|
|
Healthy Habits
Pregnancy and Chiropractic
One of the greatest miracles in life is the birth of a human being. One cell from the mother and one cell from the father (actually they're really just half cells) unite to form one new cell inside the mother. How this occurs is something that we won't get into details about here. However, once these two cells unite a new life form is created.
This one cell then gets busy. It multiplies over and over again…first 2 cells, and then 4, 8, 16, 32, 64…you get the idea. Soon, these cells start to group together and take the shape of different tissues, organs and body systems. In 9 months, roughly 280 days, a perfect being is created based on the blueprint that each and every cell in your body contains. Now if there isn't some great intelligence inside the body guiding this creation, it is hard to consider this as just a random act.
Needless to say then that a pregnant woman needs to do everything she can to ensure her health and that of her baby. Pregnant women need to visit their family chiropractor, midwife, obstetrician and pediatrician regularly throughout and following the pregnancy.
In relation to chiropractic, because the body is undergoing such a remarkable set of changes right from conception, the nervous system needs to respond immediately and accurately. The changing requirements in all the systems of the body necessitate optimum health, including a healthy spine and the nervous system it houses.
The weight gain, fluctuations in hormone levels, alterations in biomechanics (how you move) and any added stress physically, chemically or emotionally can challenge the body and the spine. Contrary to the belief that chiropractic care during pregnancy is not safe or indicated, pregnancy actually increases the need for chiropractic care and overall health changes. Spinal care, good nutrition, exercises and a positive outlook can make pregnancy the pleasant and exciting experience it was meant to be.
Chiropractors are trained to understand the changes that occur during pregnancy and can therefore alter the techniques they use to care for you during these nine months and after the delivery. It is especially interesting to note that the joints of the body become more relaxed and pliable as the pregnancy progresses and this allows for not only keeping the pregnant body healthy through chiropractic, but also provides an opportunity to correct previously present health problems.
Here are some helpful hints for the expecting mother:
- Stand tall and do not let your lower back sag.
- Sleep on a supportive and comfy mattress.
- Change positions often to ease any strain.
- Use extreme caution when lifting, never bending at the waist or holding your breath.
- Consult a chiropractor, obstetrician, midwife or nutritionist for proper nutritional guidelines. Special exercises can also be given that help to decrease delivery time, prevent tissue damage and decrease recovery time.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, excessive tea and coffee, exposure to x-rays, unnecessary medications and foods with harmful additives.
A little bit of knowledge and a little bit of work can make pregnancy the wonderful experience it was meant to be. We only have a few opportunities in life to experience the wonders of the birth process and we should do all we can to make the best of the chances we are given. Oh, and once the hard part is over, don't forget to have than little one's spine checked after being born. Sometimes it's not easy coming into this world and at times it can be traumatic. Chiropractic can keep a smile on mom's face and her new pride and joy's face as well.
|
|
| Download these two exclusive reports: "6 Secrets to a Healthy Pain-Free Body" and "6 Secrets to a Healthy Child". |
 |
|
|
