Pregnancy and Labor
It is a common observation that birthing
seems to be more comfortable for women who were under chiropractic
care during pregnancy. The following studies mention how
common spinal problems are during pregnancy (up to 90%).
The chiropractic drug-less approach is ideally suited for
pregnancy care.
The role of chiropractic in pregnancy. Vallone
S. Int’l
Chiropractic Assn. Review Summer 2002. p 47-51
“By encouraging regular chiropractic and maternal
self care (which includes good nutrition, regular stretching
and exercise and stress management) we can improve our patient’s
probability of a successful natural delivery.”
Complementary
and alternative medicine in pregnancy: a survey of North Carolina
certified nurse-midwives. Allaire AD, Moos WK, Wells SR. Obstet
Gynecol 2000;95(1):19-23.
In this survey of 82 certified nurse-midwives,
93.9% reported that they recommended patients to alternative
health care providers. 57.3% said they referred women to chiropractors.
Follow-up of patients with low back pain during pregnancy.
Brynhildsen J, Hansson A, Persson A, Hammar M. In: Obstetrics & Gynecology,
Feb 1998; 91(2): 182-6.
Women with severe low back pain during
pregnancy have an extremely high risk for experiencing a new
episode of more severe low back pain during future pregnancies
and when not pregnant.
Note: According to revised guidelines
from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vaginal
delivery should be routine in women who previously underwent
cesarean section birth, Journal Of The American Osteopathic
Association, Feb.1989, Vol.89 No.2, p.164.
An effective drug-free
approach to premature contractions. Phillips C. ICA Review
Oct. 1998.
Dr. Carol Phillips has done an amazing job of integrating
chiropractic with CranioSacral™ therapy to develop
a number of techniques to help women in labor and pregnancy.
Using simple procedures, she teaches healthcare providers
unique methods of helping their pregnant patients and young
children.
She writes:
What is it about chiropractic care and pregnancy?
Why do so many women who receive care during pregnancy always
ask us, “ How in the world do other women get through
pregnancy without adjustments?
This paper presents a simple
procedure that doctors can teach spouses and birth assistants
in order to prevent and correct “one of the most serious complaints associated
with imbalance – premature contractions.”
Back Labor:
a possible solution for a painful situation. Phillips C. ICA
Review July/August 1997.
From 50-75% of pregnant women experience
the acute, severe, low back pain that is back labor. Dr. Phillips
writes: “many
first time mothers mistakenly think back-labor is what childbirth
is supposed to feel like. Let me assure you IT IS NOT.” Dr.
Phillips offers a biomechanical approach to back labor. Dr.
Phillips states, “Back labor is not a very common finding
in patients who have received chiropractic and craniosacral
therapy throughout pregnancy.”
Dr. Phillips offers approaches
that will help the baby turn so as to prevent back labor and
methods that a chiropractor, labor companion or any birth attendant
may use to help a woman in labor relax the pelvis, reduce pelvic
tension and permit a back labor presentation to turn the baby
to a more natural position for delivery.
Hypolumbarlordosis:
a predisposing factor for preeclampsia. Kanayama N. Maradny
EE, Kajiwara Y. et al. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
and Reproductive Biology, 1997;75: 115-121.
About 1 in 200 pregnant
women suffer from preeclampsia with hypertension and albuminaria
(protein in urine) and which can lead to seizures, coma and
death. No one knows what causes it.
The authors studied pregnant
women to see if there was a relationship between their spinal
shape, particularly the lumbar (lower back) spinal shape and
preeclampsia. It was revealed that women with decreased lumbar
spine curves had more preeclampsia. Interestingly, they also
found that patients with reduced lumbar curves had decreased
blood flow to the iliac artery than normal pregnant women.
Case
history: premature labor. Cohen Eddy, D.C., F.I.C.A. Chiropractic
Pediatrics Vol 1 No. 4 May 1995.
A chiropractor’s wife
experienced premature labor at 32 weeks of gestation. She was
also diagnosed with severe endometriosis resulting in inflammation
of the ovaries and was informed that she would never be able
to become pregnant and recommendation for treatment was laparoscopic
surgery.
Patient refused treatment. She went to a hospital where
the M.D.s wished to inject oxytocin to stop her contractions.
The author writes:
“While at the hospital, the patient’s husband
adjusted her. The intensity of the contractions decreased
somewhat. However the contractions maintained the same frequency
of every five minutes.” She was adjusted C-2, using
the toggle recoil technique. Contractions reduced markedly
and then discontinued completely “Patient then continued
with weekly adjustments until the occurrence of labor and
delivery at 40 weeks gestation, with no complications. The
patient’s newborn infant was checked and adjusted 20
hours after the birth.”
Some preterm labor may have a
neurologic condition that responds to correcting/reducing vertebral
subluxation complex. Chiropractic and prenatal reference manual.
Peet, JB, The Baby Adjusters, Inc. 1992. Shelburne, VT.
The
effects of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labor: a
comprehensive study. Fallon J. Proceedings of the world chiropractic
congress. 1991; 24-31.
