Child And Pregnancy Chiropractic

What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care in pregnancy is vital to the normal physiological function of both the mother and the baby in pregnancy and birth. During pregnancy, there are several endocrine and physiologic changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing fetus. The protruding abdomen, which leads to an increased low back curve, postural changes, pelvic changes, and increased release of the hormone Relaxin can all cause spinal or joint misalignments. It is important to establish balance and alignment within the pelvis during pregnancy in order to allow ample room for the developing fetus. If there is not enough room for the developing fetus, it can cause intrauterine constraint. Intrauterine constraint can therefore lead to breech presentations, developmental issues and the possibility of medical intervention during labor and delivery. Chiropractic adjustments are completely safe all the way through to the end of pregnancy.

Potential benefits of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy are a healthier pregnancy, reduction in the time of labor and delivery, relieving neck, back or joint pain and prevention of intervention.

Can I receive chiropractic adjustments in my eighth month of pregnancy?

Chiropractic adjustments are completely safe all the way through to the end of pregnancy. There are other benefits to receiving spinal adjustments such as less discomfort, fewer breech births, and a less complicated delivery. Many women wait to receive adjustments late into their pregnancy to help in the movement of the baby’s head down into position for vaginal childbirth.  Chiropractic is a safe and very effective in turning breech babies.  Dr. Matt has successfully turned breech babies over the past 18 years of practice.

Why should children get chiropractic adjustments?

There are so many things that parents do to ensure the health of their children. Prior to getting pregnant, women take prenatal vitamins and prepare their bodies for pregnancy. During pregnancy, you eat right and avoid harmful activities that may cause harm to your unborn child, and once the baby arrives you hopefully breastfeed knowing its superior form of nutrition. In all, you do everything possible to ensure your child's health and well-being. Getting your child's spine checked immediately after birth can make a big difference. Spinal misalignment can be caused by intrauterine constraint, breech presentations, or a difficult delivery.

So, when should a baby's spine be checked?

The rule of thumb is whenever they meet a new milestone. (1) After birth, (2) when the baby starts to hold his/her head up, (3) when the baby sits, (4) starts to crawl, (5) standing and learning to walk. (6) Toddlerhood through childhood is also a very "physical" time. It is a time when a child's first steps turn into running, jumping, falls and accidents, which are all a part of childhood. (7) Repeated falls and accidents can cause subluxations, which are important to address immediately after they happen.

A child's spine is very supple and resilient. We do not adjust babies and kids the same way we do adults. With babies, we use approximately 5 lbs. of pressure (the amount of pressure to check ripeness of fruit), and with kids, we use a little bit more pressure to adjust the vertebrae and joints
that need to be addressed.