Care of the pregnant patient: part 1 Why chiropractic, and how? Dr. Stacey Rosenberg graduated from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia with the five year double- bachelor chiropractic degree, (Bach- elor of Applied Science (Clinical)/ Bachelor of Chiropractic Science) and, after completing her C.C.E.B. registration exams, became a reg- istered DC in British Columbia. Dr. Stacey and her staff have been providing chiropractic care in Gib- sons, B.C. since March 2001. She regularly submits articles to several local magazines as well as national, and international chiropractic publi- cations and has recently published her first book, entitled Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby - Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Discomforts. O ne of the most important times for a woman to be receiving chiropractic care is during pregnancy! From the moment of conception her body goes through a series of remarkable changes. Some are easy to spot: a growing belly, changes in posture and the changes in gait – that characteristic pregnancy “waddle.” What we cannot see are the millions of different hormonal changes and chemical reactions occurring both in the mother and the developing baby, all of which are con- trolled and co-ordinated through the nervous system. Now more than ever, during preg- nancy she needs a nervous system that responds immediately and accurately to changing requirements in all parts of her body, and, therefore, she needs a healthy spine! Chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle and optimum uterine function.1,2,3,4,5 It prepares the body to be strong, flexible and as bal- anced as possible to carry the pregnancy. And adjusting women through pregnancy and labour is one of the most rewarding parts of our jobs as chiropractors, because a healthi- er pregnancy means an easier labour and delivery – a much better transition for the next generation into this world! EVIDENCE-BASED pREGNANCy pRACTICE According to recent studies, chiropractic care may result in easier pregnancy, including increased comfort during the third trimester and delivery, and reduced need for anal- gesics. In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy 32 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | FEBRUARY 2009 www.canadianchiropractor.ca Stacey Rosenberg, DC feature
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