A woman’s body experiences many physical changes throughout the course of pregnancy; protruding abdomen, increased back curve, pelvic changes, and postural adaptations. In addition, during pregnancy, many hormones are released which can result in weakened ligaments and joints. Chiropractic care can work to counteract these changes and strengthen the body as a whole.

Below are more detailed descriptions of these common complaints, their causes, and how chiropractic  care addresses the causes allowing for proper body mechanics and nerve function (both of which are essential for a healthy pregnancy).

Low Back Discomfort and Sciatica - If you are pregnant and suffering from low back pain you are not alone! Roughly one half of all mothers-to-be suffer from low back pain and doctors now agree that pregnancy related low back pain is associated with a condition called sacroiliac joint dysfunction (often referred to by chiropractors as SI subluxation). A subluxation is a misalignment of a joint that creates irritation to the nerves and tissues in the surrounding area. Many hormones increase rapidly during pregnancy and some of these hormones relax the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the body. This allows the pelvis to open during delivery so that the baby’s head and shoulders can pass through the birth canal. Yet, it is this relaxation combined with weight gain, postural changes and stretching of the stomach muscles that also disturbs the proper alignment of the spine and pelvis producing subluxations during pregnancy.

Sciatica, a common symptom that occurs during pregnancy, causes pain, tingling or numbness from the low back to the back of the leg and foot. Sciatica often occurs because of subluxations in the low back or pelvis along with muscle spasms in this area. Most cases of sciatica will improve or resolve with chiropractic care.

Headaches/Migraines - Due to the changes in a pregnant woman’s posture, extra stress often occurs in the neck and the mid-back. Subluxations (misalignments of the spinal vertebrae causing nerve interference and muscle spasm) of the neck are often the cause of neck pain and headaches during pregnancy. Most headaches in pregnancy are muscle-tension type headaches where the pain feels like a tight band across the forehead and it is accompanied by muscle spasms in the neck or shoulders.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal tunnel syndrome causes painful tingling, burning and numbness into the wrist and hand and it occurs in approximately 20% of all pregnancies. Subluxation of the wrist bones often occurs during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and swelling of the wrist and hands and chiropractic adjustments can help.

Mid-back and Rib Discomfort - Pain in the mid-back that radiates into the ribcage is often due to subluxations that cause the nerves between the ribs to get irritated. It may be uncomfortable to take a deep breath when this occurs. Chiropractic adjustments remove the subluxations to decrease the pain and return normal function.

Pubic Bone Discomfort - As the baby gets bigger and descends deeper into the pelvis, it is not uncommon to have intense, sharp pain in your pubic bone.   When the pubic bone is out of alignment it can be extremely uncomfortable to go from a sitting to standing position, roll over in bed or walk.  This misalignment can be easily corrected with a gentle chiropractic adjustment.

Round Ligament Discomfort - Especially in a first pregnancy, as the uterus is getting used to being stretched in ways it never has before, round ligament discomfort can occur. This can also be compounded by a pelvis that is out of alignment which in effect pulls on the round ligaments.  When this occurs the ligaments can be very tender to the touch and generally achy.  By working to correct any misalignment in the pelvis with a chiropractic adjustment and then utilizing gentle, soft tissue work on the ligaments, this discomfort is often resolved.

Heartburn, Constipation and other Digestive Issues - Due to the biomechanical changes to a woman’s pelvis during pregnancy and changes to her center of gravity, constipation and heartburn are commonly a result. By working to restore balance in the pelvis and proper motion in the mid-back, many pregnant women notice a decrease or resolution in these symptoms.

With a reduction or resolution in the above symptoms, pregnancy can become what it is meant to be, a beautiful and joyous experience.

Stacey Cantrell, DC, FICPA

Having a doula who is a massage therapist is a huge benefit to you and your family.  Having regular massages throughout pregnancy helps the client start to feel comfortable with their doula.  It is very important the clients feel 100% comfortable.  Another benefit to this is your doula/massage therapist knows exactly what positions you where in during labor and how your child was born.  This provides a better understanding of what kind of muscle work you may need after birth.  The massage therapist can also teach the new parents about the benefits of infant massage and how connect with their child through massage at home.

