Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother. Her systems and organs are now providing for two and their optimal function is critical for the baby’s healthy development. The mother’s spine and pelvis undergoes many changes and adaptations to compensate for the growing baby and the risk of interference to her nervous system is increased. Specific chiropractic care throughout pregnancy works with enhancing nervous system function providing greater health potential for both the mother and baby.

Another important reason for care throughout pregnancy is to help establish balance in the mother’s pelvis. Because of a lifetime of stress and trauma to her spine and pelvis, her pelvic opening may be compromised, resulting in a less than optimum passage for the baby. If the bones of the pelvis are out of alignment or subluxated, this will directly affect the way the uterus will be supported. Unequal ligament support of the uterus will torque the uterus reducing the maximum amount of room for the developing baby. The term used to describe this is intrauterine constraint. Symptoms of intrauterine constraint can include back pain, tailbone discomfort, abdominal and groin strain.
In some cases, this constraint restricts the baby’s positions during pregnancy adversely affecting his/her developing spine and cranium. Additionally, these limitations on the baby’s movement during pregnancy may prevent him/her from getting into the best possible position for birth. Such positions lead to longer more painful labors with increased medical interventions in birth. Often c-sections are resorted to and both the mother and baby miss the many benefits of a natural vaginal birth.

The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the ICPA, is a specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers. Working to correct sacral subluxations, this technique balances pelvic muscles and ligaments in the woman’s pelvis, removes constraint and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. Dr. Webster instructed many Doctors of Chiropractic in this technique and their combined results showed a high success rate in allowing babies in the breech position to go into the normal head down or vertex position. Because of its ability to facilitate easier, safer deliveries for both the mother and baby, many birth care providers are actively seeking Doctors of Chiropractic with the skills in this technique.Postnatal chiropractic care restores spinal mobility and assists with any injuries experienced during the delivery. This is an important time to bring balance to your spine and minimize the strains involved with caring for your new baby. It is also important to have your newborn assessed by a chiropractor in the first few weeks following birth. Regular paediatric check ups help with proper development throughout childhood. Research has documented that chiropractic assists in the care of childhood conditions such as colic, allergies, ear infections and asthma. Chiropractic is a natural health care option for both mom and baby.

Dr. Randall Trester is a chiropractor with a practice focused in the areas of pre & post natal care, pediatric care and family wellness. His passion is to share the powerful effects that chiropractic care has on general health, pregnancy and children. He helps people lead healthier lives by focusing on wellness and prevention.  He has a family practice in Kitsilano at West 1st Chiropractic Wellness Centre. Contact Dr. Trester at (604)736-8353 or at www.drrandalltrester.com