It's no secret that pregnancy can be hard on your body. As your baby grows, your abdomen protrudes further causing the curve of your spine to increase and your center of gravity to shift. These changes cause many women to experience back, neck, and joint pain, as well as muscle spasms. Fortunately, the pain isn't something that you have to live with until your baby comes into the world. Instead of dealing with the pain, consider getting regular chiropractic massages. Not only is the treatment considered safe for pregnant women, it has several benefits.

What to Expect

When you visit your chiropractor for a prenatal massage and/or chiropractic adjustment, you'll be placed on a special table that's designed to take the pressure off of your belly during the treatment process. Alternatively, some chiropractors place special pillows, called bolsters, around you so that you can lay comfortably on your side without putting stress on your baby.

Prenatal massages incorporate gentle techniques to help relieve tension, stress, and pain. However, like other chiropractic treatments, it often takes several sessions before you  begin to see results.

Benefits of Chiropractic Massage During Pregnancy

Getting a chiropractic massage while you're pregnant relieves back, neck, and joint pain by keeping your spine properly aligned as your body changes, and ensuring that your joints remain in place throughout your pregnancy. However, chiropractic massages also benefit pregnant women in several other ways, including:

  • Lowered anxiety
  • Decreased leg pain
  • Improved sleep
  • Decreased stress levels
  • Reduced muscle tension and headaches
  • Improved circulation
  • Reduced swelling in the joints
  • Improved nerve pain

What You Need to Do Before Getting a Prenatal Chiropractic Massage

Before getting a prenatal chiropractic massage and/or adjustment, it's important to consult your OB-GYN. Overall, chiropractic massages are considered safe for pregnant women, but every pregnancy is different, so it's important to make sure the treatment is safe for your pregnancy. In addition to discussing the treatment with your OB-GYN, you need to make sure that the chiropractor that you contact is trained to work with pregnant women. Not all chiropractors have the proper training and equipment needed to safely treat patients during pregnancy.

Prenatal massages and/or chiropractic adjustments have several benefits, but it's up to you and your doctor to determine whether or not chiropractic treatment will benefit you. As long as your doctor approves of the treatment and you find a chiropractor who is trained to work with pregnant women, getting a prenatal massage or chiropractic adjustment can help relieve a lot of the aches and pains associated with your pregnancy. Contact a clinic like Commonwealth Chiropractic for more information.

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