Christine Whittier, LMT, LCA, Birthing Coach

When pregnant, we would do anything for a nice relaxing massage. There are many benefits of prenatal massage. There are also some important benefits you should know about postnatal massage:

-Speeds up the body’s healing process (allows new mother to physically readjust much faster)

-Comforts tired muscles

-Rebalances the body

-Helps bring muscle tone to the muscles that have been overstressed during pregnancy

-Hormone balance returns sooner

-Better circulation

Massage Therapy is an overall great way to relax, repair and release. For those who have given birth, it is the perfect way to bring your body back to peace and harmony. Whether you are looking for relaxation or deeper muscle release, postnatal massage is a terrific way to achieve both.

Renee Perreault, LMT

Here are some tips to help your body detoxify this Spring:

1. Drink enough water for your body weight.

Water is one of the body’s most important helpers when it comes to flushing and ushering wastes and toxins out of the body.  To determine the proper amount of water for you, divide your body weight by 2 and that is the number of ounces of pure water you should drink (spread throughout the day).  For example, if you weigh 160 pounds you want to aim for 80 ounces of water per day.  Note: Do not drink more than 100 ounces of water per day.

2. Remove refined sugars and processed foods from your diet. 

Cookies, candies, cakes, pastries, muffins, and all other sugary, flour-based foods should be completely eliminated during a detox period (and only eaten occasionally otherwise).  They provide little nutritional value and they bog your body’s systems down.  They may give you a quick lift, but the costs to your health just aren’t worth it.

3. Reduce and/or eliminate caffeine and alcohol.

Both substances stress the body in a variety of ways and interfere with detoxification processes.  After initial withdrawal symptoms, many people find that they feel much better with limited caffeine and alcohol in their lives.

4. Add green plant foods to every meal. 

Chlorophyll in green plant foods helps your body process toxins more efficiently.  These foods are also rich in antioxidants that keep your cells healthy, and fiber that helps move wastes out of the body.  Some excellent green foods to add to your diet are spinach, lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, cilantro, parsley, green peas, and kiwifruit.  Keep in mind that ALL fruits and vegetables help with detoxification and it’s best to choose organic or locally grown produce when you can, to avoid pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.

5. Make rest and relaxation a top priority. 

Detoxification happens when the body is at rest, and in relaxation mode.  Sleep at least 7-8 hours per night, nap when you can, and prioritize activities that relieve stress such as listening to music, taking a bath, walking your dog, seeing a movie with a friend, or reading a good book.

6. Exercise daily (outside when possible).

Exercise is essential to the body’s ability to detoxify.  When you exercise, your lymph fluid and blood moves around your body, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to your cells and tissues, and helping them to let go of toxins and function better.  Exercise improves digestion which also helps with detoxification because many toxins and waste leave the body through the digestive tract.

Enjoy a healthy Spring!

Isabel Aley, NTP

First, let me dispel a few myths.  It is recommended that a teen have her first gynecologic appointment somewhere between 13-15 years old.  NOT for her first pelvic exam; that usually occurs much later.  This first visit is designed to help your daughter establish a relationship with a health care provider that she feels comfortable with.  This is key in helping her to realize that it is important to seek regular medical care to help promote wellness with education that she needs to maintain good health and prevent potential problems.  This visit is a time for your daughter to ask questions that she may have about her menstrual periods and possible questions about sexual activity and prevention of sexually transmitted infections in a safe environment.  It is also time to discuss important topics such as HPV and the “HPV vaccine” and keeping herself safe.  Most teens at this age wish to have their parent/mother with them during this first visit.  I encourage and recommend that, but also allow time “alone” with her if she desires.

The “pap smear” is probably the best known part of a gynecologic visit but often is not the most important.  In fact, the pap is not even recommended until age 21, no matter when sexual activity has begun.  Of course, a pelvic exam can always be done without a pap IF your daughter wishes.  However, it usually is not necessary.  What is important is the establishment of the doctor-patient relationship.  Once that is established, your daughter and her physician will be able to cross that “pelvic exam” bridge when she is ready and it is appropriate.

Dr. Anne Rainville, MD, FACOG

All of the above can cause a subluxation. This is a dysfunction between the spine and the nerve system, which creates interference in the normal nerve transmission (communication) between the brain and body. Not only is there a subluxation at the point of injury, but elsewhere in the spine as the rest of our body compensates for that asymmetry. This sets up an abnormal pattern that the body will continue to grow into. When we get new tires on our car we align them so that they wear evenly over time. Our bodies also need alignment and the earlier in life, the better.

