Chiropractic through Pregnancy

  • Chiropractic care has been shown to significantly reduce labour time for women who had care throughout their pregnancy. In one study, Dr Joan Fallon found that first-time mums averaged a 24% shorter labour, while experienced mothers (those who had given birth before) had a 39% reduction in the average labour time in a substantial percentage of births.
  • In another hospital study that incorporated chiropractic adjustments during the patient’s pregnancy, the results indicated that there was a 50% decrease in the need for painkillers during delivery, attributable to pre-delivery adjustments.
  • A study conducted by Dr Irvin Henderson MD (a member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees) demonstrated that “Women who received chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester were able to carry and deliver their child with much more comfort.”

Show me any woman who would not be excited about these possibilities! Adjustments help women successfully prepare for labour. In addition, a well functioning nervous system enables a mother to easily combat many of the hurdles of pregnancy. Often women learn to just accept pregnancy discomforts such as nausea, heartburn, constipation, pubic pain, etc, when in fact they don’t need to. A chiropractor will check your spine to assess if it is properly aligned and subluxation-free (free of joint and nerve dysfunction). Regular visits while you are pregnant will help to keep you in great shape in preparation for your birth. Chiropractic care is extremely important—before, during and after pregnancy.

Read our top tips for caring for your spine during pregnancy
REFERENCES:
  • Fallon, J. DC. The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour: A
  • Comprehensive Study. Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic, 1991:24-31.
  • Fallon, J. DC. Chiropractic and Pregnancy; A Partnership of the Future. ICA Review
  • Nov/Dec 1990. (pg. 39-42)
  • Frietag, P. Expert testimony of Frietag, P. MD PhD, comparing the results of two neighbouring hospitals, US District Court, Northern Illinois, Eastern Division, No.76C 3777. May 1987.
  • Henderson, I. MD. American Medical Association records released in 1987 during trial in U.S. District Court, Northern Illinois, Eastern Division, No. 76C 3777. May 1987.