Many mothers will tell you that back pain and pregnancy seem to go hand in hand. And not just back pain, but also hip pain, sciatica, headaches, and even migraines. That's because as your baby grows, it puts extra strain on your spine and joints, particularly in the final weeks of pregnancy as your baby almost doubles in size. As a result of these changes, your centre of gravity shifts, and you may not even notice that you’ve adjusted your posture to accommodate it, putting further strain on your spine. Unfortunately, that strain doesn't subside once the baby is born.

Antenatal treatment

Chiropractic treatments may be possible during pregnancy and your chiropractor will advise whether it’s safe for you to undergo ante-natal treatments to relieve pregnancy back pain.

Postnatal care

While breastfeeding, you might find yourself hunched over every 3 to 4 hours, putting a strain on your neck, shoulders and spine as you nurse. You’re also bending over constantly to pick up and carry your baby around, not to mention all the soothing and rocking from side to side, which puts even more strain on your back and hips.

The good news is that effective back pain treatment is available. A Chiropractor will assess your posture, your neck and spine position and provide treatment that can relieve back pain, neck pain and hip pain, as well as healing headaches and migraines. It’s also worthwhile seeing a podiatrist to make sure you have the right arch support. Good posture starts from the ground up.

Self-care

The early stages of motherhood are intense and it can be difficult to find time for self-care. It’s so important, though, that you do take the time out to ensure you’re looking after your body, so you can stand up to the rigorous demands of caring for a newborn. When your back and neck are in alignment, it improves not only your posture but also your sleep patterns, your immune system and your overall sense of well-being.

Your treatment plan

Your chiropractor will recommend an ongoing treatment plan, which may be weekly, or fortnightly to start with, then monthly as you begin to see a marked improvement. Motherhood is demanding but so rewarding. Make sure you add a trip to the chiropractor to your post-baby self-care regime, to ensure you feel your best.