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Pregnancy

Back Clinic Pregnancy Chiropractic Team. Chiropractic care is the health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, related nerves, and bone geometry without medications or surgery. It combines the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints of the body, including, the spine, which reduces spinal nerve stress thus promoting optimal health throughout the body. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Investing in the fertility and pregnancy wellness of women who are pregnant is routine care for most chiropractors.

Specialized chiropractors take a specific interest in prenatal and postnatal care and go through additional training. Chiropractors that have been trained to work with pregnant women may use tables that are made to adjust for pregnant women and will use techniques that avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. A chiropractor who is trained to work with pregnant women will provide the patient with exercises and stretches that are safe to use during pregnancy.


Pregnancy Posture Health: El Paso Back Clinic

Pregnancy Posture Health: El Paso Back Clinic

Healthy posture and movement are essential for everyone, but especially for mothers-to-be. Practicing healthy posture is one of the most important contributions to a healthy pregnancy. Proper body alignment decreases low back and neck discomfort symptoms and muscle fatigue. A chiropractic therapy team can educate on maintaining a healthy posture when standing, sitting, and lying down throughout pregnancy, alleviate any subluxations, maintain optimal alignment, and keep the muscles relaxed through massage techniques.

Pregnancy Posture Health: EP Chiropractic Functional Team

Pregnancy Posture

Many changes occur in the musculoskeletal system during pregnancy for the growing fetus. This impacts posture, balance, and gait. Pregnancy posture can significantly influence the comfort and/or pain levels in the pregnant and postnatal body. This includes:

  • Sleeping in the best position while pregnant.
  • Sitting in the best position during pregnancy.
  • These little changes and adjustments impact the health of the mother and baby.

Postural Changes During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, several factors work against maintaining correct and healthy alignment. For one, the baby’s weight causes the lower back to sway as the center of gravity shifts forward.

Increased Lumbar Lordosis

  • The concave curvature in the spine can become more pronounced because of the forward pull of the growing fetus.
  • This can result in a swayback position – lordosis.
  • The sacrum tilts backward.
  • The legs grow wider apart when standing.

Increased Cervical Lordosis

  • The normal slight forward curvature of the spine in the neck or cervical area is called cervical lordosis.
  • The growing fetus aggravates the forward pull on the neck.
  • During pregnancy, the breasts grow, adding more weight to the thoracic or mid back, causing the neck curvature to get pulled forward and down.
  • Both shoulders also move forward and inward.

These changes can lead to back problem symptoms/pain, sciatica, and other musculoskeletal disorders and conditions if left untreated.

Unhealthy Posture Happens Naturally

  • The abdominal muscles become stretched as the baby grows.
  • Hormone levels increase and cause joints and ligaments to loosen.
  • The muscles cannot contract fully and keep the lower back in alignment.

Healthy Posture Requires Practice

Standing

Proper posture when standing. From top to bottom:

  • Maintain a neutral gaze that looks straight ahead.
  • Don’t bend the head too much forward or backward.
  • Avoid twisting/bending movements whenever possible, or keep them to a minimum.
  • The chest should be up, the core braced, and the shoulders back.
  • The body weight is distributed evenly along the lower extremities.
  • Contract abdominal and pelvic floor muscles during movements, as they support the stability of the pelvis and the trunk.
  • When standing and having to hold the position for an extended period, use a box or stool to prop up one foot.
  • For example, when washing dishes, the cabinet under the sink can rest the foot on the ledge.
  • Switch position every 20 to 30 minutes.

Chiropractic

Whether in the planning stages or the second or third trimester, it’s essential to keep postural health in mind. A chiropractor trained in the needs of pregnant women will use tables that adjust for a pregnant woman’s body, and they will use techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen and provide safe exercises and stretches. Benefits of chiropractic include:

  • Helps maintain a healthier pregnancy.
  • Helps regulate symptoms of nausea.
  • Relieves back, neck, discomfort symptoms, and pain.
  • Relieves and reduces excess strain on muscles, ligaments, and joints.
  • Spinal curvature exaggeration is corrected.
  • The normal spine curvatures are restored and maintained.

As more women seek the benefits of chiropractic for pregnancy, more healthcare providers seek trained doctors of chiropractic to refer their pregnant patients. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider, and schedule a visit to Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic to check posture and biomechanics.


