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Pregnant women need to visit their family chiropractor regularly, throughout and following pregnancy. An expectant mother will want to do everything she can to ensure her own health and that of her baby. From the moment of conception, your body undergoes a series of remarkable changes. Now, more than ever, you need a nervous system that responds immediately and accurately to changing requirements in all parts of your body; therefore you need a healthy spine. However, you are gaining weight especially in the abdomen. This added weight exerts a downward, forward pull on the lower spine setting the stage for backache.
Spinal Adjustments
Pregnancy increases the need for chiropractic care, Exercise, good nutrition and spinal adjustments, when needed, can make pregnancy the pleasant, exciting experience you want it to be. As your pregnancy advances, some of the usual chiropractic techniques may need to be modified. Your chiropractor is aware of this and will make any changes necessary for your comfort.
Exercises
Starting Position
To start these exercises, lie flat on your back with your knees bent. A pillow may be placed under your neck, or your hands may be placed under the hollow of your lower back for additional support.
Pelvic Tilt
To strengthen stomach and back muscles, reducing the stress of your growing baby.
- Assume starting position.
- Pull in abdomen and tighten buttock muscles. This should flatten lower back.
- Hold, count to 6.
- Relax.
- Repeat 6 times.
Anterior Thigh Stretch To lengthen the quadriceps group.
- Assume starting position (as illustrated in the diagram) leaning against a wall or table and bending forward slightly at the waist.
- Flex your knee, grab your instep and bring your heel up against your buttock.
- Now, gently pull up on your instep allowing your knee to swing backward.
- Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then release slowly.
- Repeat with your other leg.
- Do 5-10 repetitions.
Positions For Relief
Position
Lie with legs up on a chair seat knees and hips bent.
Position 2
While lying in bed, place 2 or 3 pillows under the knees and another pillow under your head, if desired.
Building Good Family Health Habits
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As labor approaches, your body secretes a hormone which loosens ligaments. These factors may exaggerate the effect of any spinal problem that might already exist.
Helpful Hints
- Stand erect. Do not allow your lower back to sag.
- Your mattress should be supportive and comfortable.
- Change positions often to ease lower back strain.
- When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Adequate rest and proper nutrition are imperative.
- Consult your chiropractor for exercises to reduce lower back strain.
- According to recent research a pregnant woman can best protect the health of her child by avoiding:
- smoking
- alcohol
- excessive tea and coffee
- unnecessary exposure to x-rays especially in the first trimester
- unnecessary medication
- foods with many chemical additives
| Anyone with a spine is a candidate for chiropractic care, not only for those who suffer from back pain... | |
| Information on any conditions/products can be obtained by contacting our office. | Your well being could be improved with just a few visits. |
| A healthy spine is essential for a healthy body. It’s simple and it works!! | |