Pregnancy is a natural process that allows the female body to modify itself to create the proper environment for fetal growth and development. Our bodies are designed to carry and birth babies. However, pregnancy is commonly treated as an illness that requires a diagnosis or intervention for best outcomes. As natural health care providers, we strive to provide our mamas with information and care that allows their bodies to function at its fullest potential during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum recovery.
Let’s start with a brief anatomy lesson. The female pelvis is evolutionary built for child birth. It is wider to allow for uterine expansion and exit of the baby. The pelvis consists of bones and ligaments that house and attach the uterus. These components need to work together for optimal birth outcomes.
Pelvic Bones:
- Hips (ilium. ischium, and pubis)
- Tailbone (sacrum and coccyx)
Pelvic Ligaments:
- Round ligaments – connect the uterus near the fallopian tubes to the labia majora
- Uterosacral ligaments – connects cervix to the tailbone
- Sacrotuberous ligaments – connects the tailbone to the sitz bones
During pregnancy, the expanding uterus and hormonal changes impact the pelvic bones and ligaments. Pelvic shape or physical traumas to the tailbone may result in tightening and twisting of the ligaments, which impacts prenatal comfort, fetal positioning, and birth outcomes. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, gentle way to decrease pelvic tension and allow the body to adapt and function as it was designed to. Below are a few benefits of getting adjusted during pregnancy, as well as recommendations we give our mamas.
Benefits for Mom:
- Balances pelvis for easier pregnancy and birth
- Decreases tension and discomfort in ligaments and pelvis
- Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest)
Benefits for Baby:
- Creates more space for baby in utero for development
- Helps baby get into proper birthing position. This may decrease the chances of baby getting stuck (dystocia) and requiring interventions.
Recommendations:
- Body Ball – sitting on a body ball helps to keep pelvis balanced and mobile. It is great to rock hips forward, do figure eights, or bounce on after a long day at work or during contractions.
- Cat/Cow Pose – moving through this yoga position will help to gently move the tailbone, improve breathing and relaxation, and strengthen the pelvic floor.
- “Hammock” for Baby – leaning against the wall or in child’s pose increases space in the uterus for baby.
- Round Ligament Massage – gentle massage to the tight muscle fibers of the round ligament will release pressure and discomfort.
To learn more about Dr. Brunclik or Blue Hills Chiropractic LLC, visit http://www.bluehillschiropractic.com
