1. for a Natural Pregnancy & Birth
Chiropractic Care
for a Natural Pregnancy & Birth
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2. Why Pregnancy Causes Back Pain
Over half of pregnant women experience back pain. Why?
During pregnancy, a woman gains pounds (11-16 kg).
This pushes the pelvis out, increasing the curvature of the lower back. 
In the third trimester, the baby’s head may press down on a major nerve.
Hormones produced to relax pelvic joints in preparation for delivery weaken other joints.
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3. Painkillers: Not Worth the Risk
Researchers have discovered a clear association between prenatal analgesic use and undescended testicles in infant boys.  
Another investigation of prenatal exposure to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen revealed that the medications increased likelihood of physical deformities in rats.
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4. Chiropractic Relieves Pain Naturally
Back pain is often rooted in misalignments in the spinal bones, called vertebral subluxations.
Chiropractic adjustments are gentle maneuvers that put the spine back in alignment and relieve pain.
Since the physical changes of pregnancy can cause or exacerbate a vertebral subluxation, chiropractic care is an ideal and safe therapy for mothers-to-be.
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5. Chiropractic Relieves Pain Naturally
Researchers confirm that chiropractic effectively relieves pregnancy-related back pain.
In one trial, 16 of 17 pregnant patients experienced significant improvement in back pain after an average of two sessions with a chiropractor, and none displayed adverse side effects.
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6. A Safe Respite From Headaches
Some women experience chronic headaches for the first time while they are expecting.
Chiropractic care relieves migraines and other headaches, letting you enjoy your pregnancy without relying on painkillers.
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7. A Solution for Breech Babies
Breech presentation occurs in about one in 25 pregnancies and often prompts a Caesarean section.
A chiropractic adjustment called the Webster technique balances the alignment of bones in the pelvis, reducing constraint on the uterus and giving the baby space to turn naturally.
The Webster technique has an impressive 82 percent success rate!
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8. Plan Ahead for a Natural Birth
Interview care providers and visit birth facilities early to find a good fit.
Consider a midwife — their philosophy is a good match for women seeking a natural birth.
Take a class taught by a certified childbirth instructor who emphasizes drug-free birth.
Prepare a birth plan to communicate your preferences.
Choose a support person(s): partner, family member, close friend, and/or doula.
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9. Drug-Free Labor Pain Management
Chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy may actually make childbirth more comfortable.
Of 170 women who had experienced back pain during pregnancy, those who had received chiropractic care had less pain during labor.
These women were also less likely to have back labor.
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10. Drug-Free Labor Pain Management
Other useful methods for natural pain relief during labor include:
birthing tubs
massage
hypnosis
visualization
affirmations
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11. Post-Partum Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments help a new mom regain strength and mobility in her back, pelvis, and shoulder.
This halts troublesome headaches and back pain and allows you to focus on caring for your newborn.
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12. Pick Up a Copy of the OHUs
For more on chiropractic care for a natural pregnancy and birth, please pick up a copy of the corresponding OHU handouts.
Look to the OHUs for citations to research on this topic.
Share the OHU handouts with friends, family, co-workers, etc. Just let us know how many you need.
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