What the Latest Research Says about Chiropractic During Pregnancy (And what it means for you, mama!)
If you've been googling, 'is chiropractic safe during pregnancy' at 2am --this blog post is for you!
It is a very common question, and often followed by how does it help?
Here's the deal-- chiropractic care is very safe, gentle, and highly effective. I see amazing outcomes in my practice on a daily. From decreased low back pain, baby malpositioning, and SPD (symphysis pubic dysfunction)-- chiropractic helps with all of these symptoms and more. We also have some reaserach I'm going to share the further explains the amazing things chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide for you!
Here's the study:
Perinatal Quality of Life and Depression Risk in Pregnant Women Receiving Chiropractic Care: A Retrospective Analysis using EPDS and PROMIS-29
this analysis was of 33 women over the course of 5 years done by 3 researchers and chiropractors (one I learned from directly through the ICPA!), and the main findings were this:
Of the women studied during the prenatal and postpartum period, those under chiropractic care had lower depression risk markers and higher quality of life scores. Essentially, moms under chiropractic care reported feeling better...a lot better.
Now I see this daily in my practice. Mamas seek out my office to feel better, find support, and function their best during pregnancy and postpartum. They dream of easier labors, improved feeding outcomes with babe, better postpartum recovery, and enhanced quality of life.
A few other things I want to touch on here:
1. When to seek out care: As soon as possible! The earlier I can see a mom (even before pregnancy), the better. I find most of my pregnant mamas have better overall pregnancies when they have been under consistent care. That's also not to say that we can see a mom at 36 weeks pregnant, and get her feeling better and still have a great outcome--because I do that too!
2. What to Expect: You will start with a thorough exam from me. Expect a provider that listens, empathizes, and helps support you in mind, body and spirit. As a mom myself, I can understand what you're going through, and I'm here to help in many ways--not just with the adjustment! You can get your adjustment, I practice the Webster Technique, and most of my patients walk out of the office with a smile, feeling at least 10% better after the first adjustment!
3. What's the Webster Technique? The Webster Technique is a technique developed by Dr Larry Webster, that focuses on the alignment of the pelvis, sacrum, and associated structures including the psoas muscles, round ligaments, pubic symphsis, coccyx and lowest lumbar vertebrae. I say in the office that through the adjustment, we're helping take baby from a studio apartment to a 3 bedroom townhouse :) / the goal is to make the most room for baby, which allows optimal positioning and comfort for mom!
So, if you've gotten this far--here's a key takeaway: you deserve to feel good (amazing!), during your pregnancy. If you want to brag to your girlfriends about how amazing you feel, we're your place! Call us at 603-580-5893 to book!
With health,
Dr Mackenzie Briley