With studies finding that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies, it’s no surprise many women have discovered the benefits associated with chiropractic and pregnancy.
Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially appealing to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body
by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. Although a woman’s sacrum—or posterior section of the pelvis—has enough depth to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the woman’s weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disks. While these changes sound dramatic, pregnancy hormones
help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can result in postural imbalances.