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“Research is revealing that chiropractic care can play a crucial role during pregnancy, labor and delivery” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. “The research showing that chiropractic can benefit women during pregnancy is growing” added Dr. McCoy.
“It makes a lot of sense when you think about it” stated Dr. McCoy. “The most common cause for slowed fetal growth is placental insufficiency due to an inadequate supply of nutrients and oxygen for normal growth. If obstructions to these important factors can be removed then it’s no wonder the mother and baby respond.”
As pointed out in the paper, chiropractic can play a beneficial role during pregnancy and the birth process in cases where the mother is experiencing some type of distortion or twisting of her pelvis and related musculature that is interfering with the baby’s position or the delivery process.
“The goal is for all mothers to be checked prior to the time of delivery so that these problems can be corrected beforehand” remarked Dr. McCoy adding “Numerous case studies and some larger clinical studies have shown positive health outcomes during pregnancy following chiropractic and it’s time that health care providers started taking it seriously.”
Structural shifts in the spine, more commonly known as vertebral subluxations by doctors of chiropractic, result in nerve obstruction. These shifts and related obstructions may interfere with pregnancy and the birth process and doctors of chiropractic correct these obstructions.
The patient reported on in the study was a 29-year-old female who was 32 weeks pregnant. She was seeking a second opinion and was concerned about her baby’s slowed growth rate after being diagnosed with placental insufficiency.
Her obstetrician had confirmed a slowed growth rate from 28 weeks to 30 weeks and a reduction in head circumference. The consulting obstetrician was concerned about the health of the fetus, suggesting that an emergency caesarean section be performed if the growth rate did not improve.
The chiropractor examined the woman and found decreased spinal range of motion, and significant structural shifts in her neck, mid back, low back and pelvis.
The patient received chiropractic care for a total of 8 visits over 3 weeks. No other interventions, exercises or other interventions were administered in this time period either by the chiropractor or medically.
Following chiropractic the placental resistance was now shown to be normal limits and there was an increase and normalization in fetal growth. The patient was able to carry her pregnancy through to 37 weeks giving the fetus 3 to 4 more weeks to develop.
The authors of the study call for more research on the role of chiropractic care in pregnancy.
Contact Information:
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic
http://www.chiropracticpediatricresearch.net
drmatthewmccoy@gmail.com