In a child’s first year of life their body will grow and change more than at any other point in their life!  All of this is beautifully orchestrated by the nerve system.  Due to the physical demands placed on the infant’s spine as a result of the birth process as well as certain developmental milestones, there are six times during the baby’s first year of life when spinal and nerve system evaluations are especially important and, therefore, recommended.

•After the birth process

•When the baby starts to hold his/her head up

•When the baby sits up

•When the baby starts to crawl

•When the baby starts to stand

•When the baby starts to walk

The following are signs that a child’s body is not communicating as well as it should be.  If your child demonstrates any of the following it is recommended that they have their nerve system evaluated by a chiropractor.

•Difficulty nursing

•Asthma or wheezing

•Many colds/flu

•Preferring to nurse on one side

•Colic

•Allergies

•Skin conditions (eczema, etc.)

•Digestive issues

•Torticollis

•Not sleeping well

•Head frequently leaning to one side

•Croup

•Ear infections

•Attention/sensory issues

•Constipation

•Bed-wetting

•Irritability

•Poor coordination

I know it can be difficult for parents to wrap their heads around a chiropractor adjusting their child.  They think it will resemble what an adult adjustment looks like.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Adjustments to infants and children are extremely gentle with very little pressure applied.  No more than could be pushed on a tomato without damaging the skin.  If an infant is asleep when the adjustment begins they are usually still asleep when it’s over.  All while nestled in the comfort of their mother’s arms.

If you have any questions regarding chiropractic care for children or are interested in stopping by and seeing what an infant adjustment looks like, give us a call.  We would be more than happy to set that up and help take the fear out of something that can be a truly incredible experience for the health and well-being of your child.

Dr. Stacey Cantrell, DC, FICPA

Why is prenatal screening important? Being tested during pregnancy will allow you to be informed about the health of your baby, even before it is born.  The information you receive will be extremely valuable in helping you plan for your baby’s birth.  You and Dr. Rainville will also be able to decide if you need more testing later in the pregnancy.  If you learn you will have a baby with a birth defect, you can proactively prepare your family for the future by making important medical and finacial decisions about care.  Please remember, though, that the decision to perform first trimester screening is your personal decision.

Ultra-Screen consists of a combination of an ultrasound exam and a maternal blood test.  The ultrasound  exam is performed between 11 weeks and 3 days and 13 weeks and 6 days by a sonographer certified in nuchal lucency screening.  The blood test is drawn in our office between 10 weeks and 13 weeks and sent immediately to NTD Laboratories, Inc. in New York.  The ultrasound demonstrates a fetal heartbeat and determines gestational age.  Then, the amount of fluid accumulation behind the neck of the baby, called the nuchal translucency (NT), is measured.  The blood specimen is analyzed for two chemical called free Beta chorionic gonadotropin (free Beta), and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) which are normally found in the blood of all pregnant women.  The results of the ultrasound exam are combined with the results of the blood test to estimate a specific risk for Down syndrome and trisomies 18 and 13.  Once your ultrasound is performed, results are available within 24 hours.  ULTRA-SCREEN is the only test that offers first trimester results.  Patients who are shown to be at increased risk will have the added time to consider if they want to have a diagnostic procedure done, such as amniocentesis (a test in which a small amount of fluid from around the baby is collected) or chorionic villus sampling ( a test in which a small amount of placental tissue is collected).

Ultra-Screen offers a 91% detection rate in the first trimester.  There is a very low (2%) false positive rate.  It is a safe, non-invasive, accurate test.  Just a few simple steps can deliver the news you want to hear.  Sometimes the best news about your pregnancy comes when you’re barely even showing!

Karen Dressel, RDMS

Botox® reduces the activity of the muscles that cause wrinkles such as frown lines, worry lines, and crow’s feet.  Botox® works by temporarily blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles, thereby reducing the muscle movement that is causing the wrinkles.  The outcome is that the wrinkles relax and soften.  The most common place patients will request a Botox® treatment is for the area between the eyes, or frown lines, also sometimes referred to as the “angry 11”s.”  This is the area that Botox® was first indicated to treat and doctors and nurses alike have been using Botox® to smooth this area for over twenty years.  The most recent FDA approved treatment is for excessive sweating of the armpits and palms of the hands.

Botox® is often used in conjunction with dermal fillers to lift areas of the face and also to extend the life of some of the dermal fillers.  An initial treatment of Botox® typically takes 10 days to 2 weeks to see the full effect and lasts anywhere between 3-5 months.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, replace the volume in certain areas of the face that we lose as we age.  Facial volume loss occurs for a number of reasons.  At about age 40 we stop producing collagen (which is really the building block of our face.)  We also begin to lose facial fat and so areas like our cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, and those much loathed marionette lines at the corners of our mouth become sunken in.

