Bottom Line:
A person's body undergoes many transformations during and after months of pregnancy.
Some of these changes are easily recognized, such as an expanding abdomen and episodes of morning sickness, while others less well known.
In fact, some common physiological changes can catch expecting parentss by surprise.
Why it Matters:
Before we dive into those changes, let’s start with the basics.
Throughout a person’s pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is produced to help loosen the joints and ligaments of the pelvis in order to prepare the body for delivery.
And while relaxin relaxes (hence the name) the ligaments in and around the pelvis, it also does the same to other joints and ligaments all over the body.
This is one reason expecting parents tend to develop back pain or sciatica symptoms (pain that starts in the back and then travels down the leg and into the foot).
It’s probably another reason you’ve been researching the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy you’ve heard about.
And all the while a baby continues to develop and grow, and that beautiful baby is pulling the pregnant person’s center of gravity forward.
So, at any point during and after a pregnancy, that person’s biomechanics, balance, and posture are in a constant state of flux, and these changes can place a lot of stress on the supporting structures and muscles in the low back.
Let’s recap…
- Relaxin is a hormone produced during pregnancy to relax the joints and ligaments to prepare the pelvis for birth.
- Relaxin also causes the other joints and ligaments of the body to "loosen" which can cause changes in a person's normal movement patterns.
- These altered movement patterns can often lead to low back pain and other joint pains throughout pregnancy and after.
If pregnancy is a part of your life in some way, know this. Taking steps to prevent and treat back pain can help reduce the risk of injury and the chances of developing long-term back pain.
That's where we come in.
Chiropractic is a safe and all-natural option for the care of back pain before, during, and after pregnancy, and our entire team is here for you.
Next Steps:
Pregnancy is both a special time in a person’s life and a unique time for their body.
The changes that help facilitate a successful delivery can also wreak havoc on that person’s back and joints.
So, if you or someone you know is experiencing pregnancy related back aches and pains and looking for natural and non-invasive pregnancy chiropractic care in Chicago, give us a call.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, we’d be honored to help.
We’re also happy to work with your expecting family’s birth team to provide the safest and most effective care to keep everyone active and feeling their best throughout all three trimesters and beyond!
Science Source:
Back Pain in Pregnancy. University of Rochester Medical Center. 2022.
Dr. Samantha Szyska
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