg movements.
I encourage all pregnant mommas, whether in pain or not, to seek chiropractic care from a prenatal chiropractor starting from the very beginning of your pregnancy. You do not have to take my word for it but will probably thank me later if you do. Go ahead and ask around! Lastly, congratulations on your newest blessing momma! You are incredible. You are strong. You are unstoppable. You’ve got this!
More about Dr. Hanna
Dr. Hanna Songer Jorns, DC, ATC, CD(DONA) owns and runs Mosaic Chiropractic & Women’s Health in Meridian, ID.
Exciting news! She is currently writing her own prenatal and postpartum workout plan. Coming soon!
Mosaic Chiropractic and Women’s Health believes in getting to the root cause of the problem, rather than just treating symptoms. They are passionate about helping to fill the void that is women’s healthcare. They offer pregnant and postpartum care, routine women’s chiropractic services, as well as pediatric care.
Website - https://mosaicchiropracticandwomenshealth.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mosaicchiropractic/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mosaicchiropracticandwomenshealth
