Some women avoid going to the chiropractor when they're pregnant because they fear it could cause harm to their baby – but this could not be further from the truth. Not only is chiropractic care safe for pregnant women and their unborn children, but it actually offers several benefits for moms-to-be. Here's a look at three ways you can benefit from chiropractic care while pregnant.

Fewer Muscle and Joint Pains

When you're pregnant, your body changes size and shape rapidly. The sudden addition of abdominal weight can pull your spine out of alignment, leading to muscle and joint pain not only in your back, but throughout the rest of your body. (When your spine is out of alignment, certain joints are often made to support excess weight while others support less weight than they should.)

Your chiropractor will adjust your back periodically throughout your pregnancy, ensuring that your spine stays in alignment so that the strain on your joints and muscles is minimized. Chiropractors who specialize in treating pregnant women often have special tables with cut-out portions for pregnant bellies so you remain comfortable during an adjustment.

Better Ergonomics

It can be tough to figure out the best way to sleep, sit, and even stand when you suddenly have a big abdomen to carry in front of you. Your chiropractor can show you the best postural positions to maintain throughout the day so that you experience less strain and discomfort. It's a lot easier to have someone show you how to sit and lay than it is to experiment with position after position on your own.

A Less Painful Birth

Mothers who undergo regular chiropractic care during pregnancy often have an easier time giving birth. This is because their chiropractors are able to keep their pelvises in proper alignment, so that there is proper room to push the baby out more comfortably.

Chiropractors can also decrease the risk of a breech birth by performing something called the Webster technique. This technique involves adjusting the pelvic ligaments a few weeks before birth in order to ensure that the baby has enough space to turn around and go head-first into the birth canal.

If you want to experience a more comfortable pregnancy and birth, see a chiropractor who has experience working with pregnant women today. He or she can answer any additional questions you may have about the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care during pregnancy.

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