As chiropractors that care for pregnant women in Newport Beach, we know that pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in your family’s life. Your pregnancy should be one of comfort and joy and not full of aches and pains. When a woman carries a growing and developing child in her uterus (womb), her body is constantly adapting to the dynamic changes that she is experiencing. While the body is intelligent and knows what to do, this can be uncomfortable. Despite these transitions over the 9 months of pregnancy, it is a worthwhile and life-changing experience that culminates in the birth of a new life, which should be celebrated! Pregnancy is not a “medical condition” and should be treated as a normal, natural process of life.
The most common challenges that tend to present during pregnancy are neurological and musculoskeletal in nature. Natural changes in posture, movement, muscle balance, joint mobility, and nerve interference can cause a decrease in the mother’s body function or produce nerve pain such as sciatica. The most common change to occur is a “swayback” which increases the lumbar spine curve (low back). This causes the pelvis to shift forward, which creates postural and muscle imbalance. This can allow for nerve interference which not only causes pain but disturbs the mother’s maternal functions.
Another cause of discomfort is the release of a hormone called “Relaxin” in the body. Relaxin is responsible for relaxing ligaments, tendons, and joints so that the birth canal can widen, and the baby can be delivered vaginally. Although Relaxin doesn’t just affect the pelvic structures., it courses through the bloodstream and can affect all the joints and ligaments of the body. This can lead to widespread discomfort in many different locations.
Because of the numerous and dynamic changes in the body, chiropractors are extremely well-positioned to help pregnant women experience a more comfortable pregnancy and a smooth labor and delivery process. At Priestley Family Chiropractic, our doctors have helped thousands of women navigate their pregnancies and the various challenges that arise. They correct problems early before they become bigger problems. We provide our best recommendations for care to naturally treat pregnancy-related pain without the need for potentially harmful medications. Pregnancy should be an enjoyable and memorable experience, and it is our goal to assist in creating this experience for our expecting patients.