Cameron Stewart, D.C.

Hello North Florida, Dr. Cam here!

As a husband and father, I’ve had a front-row seat to the incredible journey of pregnancy. It’s a time of amazing changes, but let’s be honest, it also brings significant physical challenges for moms-to-be. Back pain, pelvic discomfort, sciatica – these are incredibly common as the body adapts to accommodate a growing baby.

Why does pregnancy often lead to back pain?

• Shifting Center of Gravity: As the baby grows, the mother’s center of gravity shifts forward, increasing the curve in the lower back (lordosis) and putting extra stress on spinal joints and muscles.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormones like relaxin loosen ligaments throughout the body (especially in the pelvis) to prepare for birth. While necessary, this can reduce joint stability, sometimes leading to pain and easier misalignment.
• Weight Gain: The extra weight adds direct load to the spine and pelvis.
• Postural Adaptations: Changes in posture to compensate for the growing belly can strain different muscle groups.

Having navigated my own chronic back and disc issues, I have immense empathy for anyone dealing with spinal discomfort. Seeing my wife go through pregnancy further highlighted how important support and relief are during this physically demanding time.

How Chiropractic Care Safely Helps During Pregnancy:

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and gentle, utilizing modified techniques to accommodate the changing body. It focuses on:

1. Pain Relief: Adjustments can help alleviate back pain, neck pain, joint discomfort, and sciatic nerve irritation by restoring proper alignment and reducing stress on the spine and pelvis.
2. Improving Pelvic Balance: Specific chiropractic techniques (like the Webster Technique) focus on balancing the pelvis. A balanced pelvis allows optimal room for the baby to develop and move into the best possible position for birth, potentially contributing to easier labor and delivery.
3. Enhancing Nervous System Function: Supporting spinal alignment helps ensure the nervous system is functioning optimally, which benefits both mom and baby.
4. Preparing for Labor: By ensuring joints are moving freely and the pelvis is balanced, chiropractic care can help prepare the body for the physical demands of labor and birth.

Many expecting mothers find chiropractic care provides significant relief and helps them stay more comfortable and active throughout their pregnancy. It’s about supporting the body’s natural processes during this amazing transformation.

If you or someone you know is expecting and dealing with aches and pains, let’s talk about how gentle chiropractic care can help.

Visit www.drcam.rocks to learn more or schedule a prenatal chiropractic consultation.

Wishing all moms-to-be a healthy and comfortable journey!

Dr. Cam