Chiropractic Pregnancy Treatment


References

Bauer, A W. “NEUE GESICHTSPUNKTE UEBER HALTUNG UND ERNAEHRUNG WAEHREND DER SCHWANGERSCHAFT” [NEW VIEWPOINTS ON POSTURE AND NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY]. Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946) vol. 113 (1963): 875-6.

Fitzhugh, M L, and M NEWTON. “Posture in pregnancy.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology vol. 85 (1963): 1091-5. doi:10.1016/s0002-9378(16)35644-7

Gutke A, Ostgaard HC, Oberg B Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006 Mar 1; 31(5):E149-55. Pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain in pregnancy: a cohort study of the consequences in terms of health and functioning.

Schröder, Guido et al. “Impact of pregnancy on back pain and body posture in women.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 28,4 (2016): 1199-207. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.1199

Yoo, Hyunju, et al. “Changes in the spinal curvature, degree of pain, balance ability, and gait ability according to pregnancy period in pregnant and nonpregnant women.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 27,1 (2015): 279-84. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.279

Pregnancy Sciatica Chiropractic Back Clinic

Pregnancy Sciatica Chiropractic Back Clinic

The body experiences physical changes during pregnancy. As the baby grows, the body has to adjust, which can cause unfamiliar aches and pains. A common issue for pregnant women is sciatica symptoms or lumbar radiculopathy, which radiates discomfort sensations that travel down the lower spine, down the back of the thigh, and into the foot. Chiropractic care and massage therapy can realign the spine and hips, therapeutically massage circulation through the body, relieve symptoms, and restore function.Pregnancy Sciatica Chiropractor

Pregnancy Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body and the main nerve in the legs. In most cases, sciatica happens when this nerve gets compressed by bulging, slipped, or ruptured spinal discs, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.

Symptoms

Aches and pains that result from sciatica range from mild to severe sensations. Symptoms include:

  • Pain that travels from the pelvis down the back of the leg.
  • A burning sensation in the low back and buttocks.
  • Jolting pain that feels like an electric shock.
  • Numbness, muscle weakness, or tingling in one leg or foot.
  • Tingling sensation in one part of the body and pain in another.
  • Pain that worsens when coughing, sneezing or sitting for long periods.

Causes

Sciatica during pregnancy can be caused by:

  • Weight gain is going to pull the spine and muscles down.
  • Increased fluid retention can place added pressure on the nerve as it passes through the pelvis.
  • The expanding uterus can press down on the nerve in the lower part of the spine.
  • The growing belly and breasts shift the center of gravity forward and stretch the lordotic curve causing the muscles in the:
  • Buttocks and pelvis to tighten up and compress the sciatic nerve.
  • The baby’s head can rest directly on the nerve when settling into the proper birth position in the third trimester.
  • A herniated or slipped disc caused by the extra pressure of the growing uterus can be the cause, although this is less common.
  • Pregnancy also causes the body to release a hormone called relaxin, designed to relax the ligaments and prepare the pelvis for childbirth.
  • Loose ligaments can cause spinal compression and affect the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica will most likely occur during the third trimester when mother and baby are bulking up, but it can develop earlier, although this is less common. Most women experience symptoms on one side, though it can affect both legs. The condition can be constant or intermittent, depending on the amount of pressure placed on the nerve, and can remain for a few months after giving birth when the excess weight and fluid are gone.

Treatment Techniques

Simple home remedies and treatment to help ease the symptoms. These include:

Sleep on Your Side

  • Rest on the side of the body that does not present symptoms when lying down.
  • This takes the pressure off the compressed nerve.
  • Use a full-body pillow to support the hips and legs.

A Hot Shower, Heat, and Ice

  • Heat relaxes tight muscles and increases circulation.
  • Putting a cold pack on your lower back and rear pelvis can also help.

Consistent Movement

  • Consistent gentle movement that does not include too much bending or twisting is helpful to keep the musculoskeletal system active and limber.
  • Going for a light walk is recommended.
  • A prenatal yoga class can soothe muscles and the mind.
  • Low-impact activities like swimming can also be beneficial.

Prenatal Massage

  • Prenatal massage can reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and regulate hormones.

