Bringing a new life into this world is a beautiful thing but it can come with potential aches and pains. Fortunately, many natural remedies exist for common concerns that can come up during pregnancy. What’s even better, many of those conditions can also be helped with one thing: consistent and gentle chiropractic care.
 

4 Common pregnancy conditions that are helped with chiropractic

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when the median nerve, which controls feeling in the fingers, gets compressed as it goes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. What makes this condition so common during pregnancy is not entirely clear, but the belief is that hormone-related swelling may be the cause. Just as fluid retention in pregnancy can cause your ankles and fingers to swell, it can also cause swelling that leads to this painful wrist/arm condition.

Like most nerves, the median nerve originates in the spine, specifically the cervical region. A chiropractor can locate any potential issues in your vertebrae that could be leading to the nerve compression. Gentle manipulation of the spine, wrist, and elbow could easily improve your symptoms.
 

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body and it starts in the lower back, runs down the buttocks, and branches down the back of the legs to the ankles and feet. Sciatica is usually described as sharp shooting pain accompanied by tingling or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and down one or both legs.

Pregnancy itself does not cause sciatica but the effects of pregnancy including increased weight, changing center of gravity caused by the expanding uterus, and fluid retention can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Also, when the baby starts to shift into the proper birth position in the third trimester, the head can rest directly on the nerve, causing the tell-tale tingling and pain.

By adjusting the spine and even pelvis, a chiropractor can free up restricted movement of the spine, which will help restore misaligned vertebrae to their proper position. This relieves the pressure on the sciatic nerve, which will improve and even get rid of the pain.
 

Heartburn/indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are common complaints during pregnancy, and it can’t just be blamed on late night cravings! During pregnancy, progesterone causes the valve to relax, which can make heartburn more frequent. This allows stomach acid to pass into the esophagus and irritate the lining.

The third trimester is especially common for heartburn as the growing baby expands the uterus, putting pressure on the mom’s intestines and stomach. This can push stomach contents back into the esophagus, causing indigestion.

By getting consistent chiropractic care, pregnant women can help ease their heartburn symptoms in two ways. Specific adjustments can help relax the diaphragm and shift the esophageal valve into a better and lower position. Also, chiropractic adjustment can help increase the response of the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which controls many functions—including digestion.
 

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (pubic pain)

Symphysis pubis dysfunction is a group of symptoms that cause discomfort in the pelvic region, sometimes at both the front and back of the pelvis. It usually occurs during pregnancy, when your pelvic joints become stiff or move unevenly.

By making appropriate adjustments to the spine and pelvis, as well as recommending exercises, a chiropractor can greatly reduce this condition.
 

Easier delivery

In addition to helping common problems during pregnancy, chiropractic adjustments can make a difference in your delivery. Staying adjusted keeps your pelvis aligned for smoother passage through the birth canal and also ensures nerve flow to the muscles of the pelvic girdle and the uterus.

I’m specifically trained in what is called the Webster Technique. This technique will help align your pelvis to allow for plenty of room for your baby to move and grow. This technique is specifically designed for pregnant mothers and helps both the mother and baby.
 

Let me help!

I would love to be part of your prenatal and postnatal care team. I use gentle techniques to adjust the spine and other joints to provide comfort and safety throughout your entire pregnancy. Contact me today to learn more!