Cincinnati Rehabilitation Center - Congratulations! You're Pregnant

PREGNANCY

Congratulations, from Dr. Bender and all of the staff from the Cincinnati Rehabilitation Center!

While there are many exciting changes about to happen in your life, physically, emotionally and socially, and we want to assure you that chiropractic care is just what you need to help you through these next few months and beyond.

You may have heard very confusing and diverse opinions from friends and family who were either very pro-chiropractic or others who would never consider going to a Doctor of Chiropractic for care during your pregnancy. Your Obstetrician may have tried to dissuade you from getting care for your spine due to their misunderstanding about what chiropractic adjustments can do for you as your body goes through some dramatic, but normal changes in preparation to deliver your newborn.

Of course every case is different, and our recommendations will be made based on your individual needs and personal history. We like to see our patients on the same schedule as the mother is seeing their midwife or OB - typically, once a month for the first two trimesters, then twice a month and, finally, once weekly for the 4-6 weeks prior to delivery. These recommendations are for the maintenance of a healthy spine during the gestational period.

Keeping your spine subluxation-free during pregnancy does not guarantee the "ideal" labor, but will allow your body to function optimally, thereby minimizing the likelihood that intervention will be necessary. Furthermore, our office specializes in the Activator Method of chiropractic adjusting, which emphasizes the safe, specific and scientific manner of adjusting the spine, which reduces any possible impediment to an adjustment.

There is no reason why a woman should not seek chiropractic care while pregnant. She should, however, make sure that the practitioner she chooses is proficient in caring for the perinatal woman and child. As with any patient, the chiropractor should take a detailed history to determine if there is a specific clinical reason why the patient should not be adjusted in a certain area. Or, if a specific technique needs to be modified in any way. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a wonderful way to maintain optimum health for both the mother and the child. Additionally, since this is a time when chemical intervention for the treatment of symptoms should be avoided at all costs, chiropractic care can safely and effectively help with musculoskeletal pain, nausea, headaches and a host of other conditions.

Finally, we believe that it's even more important for the mother and the newborn to also receive an adjustment soon after release from the birthing center: For mom - to ease the mechanical stresses to the pelvic area from labor and delivery. For the newborn - to correct the first subluxation that is induced by the birthing process, which often involves pulling upon and twisting of the head and neck, while turning the baby to present the shoulders. It is believed that this initial insult to the infant's spine and nervous system can lead to colic, ear infections, asthma or even nursing difficulties.

Our family practice would like for all the members of your family to have the greatest chance at a healthy, happy life. Our doctors and staff want you to enjoy a pain free pregnancy during this special period in your life. Feel free to call if you have any questions or to schedule your appointment today!!