A Holistic Approach to Your Prenatal Care

By Guest Blogger, Webster Certified Prenatal & Family Chiropractor and WellPregnancy trained, CAPPA childbirth educator Dr. Jessica L. Caruso

Many of my patients ask “Is it safe for me to continue chiropractic care during my pregnancy?” The answer is a resounding “YES!” In fact, not only is it safe; but chiropractic care is highly recommended as it can help with lower back pain, sciatica, nausea, heartburn and many more of the common symptoms associated with pregnancy. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is vitally important in supporting the body’s innate ability to adapt and function the way it is designed to for both the mother and baby. Prenatal chiropractic care can give you a flexible, balanced spine, hips & pelvis; and help your internal organs stay free from postural and nervous system stress, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Another reason to be under chiropractic care during pregnancy is…it’s drugless! Over the counter medications for relief of the common symptoms associated with new postural strains can be decreased — even avoided. There is no such thing as a safe drug. Most prenatal and family chiropractors will speak to their patients about proper and safe nutrition & supplementation during pregnancy and lactation.

When expecting, finding a chiropractor who is Webster Technique Certified through the ICPA is recommended.  This chiropractic technique helps to correct sacral and pubic bone misalignment, and balance pelvic muscles and ligaments, which in turn removes torsion to the woman’s uterus, its resulting constraint to the baby’s growing cranium and spine, and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. (http://www.ICPA4kids.com)

To find a Webster Certified Chiropractor near you visit http://icpa4kids.org/Find-a-Chiropractor/

Webster Technique Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy:

• In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been a high reported success rate of the baby turning to the normal vertex position.
• Prepares the woman’s pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth by creating a balance in the bones, muscles and ligaments which allows the baby the room to develop without restrictions to its developing cranium or spine.
• Removes tension on the ligaments that support the uterus, such as the round ligaments- giving the baby the room to move into the best possible position for birth.
• Reduces interference to the mother’s nervous system which controls and coordinates all of her organ systems and functions; such as the reproductive system for better baby development.
• With proper baby positioning, there is a significant decrease in dystocia (resistance to normal function in birth) and the resulting birth trauma caused by intervention.
• Allows for a safer, easier birth for mother and baby by decreasing the potential for interventions such as augmentation, c-section, vacuum and forceps extraction, etc.
• Research has shown  chiropractic care throughout t pregnancy to significantly reduce labor time. (Joan Fallon, MD study)

Pregnancy and birth are special times in a woman’s life that she should enjoy and treasure, not something to just “get through.” I recommend finding a Webster-certified chiropractor who is committed to helping you have the best possible childbearing experience through holistic prenatal care.

About the Author:

Dr. Jessica Caruso is a Webster Certified prenatal & family chiropractor, CAPPA childbirth educator and the owner of Healing Hands Chiropractic in Londonderry, NH and Healing Hands Community Chiropractic in Portsmouth, NH. To learn more about Dr. Jessica Caruso and Healing Hands Chiropractic -Londonderry please visit:

 www.HealingHandsNH.com or call (603)434-3456  for Londonderry

www.HealingHandsCC.org or 603-512-3191 for Portsmouth

References:

http://icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique.htm

*Derived from the notes of Jeanne Ohm, D.C., F.I.C.P.A., Perinatal Care, www.icpa4kids.com