Jill Williams, DC
Written by Jill Williamson, DC
Did you know one of the most important times for a woman to receive chiropractic care is during her pregnancy? For the past 17-years I’ve been treating a wide variety of patients for various conditions, but the one I enjoy treating the most are those who are expecting.
During your pregnancy, there are so many hormonal and physical changes that you will experience. Some impact your posture and overall comfort. As your baby becomes heavier, your center of gravity shifts forward and your posture adjusts accordingly. These physical changes can result in a misaligned spine or joints, and cause many aches and pains.
But, I’m here to tell you, you don’t have to suffer! Chiropractic evaluation and treatment during pregnancy is considered a safe and effective means of treating common musculoskeletal symptoms. Among the most common pregnancy complaints that I treat are sacroiliac (hip and low back) pain, pubic bone pain and sciatica. But I also help the expectant mom with headaches, upper back or rib pain.
Another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy is to establish general pelvic balance and alignment, regardless of any pain symptoms you may or may not be having. Pelvic balance can provide your baby with as much space as possible over the course of your pregnancy and help allow him or her to move into the best position to be born, and can even lead to easier labor and delivery.
Every patient is different, so each treatment plan is tailored to what the patient needs. But in general, I see prenatal patients once a month during the first trimester, then possibly every two or three weeks until the last month of pregnancy, when it may be necessary to be adjusted weekly.
My chiropractic table has a section that drops away to leave room for the growing belly. That along with a special pillow, allows the mom to safely and comfortably lie on her tummy during the treatment. This often results in moms asking me for a few minutes to just stay for a while because it feels so good to lie on their stomach. This is a great time for me to provide some stretching recommendations that patients can do at home.
Lastly, if you find your baby is breech, I am trained in Webster Technique. This technique is often used around 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy and involved adjusting a mother’s spine and pelvis into a more balance state. This allows the baby to settle into the proper birthing position, in a more gentle and safe manner than manually turning the baby.
If you are interested in seeing me or any of the other chiropractors at NorthLakes, please call us. We are currently accepting new patients and offer chiropractic services in Ashland, Hayward, Parks Falls and Iron River. It is also important to note that while we welcome referrals from OB providers, a patient does not need a referral to receive chiropractic care.
Jill Williamson is a board certified doctor of chiropractic (DC) care at NorthLakes Community Clinic – Hayward Hospital Campus.
