Prepping for pregnancy
Birthing a baby isn’t child’s play
PREGNANCY and giving birth is a wonderful experience but it can take its toll. Many changes occur as your body grows a new person; gaining weight increases the load on the lower back.
A hormone called relaxin prepares you to allow your baby to leave the comfort of the womb and enter the world by relaxing the ligaments in your pelvis. One of the undesirable effects of this miracle is that pain can arise in the pelvis and lower back due to the instability it creates, so what can you do about it?
Most expectant mothers are cautious about the drugs and chemicals they use during pregnancy, and for good reason. Many chemicals can cross the placental barrier to your bub. Aspirin and ibuprofen are generally not recommended during pregnancy.
When performed correctly, chiropractic can be a safe and effective method to reduce pain during pregnancy. Talk with your chiropractor about the techniques they use so they can tailor their approach to suit you.
A recent study showed chiropractic adjustments assist pelvic floor muscle relaxation in pregnant women, which may have positive effects on the birth process.
Think of the birth process this way: it is probably the most demanding physical thing you will have to do, aside from continually cleaning up after your child as they grow up. The pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are about to be put through their paces to safely deliver your baby.
If you had signed up to a marathon you would probably do some sort of training to get your body ready for game day.
When planning to get pregnant, it would be very beneficial to begin a strengthening and fitness routine to prepare your body.
Core and pelvic floor strength you gain prior to pregnancy will assist your recovery after giving birth and can help reduce the risk of incontinence.
If you are already pregnant it is not wise to begin a radical form of exercise that you are not used to. Keep workouts light to moderate with regular walking.
Gentle core and Kegel (pelvic floor) exercises are well worth the time investment. If you already have an exercise routine, keep it up but bear in mind the changes mentioned earlier and make alterations as your pregnancy continues. It is best to talk with your doctor or maternity team, especially if your pregnancy is more complex than usual.
Some women wanting to return to exercise after pregnancy struggle with back and pelvic pain, especially if the birth process was tougher than expected.
Continuing chiropractic care after giving birth may also benefit your body’s ability to return to better function so you can regain your strength through exercise now you have your bundle of joy.
‘‘ WHEN PLANNING TO GET PREGNANT, IT WOULD BE VERY BENEFICIAL TO BEGIN A STRENGTHENING AND FITNESS ROUTINE TO PREPARE YOUR BODY.