Pregnancy should be a time of excitement and eager anticipation, yet for many women the entire experience can be plagued with discomfort, pain and even illness. Women undergo numerous hormonal and structural changes throughout a pregnancy, which will affect the function of the spine, joints, muscles, nerves and ligaments. Some of the common health issues affecting women include back pain, headaches, neck pain, stress, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

It is easy to see postural changes throughout pregnancy; the centre of gravity changes, the weight of the baby places increased pressure on the spine and pelvis, and changes are also seen in gait pattern. In addition, numerous hormonal changes occur. Previous accidents, emotional stress, tension and overexertion can exacerbate these stresses as well. Over time, these collective stresses can shift the spinal bones or vertebrae out of their normal alignment, creating nerve pressure and interference. An example of this is sciatic nerve pressure, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Most of the time, expectant mothers are told they must live with the pain during their pregnancy, however this is simply not true. Women can choose to minimize or eliminate suffering from aches and pains during their pregnancies with the natural approach of Chiropractic.

A recent study revealed that 70% of expectant mothers experienced low back pain at some point during their pregnancy. Pain is a warning sign that something is not functioning properly and must be dealt with as soon as possible. As weight gain increases, the propensity towards developing more and more pain increases exponentially. Because drugs and medication can cause fetal damage or malformations, it is important to avoid them whenever possible.

As the expectant mother progresses through her pregnancy, the fetus develops and the mother's uterus and surrounding tissues change and enlarge to compensate for the tremendous growth of the fetus. In a normally aligned and balanced pelvis, all the muscles, ligaments and tendons that have direct and indirect connection to the uterus will maintain their normal supportive function. In a situation where the pelvis and supporting muscles and ligaments are misaligned, there can be increased pressure, restriction or constraint of the uterus. Uterine constraint can interfere with fetal development and fetal position in the uterus. And it can hinder the natural development of the spine and nervous system in the fetus. Furthermore, it can prevent the baby from moving into a normal position for birth, thus leading to prolonged delivery times and potential complications.

The chiropractic approach to a safe and healthy pregnancy is both natural and highly effective. Chiropractic was discovered in 1895 by Dr. Daniel David Palmer, in Davenport Iowa. His philosophy of health was definitely ahead of its time; it stated quite simply that the power that made the body can also heal the body. Within every human being exists an innate or inborn intelligence that governs all functions in the human body and is responsible for the body's ability (or inability) to heal.

Palmer's son, Dr. B.J. Palmer, created the immutable laws of chiropractic, 33 principles that dictate how the body functions and the cause of most all disease. In fact, the cause of virtually all disease is related to the expression of stress in the body. When there exists excess stress in the form of physical, emotional or chemical sources, this can cause shifting of the spinal bones out of their normal position and alignment, thus compromising nervous system function and nerve flow. The purpose of chiropractic care is not to treat pain, but to identify where spinal and nerve stresses, otherwise known as subluxations, exist.

For over 100 years, chiropractors use many different technologies and tests to determine the presence of subluxations, including computerized nerve scans, range of motion tests, detailed spinal palpation and, prior to pregnancy, comprehensive spinal x-ray imaging. Chiropractic care is hands-on and proven time and time again with many research studies to be safer than taking baby aspirin. It is gentle, feels great and is the only form of health care that is dedicated to the removal and correction of spinal subluxations. In fact, it is always a great idea to get a full chiropractic examination including x-rays prior to starting a family. This way, spinal stress and subluxations can be diagnosed and corrected before pregnancy, making for an easier and healthier pregnancy and delivery. The drugless approach to having a properly working spine and nervous system with chiropractic provides the mother and child with a better chance at good health.

In one study, women receiving Chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had 24% shorter labor times than the group not receiving Chiropractic, and multiparous subjects reported 39% shorter labor times. In addition, 84% of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with Chiropractic care. Research has shown that women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy have approximately six hours less time spent in labor than women who do not receive chiropractic care. Women who receive prenatal chiropractic care also have approximately three hours less of labor during subsequent pregnancies. An American Medical Association (AMA) study showed that pregnant women under chiropractic care have an easier pregnancy and delivery. The study, by Irvin Hendryson, MD, revealed that pregnant women who received chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester were able to carry to term more frequently and deliver children with more comfort.

We often simply look at the outside appearance and forget that millions of hormonal and chemical reactions are occurring in both the mother and developing baby which are being coordinated and controlled by the nervous system. The role of your chiropractor is to ensure that the spinal column and pelvis are balanced and are free of subluxations allowing the nervous system to work at 100%. Your health and the health of your unborn child may depend on it!