Top 10 Pregnancy Chiropractor Questions - answered for you.
Question 1: Can chiropractic help back pain or headaches during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes, often chiropractic can help musculoskeletal issues such as back pain or headaches experienced during pregnancy. Every person is different, in fact every pregnancy is different, so whether chiropractic is right for you is best determined by either calling us to discuss it or by booking an appointment with one of our highly trained pregnancy chiropractors. They will be able to assess you and based on your history, clinical presentation and examination findings, the chiropractor can explain how chiropractic may help you or give you recommendations for alternative management options.
Question 2: Is seeing the Chiropractor safe during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes. While all medical and alternative therapy options carry some level of risk, seeing the chiropractor is generally considered a safe option of healthcare. An important part of the assessment a pregnancy trained chiropractor will conduct is whether there are any possible reasons why chiropractic care is not suited to you. The chiropractor's number one priority is the health and wellbeing of you and your family (including your developing child), and this is why they use a variety of adapted techniques to care for the pregnant mother. The techniques are gentle and considerate of the mother's body and the developing child. One example of this is the 'belly pillow' which is a large foam pillow with a cut out section to accommodate the pregnant mother's belly so she can safely and comfortably lay on her front during treatment sessions.
Question 3: When should you start seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy?
Answer: When you feel comfortable doing so. Some mothers choose to see the chiropractor prior to conception or early during the pregnancy for a check up of their spine and body, much like consulting a dentist for a check up of their teeth. Others choose to come in purely on a symptomatic basis, meaning they consult the chiropractor during their pregnancy only when they have a musculoskeletal pain or concern. Often this is during the second or third trimester when the physical changes of the body due to the pregnancy can create stress on the musculoskeletal system. Either way, the way you use chiropractic care during your pregnancy is your choice and will be supported by your chiropractor.
Question 4: What is the chiropractic technique during pregnancy?
Answer: The chiropractors at Geebung Family Chiropractic use a variety of techniques to care for pregnant mothers. The most common one is SOT Chiropractic or Sacro Occipital Technique Chiropractic. It is a gentle approach to the body that holistically considered the full picture of the person, aiming to achieve the best results for that individual. Find out more about SOT Chiropractic at Geebung Family Chiropractic here. We also see pregnant mums seeking the Webster Technique which is a method of gently balancing the ligaments, muscles and other tissues around the pelvis to support a relaxed and optimally functioning lumbar and pelvic region in the later stages of pregnancy. Webster Technique has previously been wrongly described as a technique to ‘turn your baby from breech position’. This is understandable given that is sometimes a follow on effect from releasing tension in the pelvic tissues, however techniques performed by Chiropractors including the Webster Technique are solely focussed on improving function of the spine, nervous system and musculoskeletal system. When there is improved function, the body can more easily do what it needs and the results that follow are dependant on each individual person and their condition. Chiropractic focusses to maintain the structural alignment and balance of the pelvis, spine and surrounding structures to support the mother's comfort.
Question 5: Can I lay on my stomach at the chiropractor while I am pregnant?
Answer 5: Yes, as a chiropractic clinic that accommodates pregnant mothers, we have a number of 'belly pillows' which comfortably support the mother's body so you can lay on your front without any pressure on your developing baby. Some mothers may prefer to sit, stand or only lay on their backs during treatment and that is perfectly fine too. We are here to care for you and our range of techniques can adapt to your needs and preferences.
Question 6: What should I avoid doing during pregnancy at the chiropractor?
Answer: Through every stage of your pregnancy we strongly suggest you simply listen to what your body needs. If it needs rest, give it rest, if it wants movement, give it movement. Obviously heavy lifting and strenuous exercise is not recommended for most pregnant mothers and gentle supportive movements such as yoga, home stretching, walking and mobility based exercises are ideal. Every person is different so please speak to your GP, obstetrician or contact us if you have any questions relating to this at all.
Question 7: Do I need to tell the Chiropractor that I'm pregnant?
Answer: Yes. Please let us know if you are (or could be) pregnant. Your privacy and confidentiality is very much respected by our team so please speak with us so that we have the complete picture when managing your care.
Question 8: Can I have massage during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes. Qualified massage therapists can accommodate pregnant mothers and some even provide pregnancy specific massage treatments. Always advise the therapist of your pregnancy and if you wish to discuss your specific case with one of our chiropractors, we would be happy to do so.
Question 9: Can I see the chiropractor during the whole pregnancy or should I stop nearing the due date?
Answer: The chiropractors at Geebung Family Chiropractic often see pregnant mothers right up to their due date to support them with their needs as best they can. The techniques and skills of the chiropractor allow them to adapt to the changes of the mothers body during all stages during the pregnancy. Please speak with your chiropractor if you have any questions or concerns.
Question 10: How soon after the birth can the mother see the chiropractor?
Answer: As soon as you are comfortable. Every pregnancy and every birth are different, and so are their stresses and demands. Some mothers see the chiropractor within days of their birth, others some time after. It really is up to you. Our role is to best accommodate you and support your needs where we can. ou don't need to lay down to receive treatment. The chiropractors can adapt their techniques so you can sit or stand if that is more comfortable.
We hope this information is useful. We are sure there are other questions that you may have and so please either make an appointment to speak with us in person or call or email the office with your questions, we are glad to answer them.
An important reminder is that every person is individual and so are their needs and their care. Our commitment is to help you with the best standards of pregnancy chiropractic care where we can and to also guide you towards other professionals and therapies if we feel you will benefit from them.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Geebung Family Chiropractic - North Brisbane Pregnancy Chiropractors