Chiropractic for pregnant Women and the Webster Technique

Many people ask us if it is safe to utilise Chiropractic while pregnant and if so what are the benefits to receiving Chiropractic care while pregnant.

Our Chiropractors at Hawker Chiropractic in Canberra love working with pregnant mum’s and have helped many mums over the years throughout their pregnancy. Each of our Chiropractors have undertaken post graduate studies in the area and are willing and able to assist you throughout your pregnancy.

What are the benefits of Chiropractic care during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy may offer a natural solution to painful musculoskeletal symptoms such as back pain, neck pain and pelvic instability. While the research is sparse when it comes to Chiropractic and Pregnancy the research that is available is hugely positive.

Back pain is quite common in pregnancy and may be relieved through Chiropractic care.

Studies show that over 50% of women experience back pain during their pregnancy, however most don’t seek help for this which is such a shame as another study found that of the pregnant women that Chiropractors did see around 75% benefited from Chiropractic care. Although statistics show most women don’t see a Chiropractor during their pregnancy Chiropractic is the third common alternative therapy used during pregnancy by those who choose to use extra resources during their pregnancy (massage and yoga are number 1 and 2).

75% of pregnant patients who received chiropractic care during their pregnancies stated that they found relief from pain.

Back labour and Chiropractic

It has also been noted in the literature that Chiropractic care may significantly decreased the incidence of “back labour” (where women experience a lot of pain in their back throughout labour). The risk of experiencing back labour is 3 times more likely if you have experienced back pain through pregnancy. By receiving Chiropractic care during pregnancy to relieve your back pain you potentially decrease the chance of experiencing a very uncomfortable back  labour.

Labour times and Chiropractic

Another study reported that first time mums who seek Chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy have on average a 25% shorter labour time! Women in their subsequent pregnancies who undergo Chiropractic care during their pregnancy have on average a 31% shorter labour time. I think most women would put their hands up for a shorter labour time!

How can Chiropractic help during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on restoring balance to the lumbopelvic system. This includes establishing a healthy pelvic alignment (i.e. no twisting through the joints) and enabling proper joint mobility.

This helps prevent tightening and tensioning of the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, pelvis and uterus. This can lead to a reduction in pain enabling you to enjoy your pregnancy.

Back pain, neck pain, pubic symphysis discomfort, sciatica and other aches and pain may also be relieved through Chiropractic care.

Click here to get in touch with us for all your pregnancy queries.

The Webster Technique

The Webster technique is a specific sacral analysis coupled with specific adjustments that aim to restore balance to the pelvis and correct potential musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine constraint. Intrauterine constraints is where there is an external force to the developing baby that may obstruct its normal movement within the uterus. These external forces can be tight ligaments, restricted joints or tight muscles. Whilst this technique is mainly focused on women in later pregnancy with a breech baby we also use the analysis throughout pregnancy to make sure your baby is moving freely in the uterus.

 It is important to note that when we use the Webster technique we do not manually try to move the baby! We only attempt to correct the biomechanical causes of the restraint.

To learn more about the Webster Technique go here https://icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/

Is Chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Getting adjusted by a Chiropractor during pregnancy is very much a safe treatment. However, we do recommend finding a Canberra Chiropractor who has undertaken extra study around pregnancy care or who has a special interest in Pregnancy.

A big question we get asked is how do you treat a pregnant mum if they can’t lay on their belly? Once the belly gets big enough and the mother can no longer lay on her tummy, we use either a table that has a swing away abdominal piece or a specialised pillow that supports the mums belly while she lays on her belly. We are still able to adjust a pregnant mum using regular techniques however we change the positioning so that it doesn’t irritate the belly. All of this is done with complete consent from the mother.

At Hawker Chiropractic we want our pregnant mummas to enjoy pregnancy and ease their musculoskeletal symptoms. We want them to be able to move throughout their pregnancy and when time comes enjoy the birthing process.

To book your appointment or for more information call 6255 3711