Coquitlam Prenatal Chiropractic (Austin Heights)

Yes, visiting a chiropractor during the first trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy can be generally safe for most women, but with a few considerations:

• Prenatal Expertise: Choose a chiropractor who is comfortable in prenatal care.
• Doctor’s Consultation: Always discuss chiropractic care with your doctor before starting any new treatment during pregnancy.

There are multiple benefits in seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy including:

• Enhancing Joint Mobility & Reducing Tension in the Lower Back
• Easing Discomfort Caused by Sciatica & Pregnancy

We have prepared an article in regard to “Webster Technique in Pregnancy; Everything You Should Know“. Make sure you take a look.

The ideal frequency of chiropractic visits during pregnancy depends on your individual needs.

Here’s a general guideline:

• Initially: Your chiropractor will assess your baseline and may recommend more frequent visits if needed.
• Regular Visits: For most women with no pre-existing issues, a typical schedule might be:
  • Once a month in the first trimester.
  • Twice a month in the second trimester.
• Third Trimester: Visits may be adjusted based on your individual needs and how your body feels.

In fact, low back pain is one of the most common complaints with pregnancy and is more common during the later stages with additional weight and postural changes.

When a woman is in her prenatal phase, many changes and new experiences are occurring to the body that may cause discomfort, usually back pain being a common symptom for most.

Some women find that “popping their back” also known as a cavitation from a spinal adjustment provides short term relief from the pain and discomfort that they are experiencing.

Regardless, it is important to see a chiropractor that is comfortable treating the pregnant population as the ligaments and joints are more flexible than your body may be used to.

Your body is more prone to injury if excessive force is applied due to the hormone relaxing that creates joint laxity.

When going through these changes and any symptoms you may be experiencing, communicating with a healthcare provider in regards to treatment methods is always a safe and effective way to manage the pain.

Pregnancy chiropractors use gentle techniques to address common discomforts associated with a growing baby. These may include:

• Muscle tension release: Techniques to relieve tightness and discomfort in your back, glutes, and pelvis.
• Pelvis and spine mobilizations: Gentle adjustments to improve mobility and alignment in your pelvis and spine.

Your pregnancy chiropractor can help with your pelvis, glute, and back tension throughout your pregnancy to help your body feel most comfortable as the uterus grows and the ligaments become lax.

Treatment often involves muscle tension release techniques, gentle hip, pelvis, and spinal mobilizations, and adjustments.

It is absolutely essential to tell your chiropractor that you are pregnant.

Pregnancy is a unique experience, with its own challenges both mentally and physically. Being transparent with your treating chiropractor and other healthcare professionals is the best way to ensure you are receiving the most appropriate care for your needs and you eliminate miscommunication and misunderstandings during your treatment plan with your health care providers.

In most cases, exercise during pregnancy is safe and is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. It is important to consult your health care provider before starting or continuing an exercise program during pregnancy as individual factors can affect safety and type of exercises recommended.

Exercise and activity during pregnancy can help improve cardiovascular health, maintain a health weight, improve mood and energy levels. It can also prepare the body for labor and help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Different exercises may be more appropriate based on individual factors, experience with exercise and the pregnancy itself. High impact activities or sports involving contact, risk of falling should be avoided as well as exercising in high humidity and high altitudes.

It is important to work with health care providers that can recommend safe pregnancy related exercises that work with your comfort level.

Back pain can be a sign of pregnancy, but it is not a definitive symptom. There are many other causes of back pain, such as muscle strain, poor posture, and arthritis.

In early pregnancy, back pain can be caused by the hormone relaxing, which loosens the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth. This can put strain on the muscles of the back, leading to pain.

Other factors that can contribute to back pain during pregnancy include:

• Weight gain
• Changes in posture
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Exercise habits