Pregnancy
Supporting Healthy Pregnancy and Natural Birth
Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasises the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure ( primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health and well-being.
What are the benefits of chiropractic prior to pregnancy?
May promote regular menstrual cycles, Optimal uterine function, prepares body for healthy implantation, ensures proper nerve supply to reproductive organs.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?
May assist in the detection, prevention and correction of fetal malposition, Reduction of pre-elampsia, Less back labour, Reduced need for pain medication, Less back pain, Shorter labour times, More comfortable when breastfeeding, Greater production of breastmilk, less incidence of post partum depression.
Is chiropractic safe for pregnant women?
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free discipline meaning the risks are very low. Adverse events are very rare and your chiropractor will assess you individually for any risks before commencing care. In general, there are no increased risks or side effects with chiropractic care for pregnant women. Your chiropractor may use special techniques and table modifications to further reduce any risks.
Are all chiropractors trained to work with pregnant women?
Yes!
Chiropractors are all adequately trained to handle the needs of pregnancy; however some have a special interest in serving pregnant women and have taken additional training. Dr Mike and Dr Abbie have both completed Webster Training and Certification.
Can chiropractic turn a breech baby?
Larry Webster, founder of the ICPA, developed a specific technique known ans the "Webster Technique" which has been shown to allow for optimal fetal positioning during pregnancy.
A research study in 2002 showed a reported 92% success rate of babies turning to a vertex (head down) position following use of the Webster Technique by a chiropractor. The study also suggests that this technique may be beneficial to use in the 8th month of pregnancy when breech presentation is unlikely to spontaneously change when external cephalic version technique is not effective.
The ICPA recommends that pregnant women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to achieve pelvic balance, giving babies a better chance to move into an optimal position for birth and minimising potential posterior of breach positions.baby position at the time of birth also results in an easier labour and safer delivery for both mother and baby.
