Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy in Barrie
Pregnancy brings significant physical changes. As your baby grows, changes in body weight, posture and your centre of gravity can place additional demands on the muscles and joints of the lower back, pelvis and hips.
Dr. Sarah Racicot is a mother of three and understands first-hand how much the body changes throughout pregnancy. She enjoys working with pregnant patients and modifies treatment according to each patient’s stage of pregnancy, individual needs and comfort level.
At Integrated Health Connections, a specially designed pregnancy pillow is available to accommodate a growing belly and allow face-down positioning when comfortable.
Back and Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
It is not uncommon to experience new musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, your growing belly shifts your centre of gravity and changes the physical demands placed on your lower back and pelvis. Hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy can also affect the way the joints and surrounding tissues respond to everyday activities.
These changes may contribute to discomfort involving the lower back, pelvis, hips and surrounding muscles.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on assessing and treating musculoskeletal concerns. Treatment is individualized and may include chiropractic techniques, soft tissue therapy, mobilization and recommendations for movement or other supportive strategies when appropriate.
How is Chiropractic Care Modified During Pregnancy?
Treatment is adapted throughout pregnancy with your comfort and changing body in mind. Dr. Sarah uses positioning and techniques appropriate for each stage of pregnancy and works within each patient’s individual comfort level.
The pregnancy pillow can accommodate a growing belly and allows many patients to comfortably lie face down for part of their treatment. Dr. Sarah may also use soft tissue techniques to address muscular tension and discomfort involving the lower back, hips and buttocks.
Postpartum Musculoskeletal Concerns
The physical demands on your body do not end with delivery. Recovery from pregnancy and childbirth occurs alongside new activities such as feeding, carrying your baby, lifting car seats and repeatedly bending over cribs, change tables and strollers.
Musculoskeletal concerns involving the back, neck, shoulders or pelvis can be assessed to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
Physical Demands of Parenting
Think about how many times each day you:
- Lift your baby or child
- Carry a child on your hip
- Lift a child into or out of a crib
- Strap a child into a car seat
- Push or lift a stroller
- Bend over a bathtub or change table
- Sit or play on the floor
- Bend repeatedly to pick up toys
These everyday activities can place considerable physical demands on your back, neck and shoulders. Paying attention to lifting technique, positioning and ergonomics can help reduce unnecessary strain as you care for your child.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy or after your baby arrives, contact Integrated Health Connections to schedule an assessment with Dr. Sarah Racicot and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.