The rapid growth of the baby causes interference to your body's normal structural adaptations to that growth. This extra force stretches your abdominal muscles.
When you stand, the extra weight of the baby pulls on the middle and lower back. This extra weight causes an increase in the normal curve of the spine.
Throughout the pregnancy, as the baby grows, the spinal curves of the spine will become more exaggerated. In some situations, this can put stress on nerves and cause pain.
One famous nerve is often associated with pain that radiates to one or both of the lower extremities. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from the spinal cord down through the buttock and the back of each leg to supply all the muscles of the lower limbs. As the joints of the body start to loosen and relax in preparation for delivery, this nerve sometimes becomes irritated producing a great deal of pain.
Sciatica
Sciatica is the name given to pain, tingling, or numbness that runs down the buttock, hip, and thigh. It is typically caused by the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the sciatic nerve. You have two sciatic nerves, which run from your lower back down your legs to your feet.
Sciatic pain can be excruciatingly painful - even immobilizing. Some pregnant women report that floating in a swimming pool provides tremendous relief because it helps take the weight of the uterus off the sciatic nerve.
Early pregnancy
Often biomechanical problems may exist prior to pregnancy. However, the combination of many stresses during pregnancy may magnify existing problems which can result in pain. Phase one treatment begins by identifying the problem and relieving tension in tight muscles using gentle, effective soft tissue techniques. In addition, specific adjusting techniques are used to correct fixations (segmental dysfunction) within the spine and pelvis.
Mid pregnancy
There are many changes that occur during mid pregnancy. During these changes, pain may occur in the feet, hips, shoulders, back, neck, or head. This pain may be due to many stresses and compensations that occur throughout the body. Muscle training and stabilization are an important part of the second phase of care. The core musclulature needs to be strengthened to support the lower spine and pelvis. Remember, there is a period of time in this stage to make preparation for late pregnancy.
Late pregnancy
The third trimester is when the baby's growth is most rapid and the mother's hormones begin to soften joints for delivery. At this time preparation will have paid off, or lack off preparation may have unwanted, painful effects.
Benefits of Care at McCallie Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center
- Relief of acute pain.
- Gentle and effective treatments resulting in correction of vertebral misalignments and less pressure on nerves.
- Properly aligned pelvic bones, facilitating a quicker, easier delivery.
- Restoration of the natural balance between muscle groups.
- Stabilization of the pelvis and spine for late pregnancy.
- The natural position and mobility of the spinal joints and pelvis are re-established resulting in a more pain free pregnancy.
Talk to your obstetrician
As more women are seeking the benefits of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, more obstetricians are seeking trained Doctors of Chiropractic in their communities to whom they can refer their pregnant patients.
Talk to your physician about potential chiropractic care. Your physician will know if there are any concerns about obtaining chiropractic treatment in your situation