Guest Blog: Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy; What Is It?

“Many people seek out chiropractic care during pregnancy to ease the stress on the body and better prepare for physiological birth. All chiropractors have introductory training in providing care during pregnancy however some chiropractors choose to specialize. These practitioners train through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to first obtain a Webster Certification and then possibly go on to achieve Certification by the Academy of Council of Chiropractic Pediatric (CACCP) or Diplomate by the Academy of Council of Chiropractic Pediatric (DACCP). Click here to learn more about the differences. Webster Technique is the foundation of the prenatal education provided by the ICPA and was developed by Dr. Larry Webster, a Logan College of Chiropractic graduate. Webster Technique is a method of analyzing the sacrum, pelvis, ligaments of the pelvis, pelvic floor and accessory muscles for proper function. Any dysfunction is addressed with gentle and safe adjustments to the pelvis and sacrum. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Why is this important for Pregnancy and Birth? The ICPA mentions three factors that contribute to dystocia (slow progress) in birth. “Sacral subluxation may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia), caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby mal-presentation. Correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia -ICPA First is “inadequate uterine function” meaning the power of your contractions. The adjustment helps address this issue by removing interference to the nerves that control the uterus and various glands that secrete hormones necessary for physiological birth. Second is abnormalities in the maternal bony pelvis referring to a restriction in the passage the baby takes out of the pelvis. The sacrum is the bone that makes up the majority of the birth passage and is required to flex and move during labor and delivery. When the sacrum is freely movable and the muscle and ligaments that attach to it are balanced the risk of dystocia is reduced. Your sacrum will be checked for subluxations at every chiropractic appointment with a webster certified chiropractor. The last factor for dystocia is the child’s position. This factor is not directly addressed during your chiropractic appointments however your pelvic health and overall well being is directly related to the ability your to grow a developing fetus. By getting adjusted, and minimizing your stressors, the baby reaps the benefits as well in an indirect fashion. Seeking out a chiropractor with this additional training and knowledge can make a significant difference in birth and maternal health outcomes.”

Author: Kelsi McClure, DC Pregnancy and Pediatric Chiropractor Correct Care Family Chiropractic Clinic Facebook: @CorrecCareFamilyChiropractic

Dr. McClure’s Facebook: @Well Woman Chiro

31395 W. Seven Mile Rd Suite G Livonia, MI 48152

(248) 426-6600