Hi, I’m Dr. Ange Wellman from the Wellman Clinic in Peterborough, Ontario and if you are interested in having a more comfortable pregnancy and easier labour then today’s video is for you.
Let me ask you a question mom-to-be….to this point in your pregnancy have you given any thought to the important role that your pelvis plays not only in the position of your baby but to the enjoyment of your pregnancy and the comfort of your labour?
If your answer is no you are not alone…not many women do.
Here are 3 reasons why it’s important to consider:
Reason # 1:
Your pelvis is the passage.
What I mean by this is quite literally your pelvis is the passage through which your baby must travel in order to be born. (show pelvis on spine model). When you look at this does it not make sense that you would want that pelvis to be as optimally aligned as possible?
Reason # 2:
Pelvic misalignment can cause a considerable amount of pain and discomfort throughout pregnancy making it hard to enjoy this incredible time in your life.
Reason # 3:
The tension in your pelvis might be causing “interuterine constraint” which is a term for external forces that can affect the position of the developing fetus.
What causes pelvic misalignment?
There are two main contributors to pelvic misalignment – the first is hormones and the second is gravity.
Early on in your pregnancy your hormones begin to change causing your ligaments to loosen up or become lax – one of the effects of this can be an increase in joint instability especially in the pelvic area and especially if you have suffered from low back or pelvic pain in the past and/or you have suffered an injury to your pelvis.
The other contributing factor is the change in your centre of gravity that happens as your belly expands through pregnancy. As your COG shifts more forward there is an increase in the stress and strain on the low back and pelvis.
These changes can lead to pain and discomfort in the pelvis and can make labour longer and more difficult. The good news is there are things that can help.
Here are 5 simple things that can benefit your pelvis during pregnancy:
- Get your spine and pelvis checked by a chiropractor that specializes in working with pregnant women. Chiropractic adjustments can help offset the changes in the pelvis and ensure that the passage is primed and ready for your baby’s delivery.
- Move your body
- Keep your pelvic floor strong
- Avoid prolonged sitting and standing
- Wear flat shoes (good footwear)
Pelvic alignment is important for a healthy, natural labour.
If you are wondering how you can improve yours please reach out for a complimentary 15 minute consultation to see how Chiropractic can help you have a healthy pregnancy.
Until next time…
Live Well for Life!