Perinatal Chiropractor

While pregnancy is a remarkable and transformative experience, it can also bring many physical challenges. Close to 50% of women experience some sort of back pain during their pregnancy and many believe it's something they will have to simply endure the duration of their pregnancy. They often don't realize that chiropractic care can make a significant difference in how they move and feeling throughout this important time.

We cannot always see the vast amount of hormonal, physiological, and chemical changes occurring to both mom and the developing baby during pregnancy. These changes are coordinated and kept in balance through the nervous system. Receiving chiropractic care throughout pregnancy not only helps maintain the biomechanics of the pelvis and spine, but also supports the nervous system in a gentle way. A healthy spine is imperative for an optimally functioning nervous system that responds immediately and accurately to the changing requirements in the body. 

While our entire team of chiropractors take care of perinatal populations, Dr. Monique White has undergone postgraduate training to further specialize in perinatal care. She is a member of the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association and is double certified in both perinatal care and Webster Technique. The Webster technique is a gentle, specialized approach aimed at improving the neuro-biomechanical function of the lower spine and pelvis, especially during pregnancy.

Benefits of seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy:

1. Reduced Back, Neck, and Joint Pain
   • Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity and adds pressure to the spine and pelvis. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve tension and improve alignment.
2. Pelvic Alignment for Optimal Baby Positioning
   • Proper pelvic balance may encourage optimal fetal positioning (e.g., head-down), reducing the likelihood of breech presentation and potentially easing labor.
3. Improved Nervous System Function
   • A well-aligned spine can enhance nervous system communication, supporting overall wellness for both mother and baby.
4. Decreased Need for Pain Medications
   • Non-invasive, drug-free pain relief during pregnancy is especially beneficial since many medications are limited or contraindicated.
5. Easier Labor and Delivery
   • Some studies suggest that chiropractic care during pregnancy may reduce labor time and complications by promoting better biomechanics of the pelvis and uterus.
6. Help with Common Pregnancy Symptoms
   • Can relieve symptoms such as:
     • Sciatica
     • Round ligament pain
     • Hip discomfort
     • Carpal tunnel syndrome
     • Nausea (in some cases, due to improved nervous system function)

Postpartum Benefits

1. Pelvic and Spinal Realignment
   • After delivery, your body undergoes significant changes. Chiropractic care can help realign the pelvis and spine as your body heals.
2. Support for Postpartum Recovery
   • Addresses musculoskeletal issues that arise from childbirth, breastfeeding posture, or carrying a newborn.
3. Improved Mobility and Comfort
   • Helps restore range of motion and reduce pain or stiffness following delivery.
4. Support for Mental Well-being
   • Physical comfort and pain relief can improve mood and reduce stress, supporting emotional well-being in the postpartum period.

The American Pregnancy Association states: "Chiropractic care is health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, related nerves and bone geometry without drugs or surgery. It involves the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints of the body. There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy."