Tel: 401.757.0408
PREGNANCY
The doctors are frequently asked if it's safe to get adjusted while pregnant and at what age a child can be adjusted. The very first time someone should have his or her spine checked is at birth! Dr. Heather's children were adjusted when they were only a few hours old! The very first time that a human being experiences a trauma that could cause subluxation, a misalignment of the spine, is during the birth process. The birth process is as traumatic for the mom as it is for the baby. It is important for mom to have a healthy nervous system throughout all stages of her pregnancy. It is best to get your spine checked before becoming pregnant to ensure your body is ready for the stress of creating another life. If you are already pregnant, it is important to get your spine checked as soon as possible and to get adjusted throughout your pregnancy and after labor and delivery. It is important for you to have a healthy nervous system throughout all stages of your pregnancy.
A pregnant mom is adjusted differently than someone who is not pregnant. First of all, special pregnancy pillows are used on the table to allow mom to lie on her belly. There is also a very specific technique that is used called the Webster Technique. Dr. Heather and Dr. Jake are the only Chiropractors, registered with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), in Westerly, RI that are certified in the Webster Technique.
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment which improves pelvic and sacral muscle and ligament function allowing for proper neuro-biomechanical function of the pelvis. Misalignments to the sacrum and pelvis can contribute to difficult labors and deliveries due to malpositioned baby, improper function of the uterus or muscle contractions in the pelvis. Many have referred to this technique as the “baby turning” technique. Chiropractors do not turn babies. However, by aligning the pelvis with the Webster Technique, it does help remove potential causes of a breech or transverse baby. Once the proper mechanics are restored to the pelvis, the baby has the space needed and the potential ability to turn into the head down preferred position for birth.
There are many benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy. For the mother it prepares the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth by creating a state of balance in the pelvic bony structures, muscles and ligaments. It removes the tension on the ligaments that support the uterus. It reduces interference to the mother’s vital nervous system, which controls and coordinates all of her systems and functions. It also allows for a safer easier birth for the mother decreasing the potential for intervention. For the infant it removes interference to the mother's nervous system allowing for better baby development. It allows the baby the room to develop without restrictions to its forming cranium, spine and other skeletal structures. It offers the baby room to move into the best possible position for birth. It can also indirectly help with proper fetal positioning so that there is a significant decrease in difficult or stalled birth and the resulting birth trauma caused by intervention.
For more information about pregnancy or children and chiropractic, call our office at 401-757-0408