Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic
adjustments provide relief from the increased low
back pain brought on by pregnancy. And scientific
studies have found that spinal manipulation
carries no increased risk to the pregnant woman
or her baby.
Chiropractic's non-drug, non-surgical approach to
back pain can be especially attractive to pregnant
women who are trying to avoid over-the-counter
and prescription drugs. Dr. Talleree Loebig can
also offer nutrition, ergonomic and exercise advice
that will help you avoid the discomforts of
pregnancy.
Chiropractic care can also be helpful after
childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and
delivery, the ligaments that loosened during
pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint
problems brought on during pregnancy from
improper lifting or reaching should be treated
before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy
state. In addition, as the upper and lower spine
return to normal, muscle tension, headaches, rib
discomfort and shoulder problems can result.
Your doctor of chiropractic can help.
adjustments provide relief from the increased low
back pain brought on by pregnancy. And scientific
studies have found that spinal manipulation
carries no increased risk to the pregnant woman
or her baby.
Chiropractic's non-drug, non-surgical approach to
back pain can be especially attractive to pregnant
women who are trying to avoid over-the-counter
and prescription drugs. Dr. Talleree Loebig can
also offer nutrition, ergonomic and exercise advice
that will help you avoid the discomforts of
pregnancy.
Chiropractic care can also be helpful after
childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and
delivery, the ligaments that loosened during
pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint
problems brought on during pregnancy from
improper lifting or reaching should be treated
before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy
state. In addition, as the upper and lower spine
return to normal, muscle tension, headaches, rib
discomfort and shoulder problems can result.
Your doctor of chiropractic can help.
Chiropractic Advice for Moms-to-Be - What You Should Know
The weight gain, the bloating, the nausea... Most new mothers will tell you that the aches and pains
of pregnancy are a small price to pay for the beautiful bundle of joy they're rewarded with nine
months later.
But as many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be
more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the
increased stress placed on the body by the baby, can sometimes result in severe discomfort.
The weight gain, the bloating, the nausea... Most new mothers will tell you that the aches and pains
of pregnancy are a small price to pay for the beautiful bundle of joy they're rewarded with nine
months later.
But as many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be
more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the
increased stress placed on the body by the baby, can sometimes result in severe discomfort.
In fact, studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low back pain at some
point during their pregnancy. This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby's head
presses down on a woman's back, legs and buttocks, putting pressure on her sciatic nerve. And for
those who already suffer from low back pain, the problem can become even worse.
During pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front
of her pelvis, according to Dr. Jerome McAndrews, spokesperson for the American Chiropractic
Association (ACA). Although a woman's sacrum - or posterior section of her pelvis - has more depth
than a man's to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her
joints. "As the baby grows in size," Dr. McAndrews explains, "the woman's weight is projected even
farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on her spinal
disks in that area. As a result, the spine in the upper back area must compensate - and the normal
curvature of her upper spine increases as well."
point during their pregnancy. This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby's head
presses down on a woman's back, legs and buttocks, putting pressure on her sciatic nerve. And for
those who already suffer from low back pain, the problem can become even worse.
During pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front
of her pelvis, according to Dr. Jerome McAndrews, spokesperson for the American Chiropractic
Association (ACA). Although a woman's sacrum - or posterior section of her pelvis - has more depth
than a man's to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her
joints. "As the baby grows in size," Dr. McAndrews explains, "the woman's weight is projected even
farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on her spinal
disks in that area. As a result, the spine in the upper back area must compensate - and the normal
curvature of her upper spine increases as well."
While these changes sound dramatic, Mother Nature does
step in to help accommodate them. During pregnancy,
hormones are released that help loosen the ligaments
attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural
changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can
result in postural imbalances, causing pregnant women to
be more prone to awkward trips and falls.
What Can You Do?
The ACA and Dr. McAndrews recommend the following tips
for pregnant women looking for relief from the discomforts
of pregnancy:
• Safe exercise during pregnancy can help strengthen
your muscles and prevent discomfort. Try exercising at
least three times a week - preceded and followed up by a
gentle stretching routine. If you weren't active before your
pregnancy, however, now is not the time to start a new
fitness routine. Check with your doctor before starting or
continuing any exercise regimen during pregnancy.
step in to help accommodate them. During pregnancy,
hormones are released that help loosen the ligaments
attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural
changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can
result in postural imbalances, causing pregnant women to
be more prone to awkward trips and falls.
What Can You Do?
The ACA and Dr. McAndrews recommend the following tips
for pregnant women looking for relief from the discomforts
of pregnancy:
• Safe exercise during pregnancy can help strengthen
your muscles and prevent discomfort. Try exercising at
least three times a week - preceded and followed up by a
gentle stretching routine. If you weren't active before your
pregnancy, however, now is not the time to start a new
fitness routine. Check with your doctor before starting or
continuing any exercise regimen during pregnancy.
• If you have a job that requires you to sit at a computer for long hours, be sure your workstation
is ergonomically correct. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your
eye level, and place your feet on a small footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet. Also, take
periodic breaks every 30 minutes by taking a quick walk around the office.
• Eat small meals or snacks every four to five hours - rather than the usual three large meals - to
help keep nausea or extreme hunger at bay. Good snacks include crackers or yogurt - bland foods
that are high in carbohydrates and protein. Keep saltines in your desk drawer or purse to help stave
off waves of "morning sickness" that can, unfortunately, occur at any time throughout the day.
