CHIROPRACTIC ADVICE FOR PREGNANCY
January 23, 2004
As many new mothers can attest, the muscle
strains of pregnancy are very real and can
be more than just a nuisance. The average weight
gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the
increased stress placed on the body by the
baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies
have found that about half of all expectant
mothers will develop low-back pain at some
point during their pregnancies. In addition,
pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments
attached to the pelvic bones to accommodate
the growing baby, but can also predispose some
women to more postural imbalances and related
aches and pains. Many women will develop these
problems in the lower back and sacral area
due to the increased postural tension of the
frontal weight gain and stress placed on the
low back and related looser ligaments.
Steps
you can take to help prevent and minimize
problems include the following. Safe exercise
during pregnancy can help strengthen your
muscles
and prevent discomfort. Check with your primary
care physician, physical therapist,obstetrics
team or your chiropractor about safe exercises
in relation to what type of exercise you
were doing or not doing before you were pregnant.
Stop
your exercise routine immediately if you
notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal
bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness,
blurred
vision, increased swelling, or heart palpitations.
Making sure your caloric intake is appropriate
for pregnancy with the proper amount of
protein and foods containing calcium will ensure
that your muscles and ligaments stay strong
and
supportive in addition to providing the
necessary
nutrition for your developing baby. Remember
your prenatal vitamins, which are extremely
important for the same reasons mentioned
above.
Before you become pregnant, your doctor
of chiropractic can detect any imbalances
in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that
could
contribute to pregnancy discomfort or possible
neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth.
Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic
adjustments provide relief from the increased
low-back pain brought on by pregnancy.
Chiropractic
can also be a tremendous help after childbirth.
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