Chiropractic during Pregnancy
Registered Massage Therapy during Pregnancy
Naturopathic Medicine during Pregnancy
WHY CHIROPRATIC DURING PREGNANCY?
Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother. Her systems and organs are now providing for two, and ensuring those systems are running optimally are critical for the baby's growth and development. Specific chiropractic care addresses the mother's spine and pelvis, which will change tremendously to accommodate the growing baby.
Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy addresses balance in the mother's spine and pelvis. When the spine or pelvis is out of balance, the diameter of a woman's pelvis is decreased. Chiropractors call this a spinal misalignment, or a 'subluxation'.
This subluxation will cause an imbalance to her pelvic muscles and ligaments. This is important because as baby grows, the pelvic ligaments will support the growing uterus. When the pelvis and ligaments are balanced, the uterus can enlarge symmetrically. When the pelvis is subluxated, the uterus will torque and reduce the maximum amount of space for the developing baby.
In some cases, this restricts the baby's movement during pregnancy, and can prevent baby from getting into the best possible position for birth.
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment for the pregnant mother. It has been featured on The Learning Channel's series "A Baby Story" and published in Mothering and Midwifery Today. This technique is classically used during the 7th through 9th month of pregnancy. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments. This, in turn, reduces torsion in the uterus, a cause of intra-uterine constraint of the baby and allows for optimal fetal positioning in preparation for birth.
This technique balances pelvic muscles and ligaments in the pelvis. Chiropractors report greater than 85% success rate in its ability to balance pelvic structures and remove constraint to the uterus, allowing the baby to turn into the vertex position using this technique.
Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Lara are both members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. They have specialized training in Chiropractic care as it relates to Pregnancy.
WHY MASSAGE DURING PREGNANCY?
Massage during pregnancy is essential in pre and post-natal care. The mother's muscles are continually adapting to the spine's changing shape and weight distribution.
Relaxin hormone, a hormone that is secreted during pregnancy, can make joints, tendons, and ligaments, move more freely than before. It is a hormone that is necessary to accommodate a growing baby, and it assists in the timing of labour. It causes softening and lengthening of the cervix and the pubic symphysis. In addition, it also relaxes ligaments, muscles, and joint attachments of the spine, pelvis and throughout the body.
This can cause irritation and an overall feeling of instability.
Low back pain, poor posture, fatigue, pregnancy headaches, dropped arches, calf cramping, and swollen hands and feet are all symptoms most pregnant women can address with massage therapy. Prenatal massage can help with skin elasticity, the prevention of stretch marks, blood and lymph circulation, and an overall sense of self-esteem and comfort with your changing body shape.
Prenatal massage at The Health Loft is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. You will be positioned on your side, and propped up with comfortable pillows. All you have to do is relax and enjoy!
Why Naturopathic Medicine During Pregnancy?
Naturopathic Medicine is a safe and effective choice for mother and baby during pregnancy. The Naturopathic approach to prenatal care is to ensure your body, diet, and supplementation are optimal and on track for the 40-week marathon ahead.
Ideally care is started before you become pregnant. You and your Naturopathic Doctor work together to create balance in all systems in your body. This is done by ensuring you are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals that will establish a solid foundation. We also work towards strengthening the adrenals and immune system, cleaning up intestinal dysfunction, and educating you on healthy food choices during the different stages of your baby's growth. This helps make the whole experience of pregnancy a healthy and positive one for you.
If you're having trouble getting pregnant, Naturopathy is extremely effective in treating many different causes of infertility as well.
Naturopathic Doctors use many different modalities including: nutrition, botanicals, homeopathy and acupuncture. Each protocol is tailored to your individual needs and is a safe alternative to traditional medical care.