• Folic acid supplements -- at least 400 micrograms (mcg) a day -- before and during pregnancy
have been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. Some
doctors recommend even more for women who are already pregnant, or who previously gave birth to
a child with a neural tube defect. However, check with your doctor before taking this or any other
vitamin or herbal supplement. Some herbs and supplements that are considered perfectly safe for
non-pregnant women can be dangerous or harmful to the baby or expectant mother.
• Get plenty of rest. Don't let the demands of work and family life put you and your baby at risk.
Pamper yourself, and ask for help if you need it. Take a nap if you're tired, or lie down and elevate
your feet for a few moments when you need a break.
Chiropractic Care Can Help...
Visit Dr. Talleree Loebig. Before you become pregnant, she can detect any pre-existing imbalances
in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could make pregnancy discomfort even worse - or leave
you with additional neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth.
is ergonomically correct. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your
eye level, and place your feet on a small footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet. Also, take
periodic breaks every 30 minutes by taking a quick walk around the office.
• Eat small meals or snacks every four to five hours - rather than the usual three large meals - to
help keep nausea or extreme hunger at bay. Good snacks include crackers or yogurt - bland foods
that are high in carbohydrates and protein. Keep saltines in your desk drawer or purse to help stave
off waves of "morning sickness" that can, unfortunately, occur at any time throughout the day.
• Folic acid supplements -- at least 400 micrograms (mcg) a day -- before and during pregnancy
have been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. Some
doctors recommend even more for women who are already pregnant, or who previously gave birth to
a child with a neural tube defect. However, check with your doctor before taking this or any other
vitamin or herbal supplement. Some herbs and supplements that are considered perfectly safe for
non-pregnant women can be dangerous or harmful to the baby or expectant mother.
• Get plenty of rest. Don't let the demands of work and family life put you and your baby at risk.
Pamper yourself, and ask for help if you need it. Take a nap if you're tired, or lie down and elevate
your feet for a few moments when you need a break.
Chiropractic Care Can Help...
Visit Dr. Talleree Loebig. Before you become pregnant, she can detect any pre-existing imbalances
in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could make pregnancy discomfort even worse - or leave
you with additional neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth.
Walking, swimming and stationary cycling are relatively safe cardiovascular exercises for pregnant
women, because they do not require jerking or bouncing movements. Even jogging, however, can be
safe for women who were avid runners before becoming pregnant — if done carefully and under the
supervision of a doctor.
Whatever exercise routine you choose, be sure to do it in an area with secure footing to minimize the
likelihood of falls. Also, be certain that your heart rate does not exceed 140 beats per minute during
exercise, and that strenuous activity lasts no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Stop your exercise routine immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal
bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling or heart palpitations.
• Wear flat, sensible shoes. Not only can high or chunky heels be uncomfortable, they can also
exacerbate postural imbalances and cause you to be less steady on your feet than you already are.
This is especially true as you get farther along in your pregnancy.
• When picking up older children - or any other object for that matter - bend from the knees, not
the waist. And never turn your head when you lift. Just to be on the safe side, avoid picking up heavy
objects altogether, if possible.
• When sleeping, lie on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower
back. Many women find that full-length "body pillows" or "pregnancy wedges" are especially helpful
during pregnancy. Lying on your left side is ideal. This position allows unobstructed blood flow, and
helps your kidneys flush waste from your body.
women, because they do not require jerking or bouncing movements. Even jogging, however, can be
safe for women who were avid runners before becoming pregnant — if done carefully and under the
supervision of a doctor.
Whatever exercise routine you choose, be sure to do it in an area with secure footing to minimize the
likelihood of falls. Also, be certain that your heart rate does not exceed 140 beats per minute during
exercise, and that strenuous activity lasts no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Stop your exercise routine immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal
bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling or heart palpitations.
• Wear flat, sensible shoes. Not only can high or chunky heels be uncomfortable, they can also
exacerbate postural imbalances and cause you to be less steady on your feet than you already are.
This is especially true as you get farther along in your pregnancy.
• When picking up older children - or any other object for that matter - bend from the knees, not
the waist. And never turn your head when you lift. Just to be on the safe side, avoid picking up heavy
objects altogether, if possible.
• When sleeping, lie on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower
back. Many women find that full-length "body pillows" or "pregnancy wedges" are especially helpful
during pregnancy. Lying on your left side is ideal. This position allows unobstructed blood flow, and
helps your kidneys flush waste from your body.
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If you have low back pain, or other pain and discomfort due to
pregnancy, or recent child birth - make an appointment with Dr.
Talleree Loebig.
Dr. Talleree Loebig provides safe, drug free relief from the pains
and discomforts that come with the significant physiological
changes a woman's body experiences through the course of her
pregnancy, and during the first 8 weeks after birth.
She reduces and eliminates low back pain, rib and shoulder pain,
muscle tension, joint discomfort and headaches.
pregnancy, or recent child birth - make an appointment with Dr.
Talleree Loebig.
Dr. Talleree Loebig provides safe, drug free relief from the pains
and discomforts that come with the significant physiological
changes a woman's body experiences through the course of her
pregnancy, and during the first 8 weeks after birth.
She reduces and eliminates low back pain, rib and shoulder pain,
muscle tension, joint discomfort and headaches.
| Information and appointments: call (703) 757 - 5817 |
| Pregnant or gave birth recently? |
| Loebig Chiropractic |
Because you don't have to learn to live with the pain
| Copyright 2008. Loebig Chiropractic |