Prenatal and Pregnancy Care

Carrying a child for 9 months of a pregnancy can be incredibly stressful on both mother and baby. Research indicates prenatal pregnancy care produces quicker, more comfortable births. During pregnancy, most women experience a number of neuromuscular and biochemical problems which respond favorably to gentle, safe, noninvasive chiropractic care. Regular chiropractic care helps keep mom functioning and feeling good while adapting to the physical stresses of an ever-changing body.

Neuromuscular and Biochemical Changes During Pregnancy

Several physiological and endocrinological changes occur in preparing an appropriate environment for the developing baby. Release of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy causes muscle and ligament relaxation and can allow joints to misalign. Further, pregnancy’s increased weight and changes in weight distribution can stress joints, muscles ligaments and other supportive soft tissues in the spinal and pelvic region and cause vertebral and sacroiliac joint misalignments. These alterations in spinal curvature biomechanics may lead to back and neck pain, sciatica and discomfort.

Benefits You May Experience

• Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
• Controlling symptoms of nausea
• Reducing the time of labor and delivery
• Relieving back, neck or joint pain
• Prevent a potential cesarean section
• Improving comfort for restful sleeping
• Minimize acid reflux
• Minimizing chance of Dystocia
• Minimizing chance of abnormal fetal positions

ICPA Recommendations for Care during Pregnancy

Establishing pelvic balance and optimizing the room a baby has for development throughout pregnancy is so vital that it is recommended by chiropractic’s most renowned governing body. With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth. In addition to positioning, Chiropractic can also play an imperative roll during all 3 trimesters to decrease nausea, increase energy, promote comfortable, restful sleep, and helping acid reflux, aches and pains common during pregnancy.

Making Room for the Newest Family Member

When the pelvis is misaligned it may cause a restriction known as an intrauterine constraint, reducing the amount of room available for the developing baby or making it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. Establishing pelvic balance and alignment through gentle adjustments and exercises is a great reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Expert ICPA Certified Doctor Provides Relief

Dr Kimberly Maxwell has sought additional training in prenatal, infertility and pregnancy wellness. She is versed in the needs of pregnant women, using prenatal chiropractic techniques to avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen and providing safe, helpful exercises and stretches to compliment your necessary adjustments.

The Webster technique

Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, the late Larry Webster, D.C., developed a specific chiropractic analysis and series of adjustments for pregnant women. Dr. Maxwell is one of just three Montana chiropractors certified to utilize the Webster Technique, which specifically balances the nerve communication, muscles and ligaments associated with the pelvis and uterus, allowing the baby and mom to get into the best position for a natural birth. Worry associated with breech and posterior presentations may be avoided. Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth also eliminates the potential for dystocia (difficult labor), resulting in easier and safer deliveries for both mother and baby.

Professional Links:

• International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)
• International Chiropractic Association Research (ICA)
• International Chiropractic Association FAQ (ICA)
• Montana Childbirth Collective
• Leleche League – Montana Chapters
• Dona
• The Cozy Nest – Bozeman area lactation specialist Rosie Seppi. 406.587.2755