Pregnant Pause

By Dr Dave Edenfield

Being pregnant means having to deal with changes in the body.  Everything from a patient’s hormones, to weight gain and even the center of gravity will be affected during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester.  These changes create stresses which can present themselves as aches and pains, particularly in the lower back.  The added pressure can also irritate nerve endings, causing additional discomfort. 

During pregnancy, the body increases the production of the enzyme relaxin that loosens the ligaments and hastens delivery.  While instrumental in allowing a woman to complete the final stages of pregnancy, this same enzyme also instigates an alteration in the back’s natural curvature, placing added pressure on joints and spinal discs.   Studies have shown that up to 56% of women experience lower back pain during pregnancy and up to 75% experience discomfort at night. 

Lower back pain is often associated with pregnancy, due to the fact that as the uterus grows it causes the pelvis to tilt and the hips to flex.  The muscles of the hips, legs and abdomen in trying to compensate as the center of gravity shifts, can bring on everything from muscle spasms to facial pain and headaches.  It has also been reported by the National Institute of Health, that,

“There may be a relationship between back pain throughout pregnancy and a longer duration of the labor and delivery process.  A retrospective review of statistics reported that women who seek chiropractic care throughout gestation have, on average, a 25% shorter labor time, whereas women who seek chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy have, on average, 31% shorter labor times.” 

The report also states that 75% of patients who received chiropractic care during pregnancy reported less overall pain than those who did not.  Additionally, the survey of 400 pregnant women concluded that in 84% of the cases the women who received chiropractic care during pregnancy indicated significant relief from lower back pain during pregnancy.  It also recommends exercise.

“Evidence also exists that women who exercise during pregnancy have more energy, fewer mood swings, are able to manage stress more effectively, and achieve more restful sleep compared with sedentary pregnant women. Women who exercise gain 21% less weight throughout gestation; enjoy shorter, easier labors (decreased by an average of 2 hours); experience fewer medical interventions (24% fewer cesarean deliveries and 14% reduction in use of forceps); experience less fetal distress; and enjoy a faster recovery.  With their training, chiropractors can also help the pregnant patient manage an exercise routine compatible for her changing body throughout pregnancy.”

Best of all, chiropractic adjustments have not only proven useful in relieving much of the pain that women commonly endure during pregnancy, they can also shorten labor times.  That’s one pregnant pause that every woman would just as soon do without.

Dr. Dave Edenfield  and Dr. Steven Warfield are part of the team of doctors and therapists at http://chiropractor-jacksonville-fl.com who are dedicated to helping you and your family lead  healthier, happier and pain-free lives.