Seeing a chiro to help with labor

zaramarie81

Just wanted to share in case this info is helpful to anyone else...

Basically, after some midwives brought up the benefits of seeing a chiro for certain back issues during pregnancy, a light bulb clicked on for me. I've shared here before that my twin started seeing a chiro after her first traumatizing c-section l&d and somehow her next two deliveries were successful VBACs in spite of no special "training," prep or intervention other than receiving epis both times. We can't say for sure that the chiro is THE reason she had such successful VBACs, but I felt like maybe it was worth it considering I have a long history of sports injuries, car accidents, back discomfort, jaw issues and pelvic floor issues most of which I've just ignored all these years since hey, if I am walking and talking and not in constant pain, I am probably fine, right???

We-ell, I saw a highly recommended chiro today for an initial visit, and I am really glad I did. She confirmed a lot of what I suspected about my body... my incredibly tense muscles (said I was in the top 3 people she's seen in her entire career with my level of jaw and upper back tightness), that my lower back is twisted and hips aren't aligned (yup, I've suspected that for a long time) and that yes, these things can definitely affect labor by affecting my pain levels, Baby Boy's ability to position himself, my ability to relax, etc. She did an adjustment (that was wild haha but didn't hurt), and we'll continue to do adjustments pretty frequently. She is also going to have me to do some exercises to prep me for labor and encouraged me NOT to lie down for labor but to use many of the techniques recommended for natural progression like birthing balls, birthing stools, warm baths, heat therapy, etc.

Between our doula, regular OB, and now chiro appts, Baby Boy is costing us haha, but I figure we might as well go all out and deal with these issues before labor to give us optimal chance for a healthy (perhaps even totally natural???) l&d. Besides, we're going to max our deductible out either way since we're having a hospital birth!

 

meagan.pilkington

I really wish I had done this sooner but I'm afraid of chiropractors... I don't like the idea of "popping" things into place etc... I'm glad to see this post though because I'm nervous about it.  I'm 39.5 weeks and I'm going to go tomorrow because baby has not dropped at all, my OB said he is still VERY high and she expressed concern about it and mentioned the possibility of a c-section if he can't get down there during labor for some reason. She mentioned it could be my pelvic bones, so I'm going to try chiropractics to make sure my pelvis is in alignment so that it's easier for baby to drop. I hope I didn't wait too long for it to benefit me...

laurieb602

I've seen one since 26 weeks. I've had no swelling and baby boy is very low and ready to go. I still go once a week

alimaried

   I happened to find out I was 5 weeks pregnant right before my first chiropractic exam! I have had no swelling, sciatica, heartburn, or any other major pregnancy symptoms. I attribute it mostly to seeing the chiro because all of the women in my family have not had smooth pregnancies. I plan to continue seeing the chiropractor after having my baby, as well has having her adjusted if needed. 

   Studies show that mothers who had routine care during pregnancy (and after) have shorter, less intense labors and quicker recoveries. It's also awesome that the chiros have the Webster method to help change baby's postion if they're breech. My chiro uses range of movement testing and the 'Pro-Adjuster' computer to stimulate the spine's stabilizer muscles (they hold the vertebra in place-so those get adjusted rather than cracking on the bones...freaks me out too) as well as rolling traction, massage and natural supplements. He has been able to pinpoint my 'problem nerves' in my spine and has greatly reduced my allergies as well! They are passionate about explaining why/how thing work and even creates flexible payment plans for patients. 

   The most interesting thing I've learned is that: when you begin to feel aches and pains, your spine and nerves are already down to 40% of their potential performance!!! So even if you aren't feeling 'symptoms', your body may not be in full working order and deteriorating. Seeing a chiropractor a couple times a week in the beginning, then tapering down as you improve can get you close to 100%. I view it as a well worth it, preventative, investment. I'd rather pay now to keep my body in well working order so that I don't have to fork over the dough to pay for hip replacements, arthritis issues or pain management later in my old age

I'm totally a fan, and would recommend that ANYONE check it out, problems or not. And most insurance companies will at least cover a portion of your costs. 

zaramarie81

meagan.pilkington:

I really wish I had done this sooner but I'm afraid of chiropractors... I don't like the idea of "popping" things into place etc... I'm glad to see this post though because I'm nervous about it.  I'm 39.5 weeks and I'm going to go tomorrow because baby has not dropped at all, my OB said he is still VERY high and she expressed concern about it and mentioned the possibility of a c-section if he can't get down there during labor for some reason. She mentioned it could be my pelvic bones, so I'm going to try chiropractics to make sure my pelvis is in alignment so that it's easier for baby to drop. I hope I didn't wait too long for it to benefit me...

I am 32 weeks tomorrow and was worried it was too late too. But even after my first adjustment, I've had improvement. I am supposed to see her 4X in the next week and start tapering down after that. So a couple weeks is probably better than nothing! I hear ya on the cracking/popping. She did do that and b/c my back has literally never had a single day of therapy or treatment for all my injuries and computer work over they years, the popping did sound wild but it honestly really didn't hurt and was actually a relief. She also used other techniques other than traditional "adjusting" like massage. Baby boy seems pretty happy/content too, so he seemed okay with it all!

zaramarie81

alimaried and laurie - That is awesome you've had such comfortable pregnancies! I've managed to have a very happy pregnancy (minus first trimester drama due to a variety of factors) prior to seeing the chiro, so I found it odd when I developed very acute, painful carpal tunnel (with no pg swelling to explain it) in my right arm. Sure enough, it turns out my carpal tunnel has more to do with my spine than my wrist! My back really has bothered me for years causing some issues on my right side in particular, and I wish I had seen a chiro sooner! That's so great you've benefited long-term! I am hoping labor and delivery will be just as happy.

Hyaline

Just wanted to say YES to all of this   My dad is a chiro so I grew up on the chiro bandwagon, but it's helped with SO many pregnancy symptoms--my second trimester headaches decreased dramatically after an adjustment, and I've had few heartburn issues when my upper back is where it should be (and when it's not, it's indigestion central).  And this is all before labor and delivery stuff.  If you're on the fence and worried about the "popping" ask for recommendations of someone gentle--my dad does all manual adjusting (no machines--he trusts his hands more than a computer lol) but no pain at all

tinabean00

I started seeing a chiro at 27 weeks.  I never really thought about it, but H goes and loves it.  I didn't see a point in going, I've never really had any issues but after doing some research I saw all the positives for pregnancy.  We luckily have an amazing chiro here who does websters (only 1 in the area, so lucky!).  He's amazing.  

He says the point is not to hear that pop, but to realign things and some times the pop just happens.

He's even working on fixing my knees which I've always had problems with.   It hurts pretty bad, but so worth it!

I'm so excited to hear all the great things about chiro and I'm positive I made the right decision.  It's not cheap, but as OP said, it's helping me hit my max anyway! 

LiebeMama

I still keep saying I should see a chiro and I'm not even pregnant with #2 yet. Guess I should get a few initial visits in and see what they say eh?

tiffmatt

LiebeMama:

I still keep saying I should see a chiro and I'm not even pregnant with #2 yet. Guess I should get a few initial visits in and see what they say eh?

Certainly look into it!  I have been getting regular adjustments since my first loss and things have been going very well.  I haven't had crazy mood swings or much pain.  Morning sickness was tough, but after the loss it was nice having a reminder that I was pregnant on any given day.  LO has been staying low, so no worries there.

The body is capable of amazing things.  The job of a chiropractor is to remove interference so the body can do what it does best naturally.  My DC would never take credit for anything he does, bc in his mind it's my body doing everything, he's just helping me do it better.