Prenatal Chiropractic Care: Helping Baby and Mommy
Looking for a Pregnancy Chiropractor in Victoria BC?
The biggest miracle some people experience in their lives isn’t without discomfort for a lot of women, particularly in the later stages of their pregnancy when they are carrying an extra 20 pounds or more, and the unborn baby is pressing up against mom’s internal organs.
Victoria Chiropractor Dr. Stephanie Louie sees many pregnant women as part of her family practice, Mind Body Spine, located in Saanich. One of the two main reasons pregnant women see her is because they have heard Prenatal Chiropractic care can help with their pregnancy, – many are worried about painful back labour – and are being proactive. The second reason is usually for Postpartum Chiropractic where they are seeking relief from pain. While most of these women have been to Chiropractors previously, as many as 30 percent are visiting a Chiropractor for the first time.
“Making sure the baby is healthy is my top priority,” says Dr. Louie. “Having babies is something women have been doing for thousands of years; their bodies know what to do. This is why it is so important to have the proper training to make sure that chiropractic treatments are gentle, effective and safe at such a sensitive time in life.”
Prenatal Chiropractic Adjustments
The most common adjustment Dr. Louie performs on pregnant patients is to align their pelvis. Women experience several changes during pregnancy, including rapid weight gain, pressure on their organs, lower back pain, sciatic pain, swollen joints, and hormonal fluctuations. One hormone released in pregnant women is called Relaxin, which loosens the joints and ligaments, but can also result in joints getting stretched out easily, causing pain. If the mom’s pelvis is rotated or twisted, it can create a tremendous amount of discomfort. By aligning the pelvis, the body is able to restore it’s normal function as well as relieve symptoms such as: back pain, achiness, tightness, muscle spasm and sciatica.
Apart from providing Chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Louie teaches her prenatal patients some exercises for keeping their pelvis aligned and provides nutrition advice.
“I generally work with a patient’s obstetrician, midwife or doula throughout their pregnancy,” says Dr. Louie. “I remind them that everything affects their baby, including stress, the food they eat, and exercise. I tell them to ‘eat right, move right and sleep right.’”
In some cases, patients will visit Dr. Louie to align their pelvis during painful back labour. Although, no one has actually delivered a baby in her office – yet. Once a patient gives birth, Dr. Louie encourages the parents to bring the baby in for a free health check.
“If people are curious about prenatal, postpartum or materinity chiropractic care, they should get in touch and get assessed,” recommends Dr. Louie.
DISCLAIMER
The suggestions and advice provided by Dr. Louie should not be relied upon in place of a chiropractor professional assessment.
