During the months of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s body goes through many changes.  One of these changes early on in pregnancy is the increased production of the hormone, relaxin. Relaxin allows muscles and ligaments to relax and stretch, particularly in the sacroiliac joints (hips) and symphysis pubis (‘pubic bone’) of the pelvis. This relaxation allows the pelvis to be more flexible during the birthing process thus making delivery of the newborn easier.

For many women, the relaxation of these pelvic ligaments increases back pain in the months leading up to the birth. More relaxin is released as your pregnancy advances, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly unstable. Due to a combination of the increased size of the baby and uterus, severe low back pain may be experienced.  This is where chiropractic care can be effective in reducing back pain and stabilising your pelvis.

Currently, the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) recommends that women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimize the room a baby has for development throughout pregnancy. Balancing your pelvis gives your baby a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth, and the worry associated with breech and posterior presentations may be avoided altogether. Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth also eliminates the potential for dystocia (difficult labor) and therefore results in easier and safer deliveries for both the mother and baby.

Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment for back pain, hip pain, and sciatica that may be experienced during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment is also a natural and drug-free way of managing your back pain during your pregnancy. Above all, carefully modified techniques are used when providing care during pregnancy.

Chiropractic care may also be effective after pregnancy supporting you with treatment as your body returns to normal as well as while lifting and caring for your new baby.

Nick Gondzioulis has many years of experience in treating expectant mothers.  If you would like further information about your particular complaint please contact us by calling 6281 5494, or pass by the clinic (Unit 2 Gadal Chambers 48 Corinna Street Woden Canberra ACT) to book an appointment.

Online booking: https://bookings.gettimely.com/wodenchiropractic1/bb/book

Tips for Caring for Your Spine During Pregnancy

• Don’t try to sit straight up from a lying position using your abdominal muscles.
• Don’t wear high heels.
• Avoid standing with your hands on your hips and pushing your tummy forward.
• Let others lift heavy items for you.
• Avoid twisting your spine on top of your pelvis; instead, try moving your whole body with your feet first. For example, when getting out of the car, turn your whole body towards the open door as you place your feet on the ground.
• If you have other young children avoid carrying them whenever possible. Have them walk or use a pram.
• Avoid remaining in one position for too long.
• Keep your pelvic floor strong.
• Perform regular moderate exercise
• Breathe deeply into your lower abdomen.
• Every day, gently stretch your body.
• Sleep with a pillow between your knees and place another pillow at your breast level to snuggle, so that you do not roll your upper body forward.
• Have your spine regularly checked by a chiropractor.

Babies, Children & Teens

Young children can experience many small accidents throughout their lives. Examples of these small accidents could include:

• falling off bikes,
• injuries from playing a sport,
• falling as they learn to walk,
• long periods in car seats,
• hunching over school desks or carrying heavy school bags, as well as
• poor posture that is involved in prolonged computer and device use.

Children and teens have very different needs from adults with chiropractic treatment.  Therefore, treatment is always modified to suit the age of the child receiving care. Using a range of carefully selected techniques that, above all, are safe and gentle, our chiropractor can assist with any issues relating to a child’s posture and spinal health.