pregnancy care
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care during pregnancy
Chiropractic care is possible and safe throughout all stages of pregnancy.
Chiropractors are statutorily regulated in the primary healthcare and, in some areas, in NHS settings. Chiropractors train full time for five years with extensive training in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. If necessary, a chiropractor will refer you to another healthcare professional if your problem is not suitable for chiropractic care.
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Your chiropractor is trained in a wide variety of techniques to help you deal with the increased stresses of pregnancy on the body, and will use safe, gentle techniques that are suitable for your condition.
A woman’s body will go through many changes during pregnancy putting more or different strains on the ligaments and joints, especially in the pelvis. Those changes include the softening of ligaments, weight increase and changes to posture. These changes can lead to additional pressure on joints in various parts of the body, including the spine or pelvis.
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what to expect
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Chiropractors don’t just crack spines. An initial consultation will comprise of a detailed discussion about your pain, lifestyle and history of the problem, followed by postural and orthopaedic examinations.
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Chiropractic treatment is a combination of specific joint manipulation, mobilisation and massage techniques paired with advice on how to make lifestyle changes which will stretch and strengthen the necessary areas and postural habits.
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Chiropractors also give advice on nutrition, posture, exercises and ways to help yourself - all based on guidelines and research.
what can i do to help myself?
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Keeping active but also getting plenty of rest.
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Standing tall with your bump while tucking your bottom under a little.
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Changing your position frequently – try not to sit for more than 30 minutes at a time.
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Sitting to get dressed or undressed.
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Putting equal weight on each leg when you stand.
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Trying to keep your legs together when getting in and out of the car.
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Lying on the less painful side while sleeping.
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Keeping your knees together when turning over in bed.
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Using a pillow under your bump and between your legs for extra support in bed.
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You should avoid anything that may make your symptoms worse, such as:
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Lifting anything heavy, for example shopping.
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Going up and down the stairs too often.
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Stooping, bending or twisting to lift or carry a toddler or baby on one hip.
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Sitting on the floor, sitting twisted, or sitting or standing for long periods of time.
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Standing on one leg or crossing your legs.
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further information
Dr Jayne L Brassington
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Bachelor Applied Science (Clinical Science) / Bachelor Chiropractic Science, RMIT Australia
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Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Paediatrics and Pregnancy (DICCP), Palmer College, USA
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Masters in Business Administration (MBA), The University of Edinburgh
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In 2008, Dr Brassington graduated valedictorian of the coveted International Chiropractors Association postgraduate degree in clinical paediatrics and pregnancy, which is a board exam status in the USA. Through this degree, Dr Brassington gained expertise in the Webster Technique, along with other pregnancy and paediatric specific treatments. Having a strong interest in all age groups health, it is imperative to understand the mechanisms of disease, health, wellness and preventable sickness. With more strain on our lifestyles through poor dietary habits, sedentary work environments and relationship stresses, our need for integrative healthcare and achieving best outcome measures are vital.
Pelvic Partnership
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Pelvic Partnership is a charity which provides women and healthcare professionals with information about best practice for the treatment and management of pregnancy related issues.
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NHS
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This guide includes all you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
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Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecology
RCoG's information leaflets are designed for you and others involved in your care. All information comes from up-to-date and carefully checked guidance for doctors, but it’s been written in a way that makes it clearer for non-medical people.
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references
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Haavik H, Murphy BA, Kruger J, Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Pelvic Floor Functional Changes in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women: A Preliminary Study. J Manipulative Physiol Therapy
2016, 39(5):339-347
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Khorsan R, Hawk C, Lisi AJ, Kizhakkeveetitil A. "Manipulative Therapy for Pregnancy and Related Conditions: A Systematic Review." Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey
June 2009, Vol 64: 6, pp 416-427.
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Paterson CK, Muhlemann D, Humphreys BK. "Outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment: a prospective cohort study with short term, medium term and 1 year follow-up." Chiropr Man Therap
2014 Apr 1:22 (1):15.
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Sharon Vallone, D.C., Cheryl Hawk and Lisa Zaynab Killinger. "Chiropractic Care for Special Populations: Pregnant Women, Children and Older Adults." The Praeger Handbook of Chiropractic Health Care: Evidence-Based Practices
2017, 253.
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Stuber KJ, Smith DL. Chiropractic Treatment of Pregnancy Related Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of the Evidence.
JMPT Volume 31, Issue 6, Pages 447-454 (July 2008)
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Stuber KJ, Wynd S, Weis CA. Adverse events from spinal manipulation in the pregnant and postpartum periods: a critical review of the literature
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Chiropractic & Manual Therapies
2012, 20:8