Pregnancy Chiropractic
Growing a baby is an important job. We offer care for mums wishing to have a smooth and comfortable pregnancy and wanting to keep aches and pains at bay such as back pain caused by carrying the additional weight of a baby.
Why is it important?
Pregnancy is an exciting time of great change for your body. Many women experience a range of issues any time during their pregnancy. The increased curve in your back can lead to back pain and increased movement in the joints of the pelvis due to the ligaments softening, can lead to pain and discomfort around the pelvic girdle.
The techniques used during pregnancy are carefully selected to minimise any risk. These techniques are gentle, and the comfort of the mother is always paramount and will be adapted to suit each patient.
Pregnant patients are encouraged to tell the chiropractor how comfortable they are in certain positions. And we may use specifically designed pregnancy cushions if the patient needs to lie on their front for certain techniques.
Following the delivery of your baby, we recommend you return to your chiropractor to help manage any continuing aches and pains as your body recovers.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
- Pain Relief: Alleviate common pregnancy discomforts like back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica, and round ligament pain
- Improved Alignment: Address postural changes due to the growing belly and help maintain a balanced body
- Pelvic Balance: Optimise pelvic alignment for easier labor and delivery
- Reduced Stress: Promote relaxation and well-being during this transformative time
- Shorter Labor: Some studies suggest chiropractic care may lead to shorter labor times
Safety Considerations
McTimoney chiropractic is a gentle and safe approach to care, even during pregnancy. Our chiropractors are highly trained in working with pregnant women and use specialised techniques that are adapted to the unique needs of your changing body.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Gentle Adjustments: We use low-force techniques that avoid any unnecessary pressure on your abdomen or back.
- Pregnancy Pillows: We have special pillows to support your belly and ensure your comfort during adjustments.
- Modified Positions: We adjust ourtechniques and positions to accommodate your growing baby.
- Collaboration with Your Healthcare Provider: We are happy to collaborate with your obstetrician or midwife to ensure your care is coordinated and comprehensive.
What To Expect
Your first visit will begin with a thorough consultation where we’ll discuss your health history, any current discomforts, and your specific goals for chiropractic care during pregnancy.
During the consultation, we’ll perform a gentle examination to assess your posture, spinal alignment, and any areas of tension or discomfort. This may involve:
- Visual Assessment: Observing your posture and movement patterns.
- Palpation: Gently feeling your spine and joints to identify any restrictions or misalignments.
- Range of Motion Tests: Assessing how well your joints move.
Based on our findings, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and stage of pregnancy. Your McTimoney adjustments will be very gentle and may involve:
- Light Touch: We use precise, light-touch techniques to adjust your spine and joints.
- No "Cracking " Sounds: Unlike some chiropractic techniques, McTimoney adjustments don't involve any forceful thrusts or "cracking" sounds.
- Pregnancy Pillows: We'll use special pillows to support your belly and ensure your comfort throughout the session.
You can expect to feel relaxed and comfortable during your session. Many women report immediate relief from pain and tension, as well as an overall sense of well-being.