Talk about the perfect pregnancy preparation: my lifelong passion for an electrified anatomical operation game coerced me into the chiropractic profession. I’ve often wondered if my parents would have known that when they replaced the batteries in my Operation game far more times than they felt comfortable with. It was pure amusement, switching out the batteries in the game’s rib cage, whose vital organs attached tenderly, wires attached, ready to be snipped by a young child’s clumsy fingers. Almost 20 years later, here I am directing expectant mums navigating the fascinating world of chiropractic during pregnancy in Singapore.
My fate shifted when, during sophomore year in college, I cracked my roommate’s back while hugging her goodnight. She had been complaining about aches and pains for dropped to the floor, her neck pain apparently gone, a light went off in my head. Chiropractic care was my calling. Here was a field in which my talent for ‘adjusting’ others could flourish, and more importantly, where I could make a difference in the world, especially for families-to be.
Next, lets delve into one of the most important aspect of chiropractic that deserves to be understood by all pregnant women in Singapore.
Understanding Optimal Fetal Positioning
Optimal fetal positioning means that a baby is in its head-down, back-facing-mom position with the chin tucked to the chest. It is the ideal way for a baby to be in the womb for its own and mother’s safety and ease of birthing.
But sometimes, due to poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle or pelvic misalignment, that baby tucks into poor positioning, which is where chiropractic can come in.
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The Role of Chiropractic Care in Fetal Positioning
The chiropractic care offered in pregnancy, especially at Chirotherapy, concentrates on the pelvic alignment and spinal health in order to make sure the proper amount of space is available to make room for the baby to move and settle into the best position.
We have techniques, such as the Webster Technique, that are geared toward addressing pelvic misalignment in pregnant women, which creates the opportunity for the baby to be in the best position possible for birth: the infant’s spine, head and chest are in alignment for passage through the birth canal.
#Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Fetal Positioning
1. More pelvic space: The alignment creates more space in the pelvis, which then allows the baby more movement and room to what Alexander called ‘primary control’ — or, you guessed it, to tuck in correctly.
2. Less discomfort: The move often allows the mother to feel better, since her carrying baby is in a more comfortable position, resulting in relief from common pregnancy discomforts.
3. Potential for easier labour: when the baby is in the optimal position for birthing, labour can be easier (and sometimes shorter) than if the fetus is out of position.
When to Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
A lot of our patients ask us if it is better to start chiropractic care during pregnancy as early as possible, specifically if it is important to start care even before there are symptoms of nervous system interference. While it is not too late to start chiropractic care during pregnancy at any stage of pregnancy, we prefer to start care as early as possible during first trimester of pregnancy. Once we correct interference we then continue care to maintain proper pelvic balance.
That said, we make no assumption about the point at which it can help – we have been successful with people as late as their third trimester who have received dramatic improvement in positioning and comfort.
Tips for Maintaining Optimal Fetal Positioning
Even as you’re receiving chiropractic care, there are certain things you can do at home that promote optimal foetal positioning:
1. Practice good posture: Sit up straight and avoid slouching.
2. Sit on a birth ball: Because the pelvis is slightly tilted forward when we sit, this can help the baby remain high up in the pelvis and, theoretically, encourage the baby to face the mother’s back.
3. Sleep in a new way: sleeping left side up with a pillow in between your knees can keep pelvic alignment.
4. Keep moving: Regular gentle exercise can prevent your pelvis from stiffening, enabling your muscles to stay loose.
Things to Take Note Of
While chiropractic during pregnancy is generally safe, it’s important to:
1. Find the right provider: In our clinic, all the chiropractors have taken specific training in prenatal chiropractic care.
2. Communicate with your healthcare providers: Keep your obstetrician informed about your chiropractic care.
3. Listen to your body: If something doesn’t feel right, speak up.
The Chirotherapy Difference
To fit your needs as a pregnant woman in Singapore, the Chiropractors at Chirotherapy offers traditional chiropractic care adjusted to the pregnant patient’s unique physiological changes, including those that affect the musculoskeletal system, and utilising knowledge about optimal foetal positioning and maternal health.
Keep in mind, every pregnancy is different and what works for some women won’t work for others. That’s why we begin every care plan with a thorough evaluation and tailor each intervention for the specific needs of our pregnant client.
Thus, if you are pregnant or have recently had your baby and would like to know how chiropractic care can help you and your newborn, give us a call! You might catch the chiropractic ‘bug’ during pregnancy like I caught the ‘Operation’ bug – but there won’t be any buzzing sounds coming from your adjustment. That’s strictly for board games!
