Chiropractic Care to Induce Labor

Using chiropractic care to induce labor is a safe and effective option for women who are at or beyond their due dates.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Naturally Induce Labor

It's no secret that pregnancy and childbirth can be tough on a woman's body. All that extra weight plus the added strain of childbirth can take a toll. That's why many pregnant women seek out chiropractic care to help them through their pregnancy.

Chiropractic care is a highly effective and drug-free way to treat many common health conditions. But can it also help to induce labor?

If you're wondering whether or not you should see a chiropractor while pregnant, the answer is, possibly, yes! Many women find chiropractic care helpful during pregnancy, especially as their bodies go through so many changes.

There are many benefits of seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy. For one, it can help to relieve pain in the back, neck, and hips. It can also help to improve your overall alignment, which can be especially important as your belly grows.

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor or midwife first to make sure it's right for you.

Can a Chiropractor Help Start Labor?

Some women, as well as some medical providers, believe that chiropractic adjustments can help encourage labor to begin.

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and other joints. Some of these techniques may provide temporary relief from back pain or other symptoms.

The mechanical forces used during a chiropractic adjustment could influence the baby’s position or the function of the pelvis. However, there's no evidence that these effects can trigger labor.

There is some evidence that chiropractic care may help to stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays an important role in labor and childbirth. Oxytocin is responsible for causing the uterus to contract, and it is also thought to help the baby descend into the birth canal.

So, while there is no guarantee that chiropractic care will induce labor, it may be worth a try if you are hoping to avoid medical interventions such as Pitocin.

Does Chiropractic Care Shorten Labor?

There is some evidence to suggest that it can. Women who received chiropractic care during pregnancy had an average labor time nearly two hours shorter than those who did not receive chiropractic care.

Additionally, pregnant women who received chiropractic adjustments were less likely to need Pitocin (a medication used to induce or speed up labor) and were less likely to have a vacuum-assisted or forceps-assisted delivery.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Labor and Delivery?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help improve your labor and delivery experience by reducing pain and making the process more efficient. By aligning the pelvis and improving nerve function, chiropractic care can help reduce the need for interventions such as epidurals and forceps during delivery. In addition, chiropractic care can help shorten the duration of labor and improve the overall outcome for both mother and child.

Acupressure and Labor

Acupressure is an ancient form of healing that has been used for centuries in Asia. It is based on the principle that certain points on the body correspond to different organs and systems. By applying pressure to these points, you can stimulate the flow of energy and encourage healing.

Acupressure can be a helpful tool during labor and childbirth. It can help to reduce pain, stimulate contractions, and promote relaxation. Some women find that acupressure helps them to cope with the discomforts of labor and to remain calm and focused.

There are a few things you should know before trying acupressure during labor. First, it is important to find a qualified, experienced practitioner who is familiar with working with pregnant women. 

Second, you need to be sure that the points you are pressing are not sensitive or sore. Third, you should only use acupressure during the early stages of labor before the baby is fully engaged in the birth canal.

Acupuncture Stimulates the Body

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat many conditions. The practice involves trained practitioners inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It is believed that this stimulation can help to promote the flow of energy, or qi, throughout the body and restore balance.

Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the body in several ways. For example, it can help release endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals. It may also stimulate the nervous system and increase blood flow to the area being treated.

Some research has suggested that acupuncture can effectively treat many conditions, including pain, nausea, and fatigue. However, it is important to note that not all research has shown undeniable results. Some of the benefits of acupuncture may be due to the placebo effect.

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing pain during childbirth and labor. 

Acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating the release of endorphins in the brain. It may also help to relax the muscles in the uterus, making contractions less painful. Research shows acupuncture during labor significantly reduces pain. Women who receive acupuncture during labor require less pain medication.

Conclusion

If you are a pregnant woman considering chiropractic care, it is important to find a practitioner experienced in treating pregnant women. Your practitioner should be able to answer any questions about the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care during pregnancy.

If you decide to see a chiropractor during pregnancy, let them know about your pregnancy so they can adjust their treatments accordingly. And, as always, listen to your body and stop if anything doesn't feel right.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.