Chiropractic, Pregnancy, and Labor, Oh My!
Hello all, it’s Dr. Hurley! I’m very excited to be writing about my all-time favorite topics: pregnancy and birth! ♥️
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I believe that every pregnant mama needs a chiropractor! I am so passionate about supporting women throughout pregnancy.
My “Why”
When I began Chiropractic school, I wanted to do everything I could to specialize in Pediatric care. My mentor recommended that I complete training that the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) offers. I attended weekend courses monthly for almost 2 years, alongside my year-round doctorate program, which were often more than 30 credit hours per semester. The very first one that I attended was for the Webster technique training with Dr. Jeanne Ohm. It was life-changing and transformational. Dr. Jeanne’s love and passion shone through and was inspiring to witness. I remember holding on to every word as she shared stories of helping moms and babies through pregnancy and birth experiences. She taught us the Webster protocol, which is a safe, gentle, and incredibly effective technique designed for pregnancy. It balances the bones, ligaments, and muscles in the pelvis, SI joints, and uterus, which not only eases discomfort related to pregnancy, but according to studies, even shortens labor time and reduces necessity for medical interventions.
Benefits
Dr. Ohm taught us there are three reasons that Webster chiropractic care benefits pregnancy and birth:
- Passageway. When the pelvis is balanced, it opens up the birth canal.
- Passenger. Releasing tension in the sacral and round ligaments, iliopsoas and gluteal muscles, and SI joints can optimize the baby’s ability to get into an ideal position for birth.
- Power. Chiropractic adjustments also affect the nervous system! The uterus is a big muscle, which is why they are called labor “contractions.” Every muscle needs nerve supply to function. When we reset the nerves that power the uterus, it can optimize good, strong contractions!
In addition to these benefits, Chiropractic during pregnancy can relieve back pain, hip pain, sciatic pain, pelvic pain, round ligament pain, and headaches related to pregnancy. We can also help with acid reflux or heartburn, carpal tunnel, and “lightning crotch.” Despite the fact that these symptoms are common during pregnancy, they are not normal, and you do not have to suffer! Let us help you to have a more comfortable pregnancy, to sleep better, and to ease your pregnancy-related pain.
Webster technique is often known for helping when a baby is in a breech position. We never claim to flip babies! This would be outside of our scope as Doctors of Chiropractic. Our intention is never to manipulate the position of your baby.
However, when we balance the pelvis, spine and ligaments, it may create more wiggle room for your baby to get into a better position. We have had many patients report that their breech baby did turn head down after adjustments, enabling them to birth naturally and avoid a C-Section!
Can Chiropractic help during labor?
I am able to do a home visit during early labor and adjust or do body work.
I only do this for my patients that were already established at my clinic and have adjusted prior to labor beginning.
We have seen amazing results when labor is stalling or contractions are not as consistent or productive as expected. Gentle adjustment or myofascial release through Dynamic Body Balancing can help balance the body and improve the progression of labor.
Adjustments during pregnancy and during labor create balance in the body, which is a wonderful step when your goal is a natural birth. We would love to be a part of your prenatal and birth team!
