Chiropractic Care throughout the Pregnancy Journey!
By Dr. Mo Mommersteeg
Dr. Taylor Austin is our Chiropractor who specialises in pregnancy care! She is here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey and help you with postnatal rehabilitation, returning to activity or sports. We understand that this is a crucial time for both you and your baby, and our goal is to provide you with personalized care to ensure a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.
During pregnancy, Dr. Taylor can offer various chiropractic techniques that are safe and effective for expecting mothers. These techniques aim to alleviate common discomforts and improve overall function and resilience. After a thorough history and physical assessment, Dr. Taylor will establish a health care plan specific to your goals and needs. She will provide guidance on maintaining proper posture, performing exercises and stretches to strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles, and offer lifestyle recommendations to support your overall well-being during pregnancy. She will become part of your pregnancy team, before, during and after to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout the entire process.
Our goal is to provide safe and effective care for both you and your baby throughout the prenatal and postnatal periods. We aim to empower you with knowledge and resources to support your well-being during this transformative time. As the female body prepares, endures and heals through the pregnancy journey there are many changes, symptoms and even associated pain Mum may encounter. Dr. Taylor is very familiar with the various common pregnancy- related pains and discomforts and is here to reduce or eliminate them.
Here are some of the most frequently encountered pregnancy-related conditions:
Low back pain: As the baby grows, the center of gravity shifts forward, which can strain the lower back. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also relax the ligaments, which can add to the stress on the spine. Chiropractors can use gentle adjustments and techniques to relieve the pressure on the lower back, pelvis or sacrum, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Pelvic pain and instability: Hormonal changes along with the changes in your uterus and baby can affect the stability of the pelvis, leading to pain in the pelvic region, hips, and buttocks. Chiropractors are trained to assess and address pelvic misalignments or imbalances through techniques such as gentle adjustments, soft tissue work, taping and exercises to stabilize the pelvis.
Sciatica: The sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs, can become pinched or irritated during pregnancy, leading to sciatic peripheral nerve pain. When your hips and pelvis begin to change, or widen to prepare for your baby, it puts increased stress and stretch on your associated muscles or ligaments. The piriformis muscle is usually a main compromised tissue pinching on your sciatic nerve. Chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy and specific exercises can help relieve the pressure on the nerve, alleviating pain and promoting better nerve function.
Round ligament pain: As the uterus expands, the round ligaments that support it can be stretched and strained, resulting in sharp or shooting pains in the lower abdomen or groin. Chiropractors can provide gentle techniques to release tension in the round ligaments, reducing discomfort.
Neck and shoulder pain: Hormonal changes, changes in posture, and the added weight of the breasts can contribute to tension and pain in the neck and shoulders. Chiropractic adjustments, posture correction, and therapeutic exercises can help relieve muscular tension and improve mobility in the upper body.
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD): SPD occurs when the ligaments that hold the pubic bones together become overly relaxed or stretched, leading to pain and instability in the front of the pelvic region. Chiropractors can utilize techniques to restore proper alignment and stability to the pelvis, reducing SPD-related discomfort.
It's important to note that chiropractors who specialize in prenatal care are trained to modify their techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of pregnant women. They take into account the specific needs and limitations of each individual to provide appropriate care throughout pregnancy. If you're experiencing any of these pregnancy-related pains, seeking the assistance of a qualified chiropractor can often provide relief and support your overall well-being.
After giving birth, Dr. Taylor can continue to assist you with postnatal rehabilitation to help your body recover and regain strength. This may include techniques to address any musculoskeletal imbalances, scar tissue, or discomfort that may have resulted from pregnancy or labor. She will guide you through exercises and stretches that promote healing, strengthen your core, and support optimal posture.
Once you have progressed through our postnatal rehabilitation phase, Dr. Taylor can help you safely return to your desired level of activity or sport. This involves assessing your physical condition, monitoring your progress, and designing a customized program that gradually increases intensity and challenges while minimizing the risk of injury.
Dr. Taylor and the Momentum Health & Chiro team is here for you and your bub throughout your pregnancy journey, no matter how short or long that may be!
