Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit from regular chiropractic care and massage therapy. But, it is important for a woman to discuss with her healthcare provider whether it is safe for her to receive this type of treatment.
Pregnancy is a very exciting time, but it can also be hard on the body. With the center of gravity shifting and a growing baby adding weight, many pregnant women suffer from back pain, stiff joints, and sore muscles. A specialized massage can help relieve these discomforts. In fact, regular massage is an excellent preventive measure for aches and pains associated with pregnancy.
A massage can reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. It can also improve mood by releasing feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. And, the relaxing effects of massage can make it easier for a pregnant woman to get comfortable and breathe deeply.
If a woman is experiencing back or neck pain, a chiropractor can perform spinal adjustments that may alleviate the discomfort. This is important because, as a pregnancy progresses, the lumbar spine (lower back) can start to curve, putting pressure on the abdomen and causing pain.
Spinal manipulations are also often performed to address breech babies. This is a common concern for expectant mothers because a breech baby can lead to complications during labor and delivery. A chiropractor can use the Webster Technique to help encourage the baby to turn head down.
One of the most significant benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy is that it can shorten labor times. Studies have shown that expecting mothers who receive routine chiropractic treatments throughout their pregnancy have 24% shorter labors than those that do not see a chiropractor. This is because chiropractic care improves the alignment and flexibility of the pelvic region, allowing the baby to move into an optimal birthing position.
Massage therapy during pregnancy also can help prepare the pelvic muscles to contract and push during labor. This can increase the chances of a natural birth without the need for medical intervention. A well-aligned pelvis can also decrease intrauterine constraint, which is a condition where the pelvic bones are not properly aligned and prevent the baby from coming out smoothly during delivery.
Getting regular massages can also help expectant mothers deal with the symptoms of nausea that are common in late pregnancy. Nausea can be caused by hormonal changes, the pressure of the growing uterus on blood vessels, and a buildup of fluids such as amniotic fluid or edema. Massage can relieve these symptoms and reduce the discomfort of a sore stomach by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels and removing excess fluid.
It is important to tell the massage therapist that you are pregnant when booking an appointment. This will enable them to modify the massage to accommodate your changing body, and will ensure that they are using a safe massage table and using creams or oils that are safe for pregnancy. To learn more about prenatal massage therapy visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.