As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy can be more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, legs, and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. And for those who already suffer from low-back pain, the problem can become even worse.
During pregnancy your center of gravity shifts forward into the front of your pelvis, this increase of weight on new areas also increases the amount of stress on your joints. As your baby begins to grow extra stress is placed on your spine, changing the normal curvature and causing low back pain, instability and posture imbalances.
To help with all the discomforts of pregnancy, try exercising! Gentle stretching and light exercise 3x a week can greatly reduce muscle discomfort. However, if you weren’t exercising before make sure to get your Dr’s approval before starting any extensive workouts!
Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments can provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain.
Chiropractic care can also be a major benefit following childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state-to prevent muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort, and shoulder problems.