Each dermal filler has its own unique attributes, but in general, most fillers work in two ways.  First, most fillers, such as Juvederm® and Radiesse®, Restylane®, and Sculptra® plump and lift the skin gently to replace collagen loss caused by the natural aging process.  Secondly, some fillers, Radiesse® for example, stimulate the body to produce its own collagen.  This process takes about 2-3months.  You will see immediate results with these fillers; however they tend to last longer as well because your own collagen is being rebuilt.

Essentially, fillers are used in a variety of ways to lift features of the face, correct wrinkles, and restore volume and smoothness to the face.

The longevity of dermal fillers varies greatly with each product, but in general a filler will last 6-9 months with the collagen stimulating fillers lasting up to a year and a half.

Both Botox® and dermal fillers are effective treatments with each having an extensive history of proven results.  Both are effective separately however more often than not we use them in conjunction with each other to achieve optimal results.

Tiffany Tolley, RN, Licensed Aesthetician

Yes!

The flu vaccine can be given at ANY time during pregnancy; it is never too early…or “too late”. It takes approximately 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination; protection then lasts for about one year. The flu vaccine is actually the best protection you can give your newborn baby against the possible serious complications of influenza; babies under 6 months of age are too young to get the vaccine and are very susceptible to the possible serious complications of the flu. Getting the vaccine during pregnancy allows your baby to get the same antibodies against the virus that you do; protecting the baby the same as it protects you. Even if you “never” get the flu and feel that you don’t “need it”, your baby does!

A few myths need to be dispelled about the flu vaccine: first it is NOT possible to get the flu from the vaccine; second the preservative that may be present in trace amounts in some vaccine have never been shown to harm you or your baby. There is the option of preservative free vaccine, which we offer here at Women’s Wellness.

So….the bottom line is YES!

You should get the flu vaccine and feel comfortable that you are protecting yourself and your baby in the safest way possible from the risk of a potentially serious illness.

Dr. Anne Rainville, MD

The way in which we nourish ourselves greatly affects our health and well-being.  Relaxing while eating and savoring our food is an important part of taking care of ourselves.  When we eat under stress, our digestion is compromised and we often experience bloating, gas, heartburn and other unpleasant symptoms of poor digestion.  We also do not absorb and assimilate nutrients as well.  During extreme stress, digestion shuts down altogether because the body’s “fight or flight” response is ignited.  This is the survival mechanism that prepares our bodies to contend with a threat.  Survival is always favored over digestion.  Think about a time when you encountered stress during or after a meal. Did it feel like a brick was sitting in your belly?

When we eat while distracted, we often do not chew our food sufficiently and we do not pay attention to the flavors and textures of our food.  These habits lead to poor digestion and make it easy to unintentionally overeat.  By investing the time and resources to prepare and enjoy wholesome foods, we are helping ourselves to digest our food properly and avoid the common issue of overeating.  In turn, we will be rewarded with better health and more stable weight.

Here are a few tips to help you eat mindfully and get more out of the food you eat:

1. Share meal time with family members or friends.  Meals are a wonderful time to be with others.  Eating is a naturally social activity.  By sitting down with friends, coworkers or family members we allow ourselves to slow down, catch up, and enjoy our food in a relaxed and safe setting.
2. Eat sitting down.  By sitting down and taking a few breaths before eating, we are signaling the body to relax and accept nourishment.  On the other hand, if we eat while driving, cleaning, walking, or watching TV, our minds and bodies are engaged in other activities and we are not registering the pleasure and fulfillment that we should be receiving from our food.
3. Chew your food well before swallowing.  By eating too quickly and not chewing well, we compromise digestion and often end up overeating.  Taste your food and chew it thoroughly to help the brain and body realize what you are taking in.
4. Be aware of how you feel while eating.  Tune into your body and notice when you feel satisfied.  When we don’t pay attention to body sensations we often miss bodily cues to slow down or stop eating.
5. Be easy on yourself!  It’s important to make these efforts but also understand that we live in a busy world full of distractions, time commitments and life events that get in the way of mindful eating.  If you can’t take these steps every day, remind yourself that you are doing your best.  Making the effort counts for a lot!

In good health,

Isabel Aley, NTP