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

  • Chiropractic is non-invasive and drug-free, making it a safe and gentle option for mom and baby.
  • A professional chiropractor can evaluate the condition.
  • Identify and remove interferences in the nervous system from the source.
  • Realign the bones.
  • Provide a personalized treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and stretches and strength-building exercises.

Sciatica In Pregnancy


References

American Pregnancy Association: “Prenatal Massage Therapy.

American Pregnancy Association: “Sciatic Nerve Pain During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment.”

FRIEDMANN, E. “Narrowing of the spinal canal due to thickened lamina a cause of low-back pain and sciatica.” Clinical orthopedics vol. 21 (1961): 190-7.

Goldsmith, Laura T, and Gerson Weiss. “Relaxin in human pregnancy.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences vol. 1160 (2009): 130-5. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03800.x

KULOWSKI, J. “Unusual causes of low back pain and sciatica during pregnancy.” American journal of obstetrics and gynecology vol. 84 (1962): 627-30. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(62)90156-4

Trager, Robert J et al. “Ischial osteochondroma as an unusual source of pregnancy-related sciatic pain: a case report.” Chiropractic & manual therapies vol. 30,1 45. 17 Oct. 2022, doi:10.1186/s12998-022-00451-3

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic: Many women experience back/pelvis/leg/feet swelling, soreness, achiness, and pain during pregnancy. A growing belly added weight and changes in connective tissue can cause a variety of musculoskeletal strains and misalignments. Chiropractic care provides health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, nerves, joints, muscles, and bones. It is an art and science of adjusting a misaligned body, reducing stress, and promoting health throughout the body.

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic

With a primary doctor’s clearance, chiropractic can provide safe adjustments. Chiropractors trained to work with pregnant women utilize techniques that avoid applying pressure on or around the abdomen. Benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy include:

  • Restores and maintains spinal alignment and balance.
  • Helps control symptoms of nausea.
  • Improves energy levels.
  • Relieves body pain.
  • Helps reduce labor time and delivery.
  • Restores pelvic positioning and balance, improving standing, sitting, and walking mechanics.
  • Improves blood perfusion and better movement for the baby

A chiropractor trained in the needs of pregnant women will also provide exercises and stretches that are safe during pregnancy. A chiropractor will discuss/recommend treatment options, patient concerns, and a complete medical history assessment. They will monitor symptoms to customize treatments to the individual’s specific needs to get the most relief.


Body Composition


Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension develops during pregnancy. It is not preventable and returns to normal levels postpartum. However, there is an increased risk of developing chronic hypertension later if gestational hypertension begins to develop. According to Mayo Clinic, gestational hypertension is diagnosed by the following:

  • At least 20 weeks gestation.
  • Blood pressure is higher than 140/90 on at least two occasions.
  • Must be more than four hours apart.
  • There is no other organ damage present.
References

Gutke, Annelie et al. “Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica vol. 94,11 (2015): 1156-67. doi:10.1111/aogs.12681

Poděbradská, R et al. “The effect of physiotherapy intervention on the load of the foot and low back pain in pregnancy.” “Vliv fyzioterapeutických postupů na zatížení plosky a bolesti zad v těhotenství.” Ceska gynekologie vol. 84,6 (2019): 450-457.

Schreiner, Lucas et al. “Systematic review of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy.” International journal of gynecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics vol. 143,1 (2018): 10-18. doi:10.1002/ijgo.12513

Pregnancy Chiropractor

Pregnancy Chiropractor

With a growing belly and changes in connective tissue, many pregnant women are unable to stay comfortable. A pregnancy chiropractor is safe and effective in helping manage pain in the back, hips, legs, joints and establish pelvic balance. This can provide the baby with space to grow and move throughout the pregnancy and lead to faster, easier labor and delivery. Relief and better symptom management are possible with a pregnancy chiropractor.

Pregnancy Chiropractor

Chiropractic Is Safe During Pregnancy

Before engaging in any treatment during pregnancy, consult a doctor. For the most part, non-invasive chiropractic is considered safe for healthy, low-risk pregnancies and even higher-risk pregnancies once cleared by a doctor. Because pregnant women cannot take medications or undergo other invasive treatment options for pain, chiropractic treatment is recommended for sore, tight muscles, irritability, and pain management.

