Pregnancy Chiropractic in Richmond Hill
While pregnancy is viewed as an exciting time, it’s also accompanied by considerable discomfort. Once a woman becomes pregnant she changes hormonally and her body becomes more flexible in order to prepare for the birth of her baby. As their joints become looser, moms-to-be are prone to having uncomfortable or even painful back issues. Because they are not able to take painkillers they can end up suffering throughout their pregnancy.
How Chiropractic May Help
Chiropractic can help pregnant women to maintain joint function and alleviate pain without the use of medication. We consider chiropractic care as being vital to the normal physiological function of both the mother and baby throughout pregnancy and birth. More women and birth providers are discovering the many benefits associated with chiropractic care during pregnancy.
How Do You Adjust a Pregnant Patient?
Rest assured that we use the low-force Activator Methods® technique which employs an instrument for gentle adjusting. There’s no cracking or twisting, so the method is considered to be very safe.
The Webster Technique
Dr. Chan also uses the Webster Technique, which focuses on the pelvic area and helps the birthing process. During pregnancy, a pelvic imbalance may affect the mother’s comfort and the baby’s positioning. During birth, a pelvic imbalance can affect labor progression, leading to unnecessary intervention.
Pelvic imbalance adversely affects uterine nerve function, the structure of the pelvis, and may hinder a baby’s ability to gain optimal positioning. These are the very causes of dystocia or difficult, stalled labor. The Webster Technique helps achieve a state of balance in the pelvis that may contribute to a safer, easier birth outcome.
Dr. Chan will ask you questions about how you’re feeling and what things are bothering you. He’ll perform an exam including checking your range of motion and joint function.
When adjusting a pregnant woman we use pregnancy pillows, which are simply pillows that are hollow inside allowing a mom to lie face down. The pillow also features some cushioning around the area. As many pregnant patients haven’t been able to lie on their tummy for months they appreciate that we feature these pillows to accommodate the changes to their body!
How often should a woman start seeing you once she learns that she's pregnant?
You can benefit from chiropractic throughout your pregnancy. To optimize the spine and the body function it’s a good idea to come in as soon as you know you’re pregnant but even if you start care during the last month, for example, you can still benefit. If you are experiencing back pain or other types of discomfort then we may recommend you come in on a regular basis. We can adjust you until the time of birth.
If you are able to come in we recommend postnatal chiropractic which can help you get back in shape and feeling good.
Remember your joints take nine months to become loose in preparation for your baby’s birth. It will take about this same time to have them return to normal. And don’t forget that your physical demands increase tremendously when caring for your little one. So while a lot of pain or discomfort may not show during your pregnancy, it will show postpartum because you’re using your body differently. In particular, you’re using your arms frequently while carrying your baby or looking down often while breastfeeding.
Yes, Dr. Chan’s techniques are gentle and non-invasive, making them safe to use throughout pregnancy.
After giving birth new moms are exhausted from frequent feedings, interrupted sleep and other demands. “The mom is the queen before birth; the moment the baby comes out that changes. I tell my patients to not make themselves the lowest priority. Moms need to carve out important time for themselves,” said Dr. Chan. We encourage you to continue your chiropractic care post pregnancy.
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Contact Spinalcare Chiropractic Clinic today to schedule an appointment!
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