Chiropractic Care & Pregnancy

The following conditions in pregnant women are commonly treated by chiropractors.

1. Back Pain

Your big belly is a joyous symbol that your little one is growing well. However, your protruding belly may also cause back pain. There are a number of reasons for this.

Have you ever heard of the pregnancy waddle? It’s a real thing and the most common reason for back pain.

You lean backwards as your center of gravity changes. You bend your knees less and splay your hips out more (source). All of this means your body is no longer maintaining a healthy posture, which can lead to some serious back strain.

You may also experience back pain due to (source):

• Weight gain.
• Hormone changes.
• Stress.

2. Pelvic Pain

Your pelvis is the large bone structure located at the bottom of your spine. The pelvis supports your trunk and connects your trunk to your legs. It also supports many of your internal organs (source).

While pressure on your pelvic region is normal, some women may experience a condition known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). It is also known as pelvic girdle pain.

SPD occurs when the hormones meant to prepare your body for delivery work a little too well, causing the ligaments in your pelvis to become relaxed (source). Your pelvis is held in place by these ligaments and, if they become too stretchy, your pelvis can become misaligned.

This, in turn, can cause serious pelvic pain.

3. Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve is formed by the lower spinal nerves runs through your lower back and through your hip and buttocks (source). When the nerve becomes compressed, which can occur during pregnancy because of prolonged sitting or postural misalignment, you can experience inflammation, numbness, and pain.

In most people, sciatic pain is the result of a bulging or herniated disk (source). This is rare in pregnant women, but if your pain is severe you may want to check it out further.