For the pregnant mother, pelvic balance and alignment is VITAL. As a mother’s weight increases, her center of gravity also shifts outward and her postural compensations then respond accordingly. In addition, the ligament laxity necessary for birthing adds to the instability in all of her joints, including her spine and pelvis. As well, the hormonal and structural changes in the pregnant body can lead to spinal and pelvic misalignment and the consequent lower back pain that many women experience during pregnancy. Lower back pain can be a burden to a woman’s daily function and quality of life. However, the misalignment of the spine and pelvis have a far more crucial consequence. In chiropractic, these misalignments are called subluxations. These subluxations can cause stress overload to the mother’s nervous system, potentially impairing any of her vital systems and organs, thus causing issues such as nausea and acid reflux. During pregnancy, when a mother’s body systems are basically functioning for two, any interference to the nerve transmission supporting their function can be detrimental to her health and well-being. Reducing this nerve system stress is a key ingredient for normal bodily function.
Dr. Barnes, Dr. Chelsie, and Dr. Kasey are certified in the Webster Technique which is a specific technique used for pregnant women. The Webster protocol is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/SI joint dysfunction. In so doing, the neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.
It is therefore considered prudent that this specific sacral analysis and adjustment be used throughout pregnancy to detect and alleviate sacral imbalance and optimize pelvic neuro-biomechanics. Due to the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight gain and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of sacral subluxation and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general population. Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers should have their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.
Dr. Chelsie is also Certified by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics (CACCP) and has completed over 300+ hours to obtain this certification. She has a passion for taking care of the pregnant population is and is currently taking appointments in the West Point office location!