How A Pregnancy Chiropractor Can Help

What a chiropractor can offer includes:

  • Restore pelvic balance.
  • Improve mechanics for standing, sitting, and walking that could otherwise cause pain.
  • Pain management through therapeutic massage and adjustments.
  • Spinal alignment is restored.
  • Improved blood perfusion.
  • Energy levels improve.
  • Reduce symptoms of nausea.
  • Better positioning and movement for the baby.
  • Optimize the pelvic position to allow for an easier birth; evidence indicates a shorter labor time thanks to an optimal pelvic position.

Clinic Appointment

The pregnancy chiropractor begins with an initial consultation. Here the patient asks questions, discusses any concerns, along with a full assessment of medical history. They will suggest various treatment options to restore the body to its optimal balance. The chiropractor will continually monitor the patient to tailor the treatments to their specific needs and achieve the most relief.


Body Composition


Impact of Breastfeeding and Body Composition

It turns out that breastfeeding and weight loss are showing that there could be a relationship. A study suggested that breastfeeding could eliminate weight gain during six months. These findings are corroborated by another study comparing body fat loss between exclusively breastfeeding and mixed feeding mothers. The researchers found that exclusively breastfeeding promotes more significant body fat loss than mixed feeding among mothers during the first 12 weeks after childbirth. A weight loss of approximately about a pound per week between 4 and 14 weeks after delivery in overweight, lactating women who were exclusively breastfeeding showed no adverse effect on the growth and development of their newborns.

References

Bernard, Maria, and Peter Tuchin. “Chiropractic Management of Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: A Case Study.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,2 (2016): 129-33. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.003

Borggren, Cara L. “Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 6,2 (2007): 70-4. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004

Weis, Carol Ann et al. “Chiropractic Care for Adults With Pregnancy-Related Low Back, Pelvic Girdle Pain, or Combination Pain: A Systematic Review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 43,7 (2020): 714-731. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.05.005

Therapeutic Massage During Pregnancy

Therapeutic Massage During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body. New aches and pains start to present as the pregnancy progresses. Hormonal changes can affect the state of mind, making trying to relax or relieve stress extremely difficult to impossible, causing more frustration and tensed muscles. It’s absolutely safe and beneficial to get a professional therapeutic massage while pregnant. Most pregnant women are cleared to get massages after their first trimester. However, if it is a high-risk pregnancy, talk to your doctor before scheduling a massage.

Therapeutic Massage During Pregnancy

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

A therapeutic massage while pregnant, known as prenatal massage, generates a peaceful and serene mindset. Studies show prenatal massage is beneficial for the mother and baby. Pregnant women that are unable to find discomfort/pain relief benefit from prenatal massage. Benefits include:

  • Swelling is reduced
  • Improved hormone regulation helps reduce instances of low birth weight
  • Joint, back, and nerve pain/sciatica is reduced, and function improved
  • Headaches lessen in severity and frequency
  • Blood and nerve circulation improves
  • Sleep cycles improve
  • Anxiety, depression, and stress improves

Types of Massage

Safe massages when pregnant. The most common prenatal massage is a Swedish Massage. This type of massage is gentle but forceful enough to provide the aforementioned benefits. Swedish Massage focuses on the topmost layer of muscle with long strokes that incorporate movement of the joints. Avoid deep-tissue massage when pregnant, as this is a more aggressive style of massage.

Back Massage

During pregnancy, posture changes from the added weight. The center of gravity shifts making the spine and back muscles work harder. This regularly makes the muscles achy, sore, and stiff. Prenatal back massage is done while sitting or lying on the side. Long strokes are performed on the muscles, along with gentle kneading. The focus is on the muscles along the spine and the low back. This type of massage is highly beneficial if sciatica is presenting.

Neck Massage

Massaging the neck loosens tight muscles, improves awkward neck posture, alleviates nerve pain preventing tension headaches, and promotes flexibility. Most therapists will start with the neck and arms while the individual sits up, then lie down to work on the rest of the body.

Chiropractic Massage

This type of massage is performed by a licensed chiropractor and/or a physical massage therapist at the direction of a chiropractor. Chiropractic massage therapists have undergone thorough training and always take care to avoid any pressure points or areas that could cause discomfort.

