could you benefit from chiropractic treatments?

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience that changes your body to make way for the baby-to-be. This can result in fuller breasts, a rounding tummy, and can even cause your feet to grow (ligament stretching is believed to be the cause of this). Along with all the positive changes to your body come the more uncomfortable ones, such as your pelvis shifting, hips widening, and increased pressure on your back and legs. Your chiropractor can assist you in many ways to keep you comfortable as your pregnancy progresses. Here are 3 things you should talk to them about.

Lower body pressure

Pressure in your lower abdomen and around your pubic area is very common in pregnancy, especially in your later trimesters and as your baby starts to lay lower in your uterus. This pressure often puts strain on your pelvis and hips, making it uncomfortable to sit down without feeling heaviness in your lower body. Talk to your chiropractor about this issue as they can align your hips and spine to make your pelvis better situated more naturally in your body. Not only does this make you feel more comfortable as your pregnancy continues, it can make the delivery process much easier by having the birth canal be more open and aligned.

Sciatic pain

Sciatic nerve pain is something many women experience in pregnancy and is often caused by the growing uterus and the placement of the baby. This pain can cause a sharp stinging sensation in the lower back, buttocks, and down the leg. Your chiropractor can gently manipulate your lower spine for better alignment and strength to reduce your pain. This treatment can also prevent curvature in your spine as your body continues to change and make getting an epidural (if desired) easier when delivery time comes.

Migraines

Migraines and tension headaches are common in pregnancy due to hormone changes and the way the shoulders and neck carry the burden of your growing belly. Massage of your shoulders, neck, and upper back can help move your muscles and upper body back into alignment to provide strength and relief to your nerves and bones. To manage your tension and body stress throughout your pregnancy, it's important to visit your chiropractor on a regular basis so they can perform gentle bone and muscle manipulations customized to the changing shape of your body.

Be sure to let your doctor know of any treatment you are receiving from your chiropractor. This way you can be referred to either doctor if you have continued discomfort through your pregnancy.