Pregnancy is an especially stressful time for a woman's body. Throughout the pregnancy, both hormonal and postural changes take place, causing laxity in the connective ligaments and shifting of weight-bearing structures which is why at least half of all pregnant women tend to experience low back pain. In addition, women who have low back pain during pregnancy have a very high risk of recurrent low back pain during subsequent pregnancies.

As the center of gravity changes, so does the stress on the spine. Chiropractic can be quite beneficial, often helping to relieve the discomfort many expectant mothers experience. Chiropractic care helps normalize nervous system function which is an important component of overall good health. Chiropractic care may also play a key role in helping to support the musculoskeletal system, easing the strain on the back and legs.

The benefits of chiropractic care may also be noticed during delivery. Many patients report that their deliveries were faster and more comfortable than deliveries where no chiropractic care was received.

We will take special precautions with you during your pregnancy. Modifications to the table or adjusting techniques are made during each stage of pregnancy. Pamper yourself and your baby with regular chiropractic check ups.

Safe Exercise Guidelines During Pregnancy

1. Before you begin your exercise program, get your doctor's approval. Certain medical conditions may require modification or elimination of your workout plans.
2. Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercising, particularly in the hot or humid weather. This holds true for swimming as well, as an increase in core body temperature in the early stages of pregnancy may cause difficulties.
3. Always include a warm-up and a cool-down period when working muscles. Gentle stretches will prevent strains, joint injuries and muscle cramps. We recommend using Active Isolated Stretching as detailed under our stretching section for warm-ups.
4. Dress comfortably in clothes that keep sweat off your body and wear shoes that have proper heel cushioning to avoid injuries to the foot or Achilles tendon.
5. Don't over flex or over extend the knee joints, as with deep knee bends, unless your body is well-conditioned for these motions. During pregnancy, joints are more prone to injury due to the prevalence of the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which softens ligaments and tendons.
6. Stop exercising immediately if you experience symptoms such as chest pains, shortness-of-breath, uterine contractions or vaginal bleeding.
7. Eat a balanced diet, preferably five or six small meals or snacks per day, to replace the calories and glucose used by your working muscles during exercise.
8. Avoid exercising on your back after the first trimester or whenever you feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseated. The weight of your uterus puts pressure on the vein responsible for returning blood from the lower body to the heart.

Developmental Milestones

• Month 1: The embryo has a head and trunk. Limb buds have formed and will become arms and legs. The heart begins to beat. The baby weighs 1/3 of an ounce and is a half inch long.
• Month 2: The baby's sex will be determined. Spontaneous movements begin, toes begin to form and bones harden.
• Month 3: Baby has developed elbows, external ears and an upper lip. Fingernails now appear and baby is moving.
• Month 4: All 20 teeth are formed. Baby can now suck thumb, hair patterns developing. Baby weighs 3 oz. and is 6.3 inches long.
• Month 5: Loud noises may startle baby and girls will now develop ovaries. Baby now has hair and weighs 10 oz. and is 9.8" long.
• Month 6: Eyebrows are growing and baby is almost completely formed. Baby weighs 1.5 lbs. and is 11.8" long.
• Month 7: Baby can hear you and those around you and is aware of light and dark. Eyelashes develop. Baby weighs 2.4 lbs. and is 13.8" long.
• Month 8: Baby regulates own body temperature, irises dilate and contract in response to light. Body weighs 3.11 lbs. and is 15.8" long.
• Month 9: Baby gains an ounce a day and may get the hiccups.