Areas that Are Avoided During Massage

Professional massage therapists know what areas to avoid during the therapeutic massage, but it’s also important for the patient. The areas that will be avoided include:

  • The pressure points in the wrist and around the ankles. These areas have points that could cause uterine contractions and cervical ripening.
  • Around the belly. However, it is recommended to perform gentle, low-pressure massaging at home.
  • Around open wounds, rashes, or skin conditions.

Safety Tips

Other precautions to take when receiving a massage during pregnancy. The massage therapist should look out for blood clot symptoms or varicose veins. Other precautions to follow:

  • Make sure the massage therapist knows you are pregnant before beginning.
  • If the massage triggers nausea, discomfort, or is not enjoyable, ask to stop.
  • Avoid massage tables that have a hole cut out for the belly.
  • The recommended method is on the side, supported with proper padding to ensure stability and comfort.
  • The massage should be no more than an hour.
  • A massage in the first trimester is not recommended.
  • Make sure the massage oil is safe.
  • Avoid peppermint, rosemary, sage, and thyme oil.
  • Massage is not recommended if it is a high-risk pregnancy or:
  • Preeclampsia
  • High blood pressure
  • Severe swelling
  • Severe headaches
  • Have had a previous preterm birth
  • Pregnancy-induced hypertension/PIH

Massage at Home

A trained massage therapist should perform a prenatal therapeutic massage. However, a partner can perform an easy, safe massage at home following a few guidelines.

  • Avoid the ankles and the areas around the wrists.
  • Avoid the belly and the area around it.
  • Back, neck, scalp, and foot rubs are recommended.
  • Utilize long gentle strokes with all-natural and safe massage oils or lotions.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Pregnant women are more susceptible. These include:
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Heat
  • Discoloration of the affected area.
  • Talk to your physician if you have an increased risk for blood clots.

Get a Massage

A prenatal therapeutic massage can improve hormone regulation, help sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a healthy and optimal delivery.


Body Composition


Diastasis Recti Post-Baby Weight

Pregnancy can cause abdominal muscle separation or diastasis recti.

This happens when the outermost abdominal muscles/rectus abdominis, which are the muscles from the breastbone to the pubic bone pull apart from the fibrous attachment point/linea alba. Muscle separation is common after pregnancy, but the degree and location of the separation are what vary from one woman to another. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus makes room for the growing baby. This can cause the abdominal – recti muscles to stretch and become flabby. This muscle separation is not linked with complications for the mother or the baby and it is not a sign of muscle loss.

References

Hall, Helen et al. “The effectiveness of complementary manual therapies for pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis.” Medicine vol. 95,38 (2016): e4723. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000004723

“Perineal Massage in Pregnancy.” Journal of midwifery & women’s health vol. 61,1 (2016): 143-4. doi:10.1111/jmwh.12427

Schreiner, Lucas et al. “Systematic review of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy.” International journal of gynecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics vol. 143,1 (2018): 10-18. doi:10.1002/ijgo.12513

Healthy Pregnancy With Chiropractic Treatment

Healthy Pregnancy With Chiropractic Treatment

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life. A healthy pregnancy is the objective, and therefore, essential to maintain a healthy diet and stay physically active. However, it can be easy to forget about the strain that pregnancy places on the body and push through the aches and pain with everything going on. Specifically the spine and pelvis. During pregnancy, the body goes through various changes to accommodate the growing baby. When pregnant, a hormone known as relaxin is released. This relaxes the joints for labor and delivery. Sometimes the ligaments can become too loose that they become structurally unstable. This causes pain. Other factors that can lead to spine misalignment and pain:

  • 25 – 30 lbs of added weight and pressure on the spine, pelvis, legs, feet.
  • Weakened abdominal muscles.
  • Lower back curvature becomes more prominent.

Pregnant women going through discomfort/pain can benefit from chiropractic pregnancy adjustments. These maintain spinal alignment while keeping the baby safe. Chiropractors are trained to treat pregnant women; however, there is additional certification to specialize in this area. A prenatal chiropractor also provides information on:

  • Preparing the body for labor and birth
  • Maintaining healthy posture
  • Ensure the body is properly aligned throughout the pregnancy.
  • Diet
  • Health coaching
  • Postpartum care

Healthy Pregnancy With Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic Benefits For A Healthy Pregnancy

The obvious benefits include back pain relief, quality of life improvement, and reducing the need for pain medications. Other benefits include:

  • Alleviates sciatic nerve pain
  • Helps to control urinary incontinence
  • Reduces pregnancy-related nausea
  • Aligns the pelvis for optimal delivery
  • Reduces labor and delivery time

There is little risk associated with prenatal chiropractic care. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women with health complications like vaginal bleeding or ectopic pregnancy.

