At Custom Chiropractor, we view your pregnancy and postpartum period as important times in your life where you should feel your best and experience as little pain as possible. We have found through targeted examination and treatment tailored to the needs of the pregnant mom, they can experience less pain during pregnancy as well as shorter labor times and less pain during labor. Whether it is your first pregnancy or you are a veteran, you definitely sit up and listen when you hear that something can be done to make your more comfortable right now and lessen your pain and strain during labor.
What is prenatal care?
While your body adjusts to carrying a new baby, your spine experiences strain at various regions that can be identified and successfully treated by specialized prenatal chiropractors. Most commonly, there is extra stress placed on the neck, upper back, wrists, below the ribs, low back and pelvis. Due to increases in the hormone relaxin during pregnancy, the ligaments and muscles in these areas can become stretched. As your pregnancy progresses, stability in some joints may decrease as they expand and result in pain. Chiropractic treatment can help reduce this pain, as well as give you instructions on how to increase stability to these expanding joints. Our chiropractors make alterations in techniques and patient positioning to accommodate for the increase in belly and breast size. During pregnancy, spinal adjustments are more gentle and the chiropractor applies lower force and pressure.
What is postpartum care?
Postural strain commonly occurs during postpartum, as your body changes to accommodate for your growing baby. It can take up to twelve months for relaxin to return to pre-pregnancy levels, which in turn places extra stretch in your muscles and ligaments. During this time, your center of gravity is shifting and muscles are returning to their normal strength. Postpartum chiropractic care is here to support you through this new journey. Your body has gone through a lot – pregnancy, delivery and now caring for a new baby. Between changing hormones, lack of sleep, adjusting to taking care of a new member of your family, it is definitely a transformation that requires some adjustments. Your body might not feel the same. Give yourself some TIME. Time to rest, embrace and enjoy this phase of your life. Depending on delivery method, c-section is considered to be a major abdominal surgery. Some new moms may experience a separation in their abdominal muscles, which needs extra attention
How much treatment will I need during and after pregnancy?
A single postpartum visit at six weeks might not be enough to address what your body is going through. Our postpartum providers at Custom Chiropractor make sure to go through a detailed history about your pregnancy and delivery. They will address all the symptoms that you are experiencing during your postpartum journey. Treatment complete with specialized scanning, equipment and muscle and joint therapy will assist new moms in easing into this important phase of her life.
What conditions do you treat during and after pregnancy?
- Pelvis and low back pain
- Headaches
- Diastasis recti discomfort
- Shoulder pain from breastfeeding
What does treatment consist of during pregnancy?
We use a combination of hydraulic tables, myofascial release therapy, specific chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic pillows, stretches, and home exercise advice to ensure you have the best pregnancy you can experience. We work with professionals in and outside our clinic who specialize in prenatal care to provide a multidisciplinary approach when necessary. Relax. Take a deep breath – you’ve found the right place to support and nurture your pregnancy and new baby.
To make an appointment visit our website or call 408-248-8700 to schedule. Our Palo Alto and Santa Clara locations are staffed with chiropractors certified in prenatal, postpartum and pediatric treatment. We also have massage therapists who specialize in prenatal care to help ease your pregnancy and postpartum related complaints. We’ve partnered with Blossom Birth and Family Centre to become one of their providers to help bring chiropractic care to the Bay Area. Visit us at the Blossom Birth and Family Fair on May 21st, 2023 to learn more about the role of chiropractic care during pregnancy.
