Archive for pregnancy
Camarillo Chiropractor Warns About Harmful PBDEs Effects On Thyroid of Pregnant Women
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As a Camarillo Chiropractor I treat many pregnant women not only for common low back pain associated with pregnancy, but for other pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and swelling due to water retention or joint stress. A healthy pregnancy is crucial for both mother and baby. And although regular chiropractic care during pregnancy is very important, there are many other influences that can affect a woman’s health during her pregnancy. Some of these influences are well-known, but others are not. In fact, I just ran across a new study released in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives that discusses the effects of high levels of common flame-retardant chemicals on the thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women. It is the first large study to investigate levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their effects on the highly sensitive thyroid hormone in pregnant women. “Normal maternal thyroid hormone levels are essential for normal fetal growth and brain development,” stated Jonathan Chevrier, one of the study’s authors and a researcher in epidemiology and in environmental health sciences at UC Berkeley, “so our findings could have significant public health implications.”
Where are PBDEs found? Just about everywhere, such as in carpets, textiles, foam furnishings, electronics and plastics. PBDEs can leach out into the environment and accumulate in human fat cells. Is it any wonder then that PBDEs can be found in the blood of most American residents? And, if you live in California the situation is even more criticaul because of the state’s rigorous flammability laws. Concentrations of the chemicals in blood and breast milk have increased dramatically in the last three decades.
Though it is not currently known just how the chemicals interfere with thyroid function, researchers believe that PBDEs could bind to thyroid receptors and alter how the hormone is released. The bottom line, however, is that these chemicals are dangerous, especially for pregnant women. “Our results suggest that exposure to PBDE flame retardants may have unanticipated human health risks,” said Brenda Eskenazi, a professor of epidemiology and of maternal and child health at UC Berkeley.
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As a Chiropractor, I know that you may be wondering if chiropractic adjustments are safe during pregnancy. Well, the answer is “Most definitely!” In fact, it’s a very smart idea to get adjusted while you are pregnant.
You’ve probably noticed that your body is going through quite a few changes, and these alterations will continue as your pregnancy progresses. One change that goes basically unnoticed is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in your pelvis. This relaxation allows your pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering your baby easier.
This process, though wonderful in assisting during labor, can produce much discomfort in the months leading up to the birth. As your pregnancy advances, more elastin is released, which allows your pelvis to become increasingly more unstable. Add to that the gradual increase in the size of your baby and uterus, and you have the recipe for severe low back pain. As a Chiropractor who treats many different musculoskeletal challenges, I find that many pregnant women come into my office for symptoms associated with their pregnancy but, as a rule, the main complaint is low back pain.
One side benefit of having your spine and pelvis checked by a chiropractor regularly during your pregnancy is that there is proof that it can actually decrease labor time. Why? Simply put, if your pelvis is aligned properly, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient because they don’t have to fight past misaligned joints.
Chiropractic adjustments are not only safe and beneficial in relieving the low back pain associated with pregnancy, but other symptoms like heartburn, nausea, swelling, and so on. And, if needed, a well-trained chiropractor can also help with a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force technique to manipulate the uterus and get the baby into the proper position for delivery. (A simple Google search on the Webster Technique can give you much more information.)
If you are pregnant, you can feel confident in seeing your chiropractor. And, of course, I’d be more than happy to assist you. Chiropractic care can not only make you a lot more comfortable in the months of your pregnancy, but it can make your labor process easier as well!
Pregnancy and Chiropractic Camarillo Style
Posted by: | CommentsAre chiropractic adjustments safe during pregnancy To begin with, yes it is highly advisable to get adjusted while you are pregnant. Obviously, your body is going through a variety of changes, and these changes will continue as the pregnancy progresses. One change that goes basically unnoticed is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. This relaxation allows the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier.
This process, despite the fact that its function is to assist the mother during labor, can create a lot of back pain in the months leading up to the birth. The elastin is being released in greater amounts as the months go on, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable. Add to that the gradual increase in the size of the baby and uterus, and you have the formula for severe low back pain. As an Camarillo Chiropractor, I currently have several pregnant patients coming into my office for symptoms associated with their pregnancy, but generally it is for their low back pain.
A bonus to seeing a chiropractor routinely during your pregnancy is that there is proof that it can actually decrease labor time. Why do chiropractic adjustments help? Simply put, if the pelvis is where it needs to be, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient and won’t have to strain against misaligned joints.
To answer the second question from the introductory paragraph, by all means chiropractic care during your pregnancy is safe. Not only can chiropractic help you with your low back pain and other associated symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, swelling, etc., but it is safe to both you and your baby. Certain trained chiropractors can also help mothers who have a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force technique to manipulate the uterus and get the baby into the proper presentation for delivery. Additional information on the Webster Technique can easily be found online.
In summation, not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with their pregnancy. To any pregnant women out there reading this, please go to see your local chiropractor, or if you live or work in the area, look up your Camarillo Chiropractor. We can make you feel a lot more comfortable during your pregnancy, and we can even make the labor process easier.
