The benefits of chiropractic care for pregnant women

Chiropractic care is increasingly recognised as beneficial for pregnant women due to its ability to alleviate common musculoskeletal

issues and enhance overall pregnancy wellness.

One primary benefit is the alleviation of lower back pain, which affects a significant proportion of pregnant women due to the increased lumbar lordosis and the anterior shift in the centre of gravity as the pregnancy progresses (Stuber & Smith, 2008). Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and pelvis, thereby reducing discomfort and improving posture.

Research indicates that chiropractic care may also contribute to shorter labour times and a reduced need for pain medication during delivery (Bedwell et al., 2017).

The Webster Technique, a chiropractic method specifically designed for pregnant women, aims to optimize pelvic alignment and improve the biomechanics of the pelvis, potentially facilitating a more straightforward labour and delivery process (Anrig & Plaugher, 1998).

Moreover, chiropractic care can enhance overall well-being by addressing pelvic misalignments that might otherwise affect the positioning of the foetus. Proper pelvic alignment ensures adequate space for foetal development and can reduce the likelihood of complications such as breech presentations (Fallon, 1994).

In conclusion, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing the physical changes and discomforts associated with pregnancy, promoting a healthier pregnancy and potentially easier delivery.

References

Anrig, C., & Plaugher, G. (1998). Pediatric Chiropractic. Williams & Wilkins.

Bedwell, C., Dowswell, T., Neilson, J. P., & Lavender, T. (2017). The use of non-pharmacological interventions for labor and delivery pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11).

Fallon, J. M. (1994). Chiropractic and pregnancy: a partnership for the future. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 1(1), 18-23.

Stuber, K. J., & Smith, D. L. (2008). Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review of the evidence. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 447-454.