The hormonal changes that occur during
pregnancy can change the shape of the spinal curves and overall
posture which can affect organ systems.
In this study Dr. Fallon
describes her work with 65 women who received chiropractic
care from at least the tenth week of pregnancy through labor
and delivery. These women experienced mean labor times significantly
reduced compared to controls.
Women who
were primagravidae (first pregnancy) who received chiropractic
care averaged 24% shorter labor times than average for primagravidae
women.
Women who were multiparous (had had at least one child
prior) averaged 39% shorter labor times versus controls.
Adjustive
procedures for the pregnant chiropractic patient. Esch S.,
Zachman Z. Chiropractic Technique. May 1991; 3(2): 66-71.
This
is a discussion of the technique and modifications needed to
facilitate spinal adjustments for the pregnant patient. The
authors used pillows under the abdomen and flexed the knees
while prone to reduce stress on the low back.
Back pain during
pregnancy and labor. Diakow, PRP, Gadsby, TA, Gadsby JB et
al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther Vol. 14, No. 2 Feb. 1991.
From
the abstract:
An interview of 170 consecutive female patients:
of the 170 pregnancies with reported back pain, 72% also reported
back labor...The treated group experienced less pain during
labor.
Eighty-four per-cent of patients receiving spinal manipulative
therapy reported relief of back pain during pregnancy. There
was significantly less likelihood of back labor when spinal
manipulative therapy was administered during pregnancy.
The
effect of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labor: a
comprehensive study. Fallon J. New York, NY: Yeshiva University.
From 1991, World Chiropractic Congress Abstracts.
One half of
all pregnant women complain to their obstetricians about backache
(LeBan et al. 1983); it can be demonstrated that chiropractic
care significantly reduces the mean labor time.
Back pain during
pregnancy Ostgaard HC, Anderson GBJ. Spine, 1991; 16(4): 432-436.
428
pregnant women who had back pain before pregnancy and 375 pregnant
women with no previous back pain were followed at regular intervals.
Back pain occurred twice as often in the group with a back-pain
history.
Chiropractic and pregnancy, a partnership for the future.
Fallon J. ICA Review Nov/Dec 1990. Pp. 39-42.
This paper discusses
neurological conditions associated with subluxation in pregnancy:
brachia neuralgia, compression of the brachial plexus causing
tingling and numbness in the shoulder and arm; neuralgia paresthetica,
compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve causing
pain and paresthesia of the thigh; intercostal neuralgia, compression
of the intercostal nerves causing radiating pain between the
ribs; sciatic neuralgia, compression of lumbar plexus causing
pain of the pelvic region and/or radiating down leg; coccydynia,
pain at site of coccyx; separation of the symphysis pubis,
causing pain at the symphysis pubis and SI joint; Carpal tunnel
syndrome, compression of median nerve; Bell’s Palsy,
compression of CN VII causing paralysis of facial muscles;
traumatic neuritis, motor and sensory deficits of L5, S1 and
S2 after labor.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy. Webster
L, Today’s
Chiropractic Sept/Oct 1989
Dr. Webster writes:
Perhaps the best testimonial to the effectiveness
of chiropractic care during pregnancy can best be summed up
in my own personal experience while I was a student at Logan
College. During my wife’s first pregnancy, she received regular chiropractic
care. During her second pregnancy she did not (due to the
fact that I was overseas). Her medical doctor (who incidentally
was anti-chiropractic) made this statement: “I hate
to admit it, but I can tell the difference in you. Would
you find someone to give you chiropractic care?”
Pregnancy
and chiropractic care. Penna M, American Chiropractic Association
Journal of Chiropractic. Nov. 1989 p.31
From the summary:
“Regular adjustments can make pregnancy
less stressful and delivery less uncomfortable. Chiropractic
treatment can continue safely until the day of delivery.”
Labour
pain: correlations with menstrual pain and acute low-back pain
before and during pregnancy. Melzack R, Belanger E. Pain, 1989;
36:225-229.
Viscersomatic reflexes may be responsible for low
back pain during birth. Low back pain was significantly correlated
with labour pain. Both menstrual pain and the increased labour
pain may derive from the same mechanisms.
Low back pain during
pregnancy. Berg. G. et al. Obstetrics Gynecology, 1988;71:71-75.
Sacroiliac
dysfunction is common in pregnancy and manipulation is found
to help.
Low back pain in pregnancy. Fast A et al Spine 1987
12(4): 368-371.
A study of 200 New York women indicated that
56% suffered low back pain during pregnancy and the most frequent
onset of the pain was during the 5th to 7th months.
AMA study
shows that pregnant women under chiropractic care have easier
pregnancy and delivery. American Medical Association records
released in 1987 during trial in U.S. District Court Northern
Illinois Eastern Division, No. 76C 3777.
Irvin Hendryson, M.D.
a member of the American Medical Association board of trustees,
did a clinical study which revealed that pregnant women who
received chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester
were able to carry to term more frequently and deliver children
with more comfort.
