Pregnancy and Children

Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Should you have chiropractic care during your pregnancy?

Yes! Chiropractic care can help you and your baby achieve a healthier pregnancy and delivery. It is gentle and safe. The health benefits have been demonstrated in clinical studies. In one of the studies, conducted by Irvin Hendryson, M.D., a member of the American Medical Association board of trustees, it was shown that women who received chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester of pregnancy were able to carry and deliver children with more comfort. Also, well-known orthopedist Per Freitag, M.D., conducted a hospital study that incorporated chiropractic adjustments during the patient's pregnancy. He found that the need for painkillers during delivery was reduced by half.

Women have special needs during pregnancy.

During pregnancy many physiological and endocrinological changes take place, all for the purpose of creating an optimal environment for the developing baby. The musculoskeletal systems are affected by the protruding abdomen, duck-like walk, and increased lower back curve. The pelvis changes early in pregnancy due to the release in estrogen and/or relaxin. These hormones cause the ligaments to relax and soften, which together with increased synovial fluid widens the pelvic joints. This increased mobility is not restricted to the pelvis only, but may be noticed in other joints and muscles as well.

Healthy Babies and Children

As a parent you wonder if your child is as healthy as possible. There are many factors that contribute to your child's overall health. A major component is the communications between your child's brain and body, a vital link controlling the growth, repair, and function of every tissue and organ in the body.

When Should Babies be Checked for Subluxations?

″ Newborn infancts should be checked within hours after birth. The birth process, even under natural conditions, is potentially traumatic. During the pushing stage of labor, the spine, particularly the neck, may be injured as the baby is compressed and pushed down the birth canal. The most frequent subluxation experienced by newborns results from the pulling, twisting, and compression of the infant's spine during birth. Although birth subluxations may cause immediate symptoms, such as respiratory depression, there may be far reaching effects that are manifested for years. For example, the child's ability to fight against disease may be lowered. Colds, ear infections, colic and other illnesses may result.

″ Research has also indicated that the body's immune response in the production of anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents to fight infection is greatly compromised due to vertebral lesions (subluxations).

Chiropractic Care is Safe and Natural

The Chiropractic approach to health care is natural. It does not try to stimulate or inhibit normal body function. Instead, the chiropractor addresses the important relationship between the nervous system and disease. The systemic effect of vertebral subluxations is complex. Many childhood illnesses may be manifested in the pediatric patient due to abnormal body function caused by subluxations. In light of this, your chiropractor may be the best doctor to help your child.

For more information about chiropractic care for children, visit www.icpa4kids.com.