Pregnancy … The Chiropractic Approach

Dr. Ganim G. Howard

So many women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy say to us, “How in the world do other women get through pregnancy without chiropractic adjustments?” A pregnant woman needs to have her body as healthy and strong as possible in order to handle the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth.

Let me share with you some frequently asked questions regarding chiropractic care and pregnancy…

Is chiropractic care safe in pregnancy?

YES. It is very safe for both mother and baby. We chiropractors spend many hours training to adjust the spines of pregnant women and many chiropractic adjusting tables have special modifications for pregnant women.

How late in pregnancy is it possible to get an adjustment?

Patients can receive adjustments even during labor. In fact, I have even been asked to come to the hospital to adjust both mother and newborn when necessary.

Do I have to have a problem in pregnancy to see a chiropractor?

Not at all. Periodic spinal checkups during pregnancy should be as common as periodic weight checkups. Chiropractic should be utilized as preventative care for pregnant women.

Can chiropractic care help postpartum depression?

Chiropractic care has extraordinarily beneficial effects on emotional stress. Postpartum depression is a rarity in new moms receiving chiropractic care.

Can my baby receive chiropractic care?

I am frequently asked by my pregnant patients to give the infant a spinal checkup immediately after birth. This is because the birthing process can be traumatic for the infant and can cause very serious misalignments (subluxations) to the spine.

I frequently find that chiropractic care helps maintain pregnancy, control vomiting during pregnancy, deliver full-term infants with ease and produce healthier infants. Chiropractic care during pregnancy has demonstrated success with back pain, premature contractions and back labor.

If you are pregnant, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is see a Doctor of Chiropractic. Chiropractic care provides so many things a pregnant body needs: a flexible and balanced spine, hips and pelvis, internal organs without postural stress and free from nerve stress - all essential for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Along with a proper diet, exercise and avoiding drugs, alcohol and cigarettes - Chiropractic care should be an essential part of a pregnant woman's health care regimen.

For more information please contact Dr. Ganim Howard of Kanawha Valley Family Chiropractic at (304) 925 1697 or at ganimh@charter.net