First date with a chiropractor
Yesterday was my first time seeing a chiropractor, since I’ve never had a need or desire to before, and for all of the reasons I discussed in this post. I was a little nervous about it, but was glad Tom could go with me… he always makes me feel a little braver. This chiropractor was highly recommended by our Bradley instructor- she works with pregnant women and babies every day, and promised not to hurt me or the baby. 
Source
We filled out paperwork and talked to her for a while, and one of my major sources of comfort with medical professionals is when they take the time to thoroughly answer questions. She thinks the reason why the baby may have flipped could have to do with my hips, pelvis and round ligament- all of which were extremely tight. Lately, while my back has been in sporadic pain (mostly at night and in the morning), my stomach has also felt uncomfortably hard and tight throughout the day.
She adjusted my back, which to my surprise didn’t hurt at all- all of my mental images of chiropractors involve body-slamming. Just some slight movements, and she had a comfy belly-rester thing for me to lay in. No crazy popping or cracking, but I could definitely feel that it was making a difference. She showed Tom the difference in my hips, which I know have been out of whack for quite a while. When I used to get massages from my friend Ashley in Valdosta, she’d always tell me “your hips are out. I’d go see a chiropractor.” Of course, I never went.
After she worked on my back, she rubbed the round ligament on the lower front part of my belly. When she first started touching it, I could feel how insanely tight it was and how it could have prevented the baby from turning back into place. It was really like a massage more than anything, and when she was done it felt much looser. Also, the appearance of my belly changed shape.
This week, while everything has been tight and the little baby has been flipped over, the belly has taken on a very wide and round appearance. Leading up to labor, bellies usually look more egg-shaped as the baby descends into the pelvis- my round ligament and tight pelvis were keeping this from happening. She said that she wants an update after tomorrow’s midwife appointment, and it may take a couple of sessions or she could not flip at all, but that she’s had very good success with things like this in the past. When I left the appointment, I felt like I had just taken a yoga class, minus the yoga. Slightly sore (but not in a bad way), very loose and relaxed. The baby moved and kicked as usual throughout the night, and I hope she was happy from the endorphins and extra room to move around.
Today, my belly looks entirely different and as far as the pain factor goes… I feel so better than I have been. My hips aren’t hurting, my back is sore from being adjusted but not in pain, and my belly is lower and not as rock hard. I’m going to skip Zumba today since I don’t want to shake everything around that she just adjusted, and can’t wait to see what the midwife says tomorrow. Who knows? Maybe little baby flipped throughout the night.
The good news is that whether she’s flipped or not, I’m a lot more comfortable. I’m grateful for that as the finish line draws near… 🙂
If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, and don’t have a need to, don’t. As I mentioned before, some people swear by them, others aren’t fans, but it’s up to us to educate ourselves and determine what’s best for our bodies <3 If you’re going to see a chiropractor for the first time, make sure that he/she is highly recommended from someone you trust.
Something to read: Tips and workouts for a strong and safe pregnancy
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I love love love my chiropractor… and hopefully will see him tomorrow, since I’m way out of whack!
I started seeing a chiropractor after having knee pain last year. He’s helped me so much and I rarely have any problems at all. I also go more when I’m very stressed out. Glad you found relief and hope the baby flips!
I am a chiropractor and LOVE working with my pregnant patients 🙂 It can provide so much relief!
After commenting yesterday, I thought about how long I’ve been in back pain and decided against going to the chiro because I’m worried about the money. I realized I haven’t been able to go to the gym since the third week of November (!!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to go EVERY DAY)and I’m becoming depressed and anxious because of it. So I made an appointment for tomorrow and I’m so excited! My entire left leg has become more and more stiff and takes longer to move than the right and the PAIN in my back is constant. I groan every time I get out of bed or off a chair. