There are so many emotions to navigate through when finding out you’re pregnant. Whether you have longed for a positive pregnancy test or this was a complete surprise, emotions and thoughts flow through your brain at what seems to be 1000 mph. “Is it a boy or girl?! How will my body do this? Who do I need to call and tell first?! How will we announce it on Instagram? What about the nursery? Will they go to private or public school? When do we start a college fund….???” It’s like everything starts to spin out of control and escalate. The list really does seem never-ending! And don’t get us started on the number of opinions and questions that start to flood in after telling people the good news!
Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay.
Let’s start with two of the most important questions to ask yourself first:
- “What kind of pregnancy do I want?”
- “Who is going to help me achieve that?”
In this article, we will explore what Prenatal Chiropractic is, the common (BUT NOT NORMAL) symptoms of pregnancy, and the available care options to create the healthiest human beings.
If you feel like you’ve heard so many opinions and options and are running like a chicken with your head cut off, trying to find where to turn to for answers and help during your pregnancy, then this article is for you!
What is Prenatal Chiropractic?
Prenatal Chiropractic Care is a specialized form of chiropractic that encompasses two (2) different elements that greatly benefit both mom and baby on this incredible journey:
- We provide safe, gentle, and effective adjustments that help mom’s nervous system better relax and make room for the growing baby, and keep mom strong and ready for a natural birth and optimal transition to motherhood.
- Our office also provides an incredibly empowering and supportive environment where expecting moms and dads can ask the tough questions, access incredible resources, and feel confident throughout their journey.
Taking it one step further, the kind of chiropractic care we provide within the PX Docs Network goes beyond just typical structural-based chiropractic care and focuses entirely on mom’s nervous system.
The umbilical cord connecting that developing baby to mom is not just there to carry oxygen and nutrients, but it’s also the neurological “power cord” that connects mom’s nervous system to her baby’s. In today’s world, where we have more stress, tension, and anxiety than ever before, the Neurologically-Focused Prenatal Chiropractic Care that we offer, therefore acts as a crucial component of keeping both mom and baby’s nervous system healthy, calm, and clear of interference all along the way!
The Role of the Nervous System in Pregnancy
A regulated and well-balanced nervous system is of utmost importance during pregnancy, as it profoundly influences both the expectant mother’s health and the developing baby’s well-being. The nervous system acts as the master control center, coordinating and regulating all body functions, from basic physiological processes to complex hormonal interactions. And now your nervous system has to do “double” the job, controlling all of your bodily functions and baby’s too.
During pregnancy, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for involuntary actions, plays a crucial role. The ANS consists of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS is what comes to life when you are under duress and experiencing stress. You might have heard it referred to as fight or flight. The PNS is the branch that helps us calm down, relax, and function once again after the stress has passed. To learn more about the parasympathetic nervous system and the Vagus Nerve that controls and regulates most of it, check out our blogs or visit pxdocs.com. But this wildly important parasympathetic side of the nervous system is not just responsible for rest and relaxation; it’s in charge of growth and development as well, making it perhaps the single most important system to pay attention to during the prenatal period (and postpartum as well). If mom’s nervous system is not in optimal growth and development mode, how can baby’s be?
A well-regulated and optimally balanced nervous system is essential for both mom and baby’s optimal well-being. When the nervous system is in a state of balance, it promotes better hormonal regulation, blood flow, and immune function, creating an optimal environment for the baby’s growth and development. It also contributes to the mother’s overall wellbeing, reducing stress levels, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.
The Role of Stress and Subluxation in Pregnancy
Unfortunately, an imbalanced or dysregulated nervous system can lead to various health challenges during pregnancy. High levels of stress and anxiety lead to constant activation of the SNS and can contribute to complications like elevated blood pressure, decreased blood flow to the placenta, and potential adverse effects on fetal development.
Experiencing occasional stress is as normal as it gets, but unfortunately, today, too many women experience moderate to high levels of stress far too often. And sadly, our current medicalized system of prenatal care only adds to that stress, fear, anxiety, and disempowerment, it seems, with each and every visit to the doctor, additional ultrasound or exam, and so forth.
This ongoing and overwhelming stress is called subluxation. When subluxation is present, the entire nervous system shifts into an excessive sympathetic dominant state, increasing the tension on not just the nerves and muscles but also organs, glands, digestive system, and more. It even leads to its own “perfect storm” vicious cycle where now stress and anxiety are increased once again, other health challenges and concerns set in, and more trouble brews as the pregnancy goes on.
Drug-Free Care Options for Pregnancy-Related Health Challenges
Fortunately, there are care options available to help pregnant women manage their stress and greatly improve their quality of life while their bodies are adapting to these new changes.
Often by the time pregnant women learn about the things we just covered with subluxation and the nervous system, they have tried all of the medications, homeopathics, teas, nutrition hacks, and physical therapies for pregnancy symptoms like heartburn, reflux, morning sickness, and pelvic pain.
As most of these things are great, they aren’t fully addressing the root causes of pregnancy-related health challenges. If you want to tackle these issues head-on and not only reduce the symptoms and health challenges you’re experiencing but also optimize your entire body and nervous system throughout the pregnancy, then Neurologically-Focused Prenatal Chiropractic is perfect for you!
HOW TO GET THE HELP YOU NEED
Being pregnant can be one of the most rewarding, exciting, and joyous times of our lives. But it can also feel very scary and overwhelming. Just remember that you are not alone, and you have choices when it comes to the pregnancy that you want and to the type of healthcare that you want supporting you along the way.
The earlier you are able to optimize and improve your neurological function, the better your pregnancy and birth outcomes will be for both you and your baby. The best place to start on this journey is with a consultation here at Family First Chiropractic of Verona. Remember, you are not alone in this pregnancy journey, and we’re on your team! Take the first step and find the doctor, the care, and the community you and your baby deserve.
