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Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

by Shirley Delgado Rivera, DC, Cleveland Chiropractic & Integrative Health Center

  For many women, pain in the low back, pelvis, and hips is common. However, it does not need to be endured through pregnancy.

  A woman’s body goes through many physical and hormonal changes in order to prepare for a developing baby. Physical changes begin as early as the first trimester. As the baby grows and a woman’s center of gravity changes, shoulders begin to round and curvatures of the spine increase. Hormones (relaxen) cause the body’s joints and ligaments around the pelvis to loosen. This allows for more space in the pelvis during birth, but it may also lead to joint instability.

  These changes in body mechanics and weight gain from the growing baby add additional stress and pressure on the joints. Commonly experienced symptoms include pubic symphysis pain (or pubic symphysis dysfunction), discomfort in the hips, diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA), rib pain, and low back pain.

  Restrictions and asymmetries in the lower back and pelvis can make it challenging for the baby to move into an ideal position for birth. Chiropractic care can help balance the pelvis to encourage the baby to get into an optimal position for labor, reducing the likelihood of breech or posterior positions. Optimal positioning has the potential to shorten labor times.

  Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe, and the techniques that are used are gentle. In addition to adjustments, which can reduce joint restrictions and restore normal joint mobility, effective stretches and exercises can also be provided to stabilize the body.

  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Cleveland Chiropractic & Integrative Health Center at 216-952-3830, or visit www.clechiropractic.com.

Opinions and claims expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ScripType Publishing.