This information was suppressed and never
revealed to the public or media. In the meantime, the AMA continued
to attack chiropractic as “unscientific and dangerous”.
Medical
expert state that less painkillers needed during delivery if
patient under chiropractic care. Freitag, P. Expert testimony
of Pertag, M.D., Ph.D. comparing results of two neighboring
hospitals. U.S. District Court Northern Illinois Eastern Division,
No. 76C 3777, May 1987.
A study was conducted in which chiropractic
adjustments were incorporated into patients’ pregnancies.
It revealed that the need for painkillers during delivery was
reduced by half under chiropractic care. It was revealed that
this study was suppressed by the AMA because it showed chiropractic
effectiveness.
Conservative obstetrical procedures - part 11
Tyler R., Digest of Chiropractic Economics, March/April, 1983,
25(5): 18-19.
In the last trimester of pregnancy, especially
in the last month, when the likelihood of difficulties and
discomfort is greater, frequency of visits may be increased
to up to three visits a week.
Chiropractic cares for the pregnant
patient. Moore P. Digest of Chiropractic Economics. May/June,
1983, 25(6): 60-61.
“The frequency of visits of the pregnant
patient should not vary drastically from ordinary proper procedure.”
Effect
of pressure applied to the upper thoracic (placebo) versus
lumbar areas (osteopathic manipulative treatment) for inhibition
of lumbar myalgia during labor. Guthrie R, Martin R. Journal
of The American Osteopathic Association, Dec. 1982, Vol. 82
No. 4, pp.247-251.
From the abstract:
In a study of 500 women during labor, 352
experienced pain in the lumbar area during labor, an incidence
of 70.4%.
One of the most interesting findings of the study
was the association of back pain during labor and abnormal
fetal presentation.
Application of pressure to the lumbar area
to inhibit lumbar pain reduced the need for major narcotic
pain medication and minor tranquilizing medication.
More on
OMT in obstetric care. Journal of the American Osteopathic
Association Vol 74, March 1975, Wentling, P:
“In the past,
I have delivered over 6,000 babies. Each one of the mothers
has received osteopathic manipulative therapy. Specifically,
I move the sacroiliacs, keep the pelvis lined up, and loose.
I feel that this helps to facilitate deliveries.”
What
is the role of osteopathic manipulative therapy in obstetric
care? For normal patients? For patients with problems (e.g.
toxemia of pregnancy)? Fedlman H. Journal Of The American Osteopathic
Association, Nov. 1974,Vol.74, p. 194.
“Manipulation makes the patient feel more comfortable
and closer to her doctor, and the doctor’s placing
of his hands on her body is a symbolic gesture of caring
among the impersonal relationships between people in society
today.”
What is the role of osteopathic manipulative therapy
in obstetric care? For normal patients? For patients with problems
(e.g. toxemia of pregnancy)? Hampton D. Journal of The American
Osteopathic Association, Nov.1974, Vol.74, p. 192.
Manipulation
keeps the segments of the pregnant woman’s
structure moving freely and normally. It permits a constant
free flow of all body fluids and a normal venous supply to
control function. During the second 6 weeks of pregnancy,
the growing fetus and expanding uterus often settle in the
hollow of the sacrum and relief of nausea may be achieved...manipulation...results
in an easier pregnancy and an easier delivery. The return
of the mother to prepartum health also is expedited by manipulation.
Manipulation has a part in the prevention and cure of toxemias....
The
short leg syndrome in obstetrics and gynecology. Sicuranza
BJ, Richards J, Tisdall, LH American J of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
May 15, 1970. pp.217-219.
Of 63 women found to have this syndrome,
90% achieved excellent relief with osteopathic therapy.
Cervical
lesions in congenital pyloric stenosis. Decker, CE, Western
Osteopath, 1928 (Feb.) 22:7-9
A woman in her sixth month of
pregnancy began to vomit, occasionally in a projectile manner.
No evidence of toxemia could be found – urine, pulse,
blood pressure, etc. were normal. Physical examination revealed
a left subluxation of the axis. This was corrected. The vomiting
ceased immediately and no recurrence was reported.
Vertebral
lesions and the course of pregnancy in animals. Burns, L. Journal
of The American Osteopathic Association Vol. 23 No. 3 November
1923. From the paper (p.157):
“Dr. L.M. Whiting of South
Pasedena, has reported the evil effects of vertebral lesions
upon the course of pregnancy and labor in several articles
and lectures. She reports many normal pregnancies followed
normal labor and normal young in women in whom there are no
vertebral lesions, but she reports no normal pregnancies followed
by normal labor in any case in which lumbar, innominate or
lower thoracic lesions were found on examination.”
“Dr.
Jeanette Bolles, of Denver, reports several families in which
no children were born until the correction of a lumbar lesion,
and that pregnancy often followed the correction.”
“Dr.
A.V. Fish, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, reports an interesting case.
After four years of sterile married life, the correction of
lesions involving the innominate and the fifth lumbar vertebrae
was followed by an almost normal pregnancy. The patient became
pregnant within two weeks after the correction."
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