October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so we are talking all things women’s health. Should you see a chiropractor during your pregnancy?
Low back pain (LBP), pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or a combination of the two are common in pregnancy and the postpartum period for many women. It has been reported to occur in 20-90% of women. LBP or PGP may resolve shortly after birth, but up to 75% of women who had back pain during pregnancy may continue to have pain after giving birth.
The exact cause of pregnancy related LBP or PGP remains unknown but possible causes include maternal weight gain, biomechanical changes and changes in hormonal levels such as relaxin, which lead to ligament laxity.
Other conditions that are common during pregnancy include intercostal neuralgia (pain in the rib area), round ligament pain, diastasis recti (visible and painless separation of the midline abdominal muscles) and carpal tunnel syndrome.
How can a chiropractor help?
Pre and post-natal exercise rehabilitation
Soft tissue therapy
Kinesiotaping
Mobilizations/adjustments
Secondly, let's discuss physical activity during pregnancy!
Research shows the health benefits and safety of being active throughout pregnancy for both mother and baby. It enhances maternal physical and mental health, contributes to fewer newborn complications and decreases the severity of low back and pelvic pain. Following the recommendations of the Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy (2019), exercise can reduce the risk of pregnancy-related illnesses such as pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, need for C-section, excessive weight gain, urinary incontinence and diastastis recti.
Exercise recommendations include:
All women without contraindication should be physically active throughout pregnancy including women who were previously inactive, women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, women categorized as overweight or obese (pre-pregnancy body mass index ≥25 kg/m2)
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week
Physical activity should be accumulated over a minimum of 3 days per week; however, being active every day is encouraged
Incorporating a variety of aerobic and resistance training activities to achieve greater benefits. Adding yoga and/or gentle stretching may also be beneficial
Pelvic floor muscle training (e.g., Kegel exercises) may be performed on a daily basis to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence
Modifying exercise positions to avoid the supine position light-headedness, nausea or unwell feeling is experienced while lying flat on back
Chiropractors can help with creating a specific exercise plan tailored to you. Please reach out through the contact form if you have any questions about chiropractic care and pregnancy!
References
Mottola MF, Davenport MH, Ruchat S-M., et al. 2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy. Br J Sports Med. 2018; 52:1339-1346
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