Our approach includes hands on therapies and education, which help the woman adapt to the changes her body goes through during pregnancy. Structural changes and associated symptoms, which may occur during pregnancy, include:

      • Increased curve of the low back
      • Changes in center of gravity
      • Alteration of gait and "flattening" of feet
      • Increased laxity in joints (especially pelvis and low back)
      • Mid-back pain related to increased breast size and postural changes
      • Hip pain
      • Pain when rising from a seated/lying position, and sciatica

The muscles of the pelvic floor are key stabilization muscles creating core strength. During pregnancy their role is increased due to the increased stress of carrying the baby. It is extremely important for the pelvic floor muscles to be balanced throughout the pregnancy. If the piriformis muscles are too tight bilaterally, the mother will complain of a tight band of pain across her low back. If only one side is tight, sciatic nerve pain may occur on the opposite side. She may complain of pubic bone pain, cramping above the pubic area and possibly difficult urination when the pelvic floor muscles are not balanced.

Using a variety of low-force adjusting techniques, we help restore and maintain normal motion in the joints throughout the spine and pelvis. This removes any nerve irritation or interference that may be occurring as the mother's body adapts to her growing baby. She also uses a combination of myofascial release, soft tissue techniques, and stretches to further support and balance the involved ligaments and muscles.

A wide variety of presentations walk into our office. Most commonly, Dr Thauberger works with: low back and groin pain related to pregnancy, sciatica, heartburn, carpal tunnel presentation, headaches, hip pain, difficulty with gait and associated foot/ankle pain, mid-back pain/stiffness. Dr Thauberger has studied the Webster Technique for helping breech babies turn on their own. Helping the uterus be in proper position give the baby the best chance he/she needs to position on its own, assuming that no other conditions such as a shortened cord, a dis-position placenta, etc. are present.

Chiropractic care before and during pregnancy is an essential element of your pre-natal care choices. Obstetrical texts report that difficult labors are caused by pelvic imbalances and it's resulting effects on your uterus and the baby's position. Care at Leon Valley Chiropractic restores balance to your pelvic muscles and ligaments, which leads to easier births with fewer interventions such as pitocin, forceps, vacuum extractions and cesarean sections. Chiropractic adjustments not only reduce physical aches and pains, they remove interference on your nervous system allowing your uterus to function at maximal potential, and your baby to get into an optimal position for birth. This supports safer and more satisfying labor and deliveries.

New baby exam and treatment - This is an opportunity to get your new baby checked right away. This gentle exam evaluates your baby's nervous system making sure there is not interference to it, which could lead to reflux colic, breast-feeding difficulties, decreased respiratory function, or other common pediatric health issues.

Questions & answers regarding chiropractic & pregnancy:

1. Is chiropractic safe in pregnancy?
Chiropractic is very safe and very sensible for both mother and baby.

2. Is it difficult to receive a chiropractic adjustment when pregnant?
Not at all. Chiropractors are trained in adjusting the spines of pregnant women and many chiropractic adjusting tables have special modifications and pillows for the pregnant figure.

3. How late in pregnancy is it possible to get an adjustment?
Patients have received adjustments even during labor, as that is when movement/shifting happens in the mother's pelvic area.

4. Can back pain be helped with chiropractic?
Chiropractic is not a treatment or therapy for back or spinal pain. However, with chiropractic spinal adjustments the body will be better able to heal its back and spinal pain, as well as many other health problems. Studies have shown a significant decrease in back and labor pains in mothers receiving chiropractic care.

5. Should I be worried about seeing a chiropractor when I am pregnant?
Not at all. Chiropractic should be used as preventive maintenance. Periodic spinal checkups during pregnancy should be as common as periodic weight checkups.

6. Can my baby receive chiropractic?
Infants ten minutes old have been given spinal checkups and adjustments, if needed.