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Prenatal Care
Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
From the moment a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins undergoing changes at a rapid pace. These changes range from physical to physiological to hormonal in nature. While these changes are necessary for the growth and safe arrival of a baby, they can sometimes make various activities difficult for the expecting mother. Additionally, pregnancy often means you can’t rely on over-the-counter medications and other remedies that may alleviate symptoms. Pregnant women may struggle to find a balance between care that is safe for their growing babies and addressing their own various needs, all the while going through rapid body changes. Visiting a Portage chiropractor is a safe and effective way to find relief from pregnancy ailments, as well as set up both mom and baby for optimal labor, delivery, and recovery.
Common Effects of Pregnancy
Perhaps the most obvious change during pregnancy is a mother’s growing stomach. While this change signifies a growing and healthy baby, it can also put enormous strain on a mother’s body. Even early in pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity begins to shift to the front of her pelvis, altering her balance and posture. As pregnancy progresses and the baby develops and grows more, the curve in the mother’s lower back begins to increase, putting stress on the lumbar spine. To compensate for this change, the curvature of the upper spine may begin to change as well.
As all of these changes are happening, a hormone called relaxin is released, loosening ligaments throughout the body, particularly in the pelvis. Relaxin is vital to preparing for labor and delivery, but it can also cause imbalances in posture, which make pregnant women more susceptible to trips and falls, in addition to general pain and discomfort. The majority of women experience lower back pain during pregnancy, as well as general aches and pains. Chiropractic care is a natural and effective method for addressing these and other issues common in pregnancy.
Chiropractic Care as Prenatal Care
Some mothers may worry that chiropractic adjustments are not safe during this stage or that they will negatively impact their baby. But this is not the case—the American Pregnancy Association even encourages pregnant women to see chiropractors to experience the benefits from chiropractic care. Just like aches and pains outside of pregnancy, chiropractic adjustments can offer relief without resorting to medication. By addressing any misalignments in the spine, chiropractic care offers a realignment of the body, preventing not only discomfort but also bringing about optimal health, healing, and wellness.
Most importantly, a chiropractic adjustment can restore balance to a woman’s pelvis and improve her overall posture as her body adapts to changes. Not only does this contribute to overall heath, it can address any misalignments in the pelvis, allowing the baby to have more room inside the womb and to shift into the optimal position for birth. Chiropractic care during pregnancy has also proven to shorten labor time and reduce the need for medical interventions during delivery, leading to better birth outcomes and healthier moms and babies.
Visiting West Michigan Chiropractic
If you are pregnant and want the healthiest and best pregnancy possible, visiting a Portage chiropractor can offer a number of benefits. Not only will you be able to receive care from experienced chiropractors, Drs. Ryan and Sarah Malarney, but you will also be working with chiropractors who are passionate about helping you. Dr. Sarah Malarney’s primary focus is on pregnant women and children, and she is certified in Webster Technique, which is specifically for pregnant mothers. As a practice member at West Michigan Chiropractic, the health of you and your baby will be in good hands.
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Schedule an Appointment
The driving power behind chiropractic care is ensuring that the central nervous system can communicate all necessary functions from the brain to the body. Torque release technique removes interference in this system, allowing the body to function optimally. Drs. Ryan and Sarah Malarney want to provide the best care for you and your family. Our mission is to become your Portage chiropractors, and it is our goal to see every person in the Kalamazoo area living their healthiest and best lives.
Book your appointment today with West Michigan Chiropractic.