By Dr. Nick Marini
A common question asked about chiropractic is, “Is it safe to do while pregnant?” The answer is a resounding YES! In fact, chiropractic and pregnancy go hand in hand.
Of great importance to pregnant women, Drs. Marini and Rosenthal always analyze and correct the position of the sacrum (the tailbone at the bottom of the spine‒ the foundation). When out of alignment, the sacrum changes the opening in the pelvis where the baby exits. This is a problem that may complicate delivery. Imagine trying to get your car out of the garage. Which is easier? With the garage door all the way open or partially closed.
Drs. Marini and Rosenthal were educated by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), and are certified in the “Webster Technique.” This specialized method is designed to analyze and correct the pelvis and sacrum of pregnant mothers. In addition to helping correct the pelvic opening, once adjusted it is also easier for a baby to move into the correct head-down position prior to delivery. Both doctors have used this technique successfully on many women, including Dr. Nick with his own wife. In fact, with the birth of his newest daughter in March, he adjusted his wife in the hospital during labor when it had stalled out, and it helped get the process moving again!
Prenatal massage is also extremely helpful, which our Licensed Massage Therapist, Melanie, provides. Chiropractic and massage that utilize prenatal techniques have been shown to assist the whole body (especially the uterus) in functioning properly. This not only provides the benefits mentioned above but reduces the pain felt during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This is why the doctors and Mel all work together as a team in our Wilmington office to help our pregnant moms.
As more research is completed and people are realizing the benefit of chiropractic care for pregnancy, it is becoming more mainstream. The American Pregnancy Association states that “As more women are seeking the benefits of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, more health care providers are seeking trained doctors of chiropractic in their communities to refer their pregnant patients.”
Pregnancy is a very special time for a woman (and baby), and should not be taken lightly. We always work closely with OB/GYNs, midwives, doulas, and birth consultants to make sure each woman has the most comfortable and pain-free pregnancy and birth possible. Having the mother’s pelvis properly aligned also greatly benefits the child during the birth process, but that’s a discussion for another time. If you are pregnant or planning to be, please let Dr. Marini or Rosenthal know when you visit our Wilmington office.
To learn more about chiropractic and pregnancy, please read Dr. Rosenthal’s article published in Living Well Magazine: Pregnancy and Chiropractic: Happier Mom, Healthier Baby!
