Pregnancy Care

A pregnant woman’s body goes through an extraordinary amount of changes. Along with a better diet, exercise and avoiding drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, chiropractic care should be an essential part of a pregnant woman’s healthcare regimen. Studies have shown more than 60% of pregnant women will complain of back pain at some point during their pregnancy. Not only do the muscles start to strain due to the weight gain, but the pelvis starts modifying to prepare for the process of birth (which can cause ligament pain in the lower abdomen). In addition, many pregnant women complain of symptoms of sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome due to the pressure on nerves from weight gain and swelling.

Chiropractic is gentle and safe for the pregnant woman and her baby, and can be especially appealing to those who are trying to avoid medications during their pregnancy. Chiropractic has been shown to be effective for many different problems associated with pregnancy of which a few of the most common are listed below.

Back pain                               Abdominal pain                        Hip pain

Sciatica                                   Carpal Tunnel                         IT Band Syndrome

Heart burn (acid reflux)         Constipation                           Breech presentation of fetus

When I showed up for the first time at Meridian Family Chiropractic, I was literally hunched over from the pain I was experiencing. I was 6 months pregnant and my son was positioned so that my sciatic nerve was being pinched. I was in so much pain that I would cry, and was forced to sleep in a lounge chair. My doctor referred me to a physical therapist, but after a few weeks of treatment, I saw no improvement. I then saw a massage therapist that specialized in prenatal massages, but that didn’t work either. Then I went to a neurologist. He gave me a shot in the area of the pain, but that only helped for a few days. I was about to give up when my husband suggested I see a chiropractor.  It only took a few visits with Dr. Smith for me to feel relief. I received treatment over the next 2 months and aside from the normal pains of pregnancy, I was feeling great. I am so grateful to Dr. Smith for easing my pain. There is no way I could have made it through the rest of my pregnancy without Dr. Smith’s help. My son, Holden, was born in December and I have decided to forgive him for the pain he put me through.

— Julie H.