Relieving Pregnancy Discomfort: How Chiropractic and Massage Can Help

Pregnancy is a wonderful, but sometimes stressful time for many women. The physical and hormonal changes are meant to prepare the body for human life and can take a toll on many systems, especially the circulatory and digestive ones. While most pregnancy discomforts are normal, there are things that can be done to help reduce or alleviate these symptoms.

One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back pain. This can be caused by the shifting of weight, stretching of round ligaments supporting the enlarged uterus, or the change in posture and movement due to the expanding bump. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between the knees, wearing shoes with low heels and good arch support, and using a heating pad can help relieve this discomfort.

In the later stages of pregnancy, it is common to feel lower pelvic/groin discomfort on either side. This is also due to the stretching of these ligaments and is usually relieved with rest, a back massage and warm compresses.

Hemorrhoids are a common pregnancy discomfort that occurs due to the increased blood volume in the large uterus and the pressure on the veins from the expanding abdomen. Avoiding constipation, drinking lots of fluids, eating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and psyllium and taking over-the-counter laxatives can all help with this problem.

Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting) is a common pregnancy discomfort that can be caused by the rising levels of progesterone in the body. Eating small, frequent bland meals, trying ginger or chamomile tea and getting plenty of rest can help relieve this issue. Fatigue is another common pregnancy discomfort that can be caused by the hormone changes, increased energy demands of the fetus and stress.

Stretching and exercise, keeping the pelvic floor muscles and core strong, and using a support belt can all help to minimize this discomfort. In addition, staying hydrated, sleeping on a firm mattress and following smart sleep habits, such as avoiding bright screens just before bed and a relaxing bedtime routine, are all important for maintaining good health during pregnancy.

Visiting a chiropractor who is trained in prenatal care can be very beneficial for relieving pregnancy discomforts. Chiropractors use a combination of techniques including joint manipulation (which may cause that popping sound) and soft tissue work, to prevent pregnant people from experiencing muscular tightness, nerve compression and misalignment.

In addition to these techniques, a therapeutic prenatal massage can improve the results of chiropractic treatments, as well as reduce tension and anxiety. In fact, studies have shown that receiving massage therapy prior to a chiropractic adjustment can actually make the adjustments more effective. This is because the loosened muscles are then more receptive to improved positioning and alignment. This is why combining massage and chiropractic care has become an effective treatment option for a number of health conditions. In addition, a therapeutic prenatal massage can increase the serotonin in your brain which is known to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. To learn more about prenatal massage therapy visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.