The Newest Research
In 2019, studies have shown that chiropractic care is an effective protocol in aiding the breech presentation in the birthing process. Annually about 4 percent of women report to their obstetrician with a fetus in breech presentation, or rather when the fetus us not head down but rather has their buttocks or feet closer to the cervix. Expectant mothers notice their baby is in a breech position most notably by symptoms such as heavy pressure on the pelvis, kicks felt to the pelvis or to the ribcage.
Drawing Conclusions
The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health Chiropractic did a recent case study which found positive health outcomes following Chiropractic care of a pregnant patient with a transverse lie fetal position. Throughout the case study, a patient at 27 weeks pregnant was adjusted 29 times using Webster Technique (developed particularly for prenatal women) and had pre and post confirming the transition of the fetus from breech to a vertical position with the head facing downward. Another study in 2012, a pregnant patient of 30 weeks with twins was diagnosed by her obstetrician of breech positioning, underwent 5 adjustments over 3 weeks. Her obstetrician confirmed that the involved twin was in proper vertical position post treatment and the patient had a successful drug free, vaginal birth one month after the initial visit to the chiropractor.
Healthy Mother and Baby
The conventional resolution to a breech fetus at the point of delivery, is a cesarean procedure but there is a complication to both mother and baby. Infection, hemorrhage, injury to organs and a risk of additional surgeries are possibilities for birthing mothers let alone the possible risks to the infant including breathing problems, lower APGAR scores and possible fetal injury during the procedure. Prior to delivery, the established method of turning fetus is through External Cephalic Version or ECV. This involves the doctor using their hands to manipulate the baby’s position by forcefully pushing on the mother’s belly and abdomen to turn the baby from the outside. One obstetrician stated that the procedure reports a 50/50 success rate of turn and it is very uncomfortable and painful for women. The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects on pelvic joint dysfunction and in doing so, function in the sacral/pelvic region is improved. Relaxing the tense muscles and ligaments around the pelvis, may allow the baby to comfortably assume the best position for birth.
Four Ways to Have a Healthy Pregnancy
1. Awareness of Stress
The first step in a healthy term is decreasing stress and the level of the stress hormone known as cortisol, that can increase up to 4 times more than normal whilst pregnant. Gentle stretching, breathing exercises, meditation and regular sleeping cycles can reduce high tense and anxious moments to aid in the body’s balance to stress.
2. Chiropractic Care
Prenatal patients experiencing pelvic discomfort, lower back and sacrum pain have garnered relief throughout their term of pregnancy and being under chiropractic care. Low force techniques such as Webster and Thompson technique allow the misalignment of the body to be corrected, ligaments to be relaxed and the nervous system to be in balance for the birth of the newborn child.
3. Nutrition
Food is a crucial part of life and especially during pregnancy. Having enough carbohydrates for energy is key that comes from whole foods such as lentils, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Decreasing trans fats such as vegetable and canola oils can reduce the chances of hypertension, obesity in the child and Diabetes Mellitus. Using ghee and avocado oil to cook hot food, wild caught fish and avocados can introduce good healthy fats into Mother’s and baby’s system before birth to help with absorbing nutrients and to produce important hormones. It is important to remember that though weight gain occurs during pregnancy, which some woman are self-conscious of during this time, it is important to remember that undernourished mothers can produce less milk by 30% and lower calorie milk by up to 20% so proper food intake is key during and after pregnancy.
4. Movement
It is helpful for your body to adapt for the pregnancy by incorporating low impact exercises such as walking or yoga. In addition to exercising, stretches are equally as important to be prepared for your birth.
If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!
