For many women, becoming pregnant is one of the greatest joys of her life. Soon there will be a beautiful new baby entering the world and introducing her to the amazing world of motherhood! The pregnancy itself, on the other hand, can be a different story. As many mommies can attest, the physical changes that a woman must endure during pregnancy can take their toll. Among the most affected areas is the spine. Because of the weight changes, as well as the change in your center of gravity, the spine is susceptible to aches, pains and injuries from being extended in new, different ways.
Due to the extra weight being carried in front of you, a pregnant belly makes for a shift in the mother-to-be’s center of gravity, which can put excess strain on the lower back and lead to a more pronounced lordotic curve (inward curve) of her spine. This completely changes how the pregnant woman is able to bend forward and straighten up. As anyone who has ever had a baby can tell you, after about the sixth month of pregnancy, there is no such thing as being able to see your feet anymore, and you can forget about tying shoes, applying nail polish to your toes, or even shaving your legs without a mirror or supportive spouse to assist. This is all due to the decreased range of motion in your spine caused by your ever-growing belly bump.
As with any other part of your body, the prolonged hyperextension of your spine can lead to back problems down the road, long after you’ve given birth. Your spine can also become rotated during your pregnancy, which can lead to back pain and sciatica if left untreated. For pregnant women who are beginning to feel back pain, it may be in their best interest to consult a chiropractor for an adjustment to help alleviate the discomfort of spine changes during pregnancy.
Acorn Chiropractic Club is your chiropractor in Petaluma, CA. Chiropractors Dr. Jen Santos and Dr. Matt Santos can help address your pregnancy-related spinal concerns safely and affordably, with the health of you and your baby in mind. We are committed to providing safe, effective and affordable chiropractic care for the whole family! Contact Acorn Chiropractic Club today for more information about what we can do, and how we can help you feel like your best self!