Nothing affects a woman’s body like pregnancy. People often think about the hormones, changes in dietary requirements and stretch marks. But we often overlook the fact that their body’s structure is changing to make room for the growing baby. A woman’s entire posture changes during pregnancy: her belly rounds out, causing the curve of her back to become more pronounced. Her center of gravity shifts forward and ligaments become looser. It’s no wonder that all these changes can cause skeletal differences that may be painful. Drs. George and Stefanie Olar at 360 Chiropractic in Lacey treat many pregnant women to help them stay more comfortable during pregnancy.
“Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother,” explains Dr. Stefanie. “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 undergo many changes and adaptations to compensate for the growing baby and the risk of interference to her nervous system is increased.”
The Webster Technique
It’s important for anyone working with pregnant women, in any vocation, to have an understanding of the special needs they require. This is vitally important in chiropractic care. Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), developed the Webster technique after one of his daughter’s went through a particularly long and arduous labor with her first child. The technique was created specifically to balance the pelvis and can be utilized on anyone suffering from misalignment in the pelvis, muscles and ligaments.
Chiropractors wishing to use this technique go through special training to receive certification. “Specific chiropractic care throughout pregnancy works with enhancing nervous system function providing greater health potential for both the mother and baby,” shares Dr. Stefanie, who is certified in the Webster Technique. “The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.”
Pregnant women often suffer from pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). This is due to stiffness of the pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at with the front or the back of the pelvis. The doctors at 360 Chiropractic can help ease pelvic discomfort and help to optimize mother’s pelvic function for a safer, easier birth. Rachael H. has been a patient at 360 Chiropractic for about 10 years. “I am currently on my second pregnancy,” she says. “I have seen Dr. George and Dr. Stefanie through both of my pregnancies and would highly recommend them to any pregnant woman. I got adjustments through both pregnancies and it helped so much with the discomfort! My labor with my first child was only seven hours and I believe it was because of Dr. George and Dr. Stefanie.”
Some may think being in discomfort is just “part of being pregnant” but Drs. George and Stefanie know that’s not true. An imbalanced pelvis can affect uterine nerve function and may even be the cause of a baby not getting into the optimum position for birthing. According to the ICPA, “The Webster Technique helps achieve a state of balance in the pelvis that may contribute to a safer, easier birth outcome…(Dr. Webster) noticed that in most cases, when women had a breech presentation, these babies would turn themselves to the more desirable, head down position!”
“I was under chiropractic care during my first pregnancy with Dr. George at 360 Chiropractic and I truly believe that’s what assisted in making my delivery such a smooth and unnecessarily uneventful experience,” shares Tina V. “Dr. George is skilled and knowledgeable in specialized chiropractic techniques that are incredibly helpful during pregnancy. I am currently pregnant with my second and don’t know what I’d do without my chiropractic care!”
Certified doctors like Dr. Stefanie are helping alleviate the causes of dystocia for safer births by contributing to ICPA’s ongoing research. They work supportively and cooperatively alongside your midwife, doula, and obstetrician to have an increased chance for a better birthing experience. It’s a commitment to helping women and children that both Drs. George and Stefanie are serious about.
There is nothing fun about a pelvis that is unbalanced. It can cause back and groin pain, and even make it hard to walk…and that’s for anyone. For pregnant woman, pelvic imbalance can also cause issues with the birthing process, on top of daily discomfort. The Webster Technique helps balance the pelvis to correct sacral subluxations and sacral iliac dysfunction, when these things are corrected, positive changes can occur including correction of baby malposition, pelvic contraction, and dystocia.
To learn more, visit the ICPA website. To schedule an appointment, visit the 360 Chiropractic website or call 360.923.0360.
360 Chiropractic
5101 Lacey Blvd SE, Lacey
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