Repositioning

If the baby does not have enough room or is going into a breeched position, a chiropractor will work on the ligaments and muscles in the pelvic region to decrease any intrauterine restrictions. Getting the pelvis aligned will allow for an optimal delivery position. This will help move the head down and give the baby more space. If there is a breech position, it is recommended to see a chiropractor once a week during the eighth and ninth months.

When to Start

After receiving approval from the obstetrician, a woman can see a chiropractor at any stage during pregnancy. Many women start chiropractic in the first trimester. This develops a relationship early and benefits the woman as her body changes throughout the pregnancy.

How Often

Most patients visit a chiropractor once a month during the first trimester. Then they increase the sessions as the pregnancy progresses. Every woman’s pregnancy is different, requiring a personalized/customized treatment plan. The chiropractor will best advise on the frequency of treatment.

Pregnancy Technique

A chiropractor’s job is to manipulate the woman’s spine, joints, and muscles into alignment.

The adjustments utilize gentle pressure. The techniques are adjusted accordingly. Depending on how far along the woman is, as well as musculoskeletal health. For example, they could emphasize focus on the pelvis to reduce stress on the uterus and ligaments for a few sessions. Then shift back to the spine. They will not exert excessive pressure on the abdomen and possibly incorporate specialized equipment specifically for pregnant women.

Sciatica

Symptoms of sciatica are common during pregnancy, typically in the later months. This comes from the added pressure on the sciatic nerve. It can be sharp, burning pain from the hip to the foot. This makes walking, sitting, and sleeping uncomfortable to unbearable. Some women are fortunate enough to experience relief if the baby moves off the sciatic nerve. However, most will need some form of treatment to manage and heal the symptoms. This usually includes:

  • Series of adjustments
  • Hot and cold therapies
  • Stretches

Chiropractic can continue to help after giving birth, providing post-natal care helping the body return to its pre-pregnancy state healthily and optimally.


Body Composition


Diet, Nutrition During Pregnancy

From a nutritional perspective, a high GI diet during pregnancy increases the chances of excessive weight gain and overweight babies. Intake of low-glycemic carbs is associated with weight gain in the normal range. If planning to get pregnant or are pregnant, pay attention to the quality of carb intake for a healthy pregnancy. Health care providers recommend avoiding extreme diets for the first four to six weeks after delivery. This gives the body time to recover and helps to establish a consistent milk supply, as rapid weight loss could interfere with breastfeeding. Before going on a diet or starting an exercise program, check with a healthcare provider to rule out any medical conditions.

References

30 of the Most Surprising (And Alarming) Back Pain Statistics. The Good Body. www.thegoodbody.com/back-pain-statistics/. Last updated May 30, 2017. Accessed September 22, 2017.

Bernard, Maria, and Peter Tuchin. “Chiropractic Management of Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: A Case Study.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,2 (2016): 129-33. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.003

Gostine M. Is Lower Back Pain Normal During Pregnancy? BabyQ. www.babyq.com/lens/lifestyle/is-lower-back-pain-normal-during-pregnancy/. Published February 4, 2017. Accessed September 22, 2017.

Sabino J, Grauer JN. Pregnancy and low back pain. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008; 1(2): 137–141. Published online February 26, 2008. doi: 10.1007/s12178-008-9021-8.

Moving During Pregnancy Safely and Easily

Moving During Pregnancy Safely and Easily

Moving during pregnancy is not the way things are usually planned out, but it does happen. It is possible and can be done safely and with ease by:
  • Creating an optimal moving plan
  • Paying attention to the new house/apartment surroundings
  • Proper posture
  • Body mechanics
  • Getting plenty of help
Moderate physical activity for most expectant moms is encouraged for a healthy pregnancy. The CDC warns that bending too much while pregnant could lead to complications. However, moving boxes is not all there is to do. There are plenty of things like cleaning, organizing, packing, showing where to put the boxes, getting food and refreshments, etc.

