Tips to Ensure Good Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Why is prenatal chiropractic care important? As only new mothers know, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real. A substantial weight gain (an average of 25 to 35 pounds) and greater stress placed on the body by the baby can result in severe discomfort. Research shows that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during pregnancy, especially the latter part of pregnancy, due to the baby's head pressing down on their back, legs, and buttocks, irritating the sciatic nerve. If a woman already suffers from low-back pain, this can make it significantly worse. Seeking prenatal chiropractic care can help relieve the discomfort and pain, thereby helping the mother-to-be have a more joy-filled pregnancy!

McKim Chiropractic Boise, ID is a health care center treat with Prenatal Chiropractic and Infant Chiropractic care Safe for Mom and Baby. Visit our Boise ID Prenatal Chiropractic Clinic.

Because a pregnant woman's center of gravity shifts forward to the front of her pelvis, it increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows, the woman's weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disks. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases, as well. This results in postural imbalances, making pregnant women more prone to awkward trips and falls.

Four Helpful Tips for Pregnant Women:

1. Exercise - Exercise (about three times a week) will help strengthen muscles and prevent discomfort. Check with your medical doctor before starting or continuing any exercise. Stop immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling, or heart palpitations.
2. Health and Safety - Wear flat, sensible shoes. High heels can make you less steady on your feet. Avoid picking up heavy objects, and bend from the knees if you need to pick up an older child. Be sure to ask for help if you need it. Take a nap, or lie down and elevate your feet when you need a break.
3. Pregnancy Ergonomics:
   
   • Sleeping - Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Lying on your left side allows unobstructed blood flow and helps your kidneys flush waste from your body.
   • Working - Make your workstation ergonomically correct. Take periodic breaks every 30 minutes with a quick walk.
4. Nutrition - Eat small meals or snacks (bland foods high in carbohydrates and protein) every four to five hours to help keep nausea or extreme hunger at bay. Check with your doctor before taking any vitamin or herbal supplement to make sure it is safe for you and the baby.

What is Prenatal Chiropractic Care?

• Before you become pregnant: it can detect any imbalances in your body that could contribute to pregnancy discomfort or other potential problems after childbirth.
• During pregnancy: provides safe relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy, helping avoid medications to treat back pain. Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
• After childbirth: treats joint problems brought on during pregnancy to prevent muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort and shoulder problems as the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state.

For prenatal chiropractic care, or following the birth of your baby, call McKim Chiropractic or go to http://www.mckimchiropractic.com/ for more information and to schedule an appointment. Our licensed and certified staff is committed to helping the expectant mothers of Boise,ID and Nampa, ID receive the best prenatal chiropractic care possible!