Moving during pregnancy

Moving is exciting and stressful at the same time. Questions start to come up like bending, lifting, and wearing a back brace. Here are some tips during your move.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Moving During Pregnancy Safely and Easily
 

Talk to a doctor

Your doctor or chiropractor should know about the upcoming move giving them an opportunity to help and provide safety tips. If it is during the first trimester it could be stressful for the pregnancy if not careful. Moving during the first three months could cause preterm labor with other possible complications. This does not mean to not move just to make a plan with your doctor for keeping the stress low and avoiding the risk for potential issues.

Questions to ask:

  • What can I lift while pregnant?
  • Is there a specific bending technique?
  • Is lifting during the first trimester safe?
  • How long should I be on my feet during the move?
  • Is it safe to go up and down stairs consistently?

Brain fog and planning ahead

This is also known as baby brain or pregnancy brain and is the cognitive slowdown and memory issues that many pregnant women report. If there are issues with general cognitive functioning, fatigue, or other brain fog symptoms, careful planning can help.

Help for pregnancy brain fog:

  • Create detailed lists and save them to your phone or location where they won�t get lost.
  • Sleep a lot more as being tired will worsen symptoms.
  • During the move take frequent breaks.
  • Eat foods with Omega-3, these benefit brain function, and the baby�s development.

Packing fun

Packing the right way can mean all the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic one. It is recommended to allow for a week longer than anticipated for packing. Declutter a month before packing. Then donate, sell, and give away whatever is not needed to lighten the load. Create a moving day kit with a change of clothes, snacks, water, vitamins, a cooling pack, and anything else that a pregnant woman will need. Having fun during the packing process can be accomplished by turning the tasks into a game or some type of fun activity. Working/dancing with fun music can ease the monotony, keeps the joints loose, proper blood circulation is achieved and the stress is worked out. Light aerobic dancing has shown to decrease the risk of disorders while pregnant, and the recovery time after giving birth.  
 

Get plenty of help

Nobody wants to help family, friends move. Therefore throw a party or some event where everyone will be of the mindset that it was worth helping out. More help is needed during pregnancy because of the added rest times and minimal heavy lifting. If there is not enough help, an investment in professional movers could be necessary. Prices vary depending on where someone lives and the companies available. However, with some research, it can be money well spent while pregnant.

Safety checklist

Create a safety checklist that includes:
  • Regular water breaks – hydration is extremely important while pregnant, especially if prone to morning sickness. Dehydration symptoms can include:
  • Precautions when walking up and down the stairs.
  • Frequent work breaks every half hour.
  • Stress relief methods/techniques
  • First aid kit
  • Moving can create more sweating than normal, therefore keep ice and electrolyte drinks close by.
  • Leave the packing of products with harmful chemicals like cleaning products, paint thinners, or ammonia to a helper.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Moving During Pregnancy Safely and Easily
 

Lifting and bending

It is highly recommended to not lift furniture or other heavy items while pregnant. Lifting a heavy object can contribute to: Doctors generally recommend twenty-five pounds as the threshold during pregnancy. However, it depends on the trimester and what the individual is already used to lifting. An example is a woman lifting something heavy in the third trimester is different than when they were only five weeks. Proper lifting techniques need to be implemented like bending the knees not the back, keep the back straight while doing so, and avoid quick jerking movements.

Proper moving attire

On moving day, wear lightweight, breathable, stretchy clothing, so discomfort and malfunction won’t pop up. Cotton stays cool and free of sweat or itchiness. When pregnant the center of balance shifts, therefore, the right shoes are a must. Here are some shoes that can help during pregnancy.

Don’t rush the nursery

Getting the nursery finished for the baby, creates added pressure. Pretty much all newborns sleep in the same room with their parents, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this for the first months. So cut yourself some slack when it comes to the perfect baby nursery. The baby is not going to hold it against you and there is time after the move to settle in.

Proper rest

This is a stressful time that requires a lot of energy. But just like proper hydration is important, so is plenty of sleep and embrace the positive aspects rather than focus on the complications. Talk to your doctor, enlist plenty of help, drink lots of water, and leave the heavy lifting to those that are not pregnant. At the end of the day, it will all be worth it.

Back Pain During Pregnancy Treatment

 
 

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The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*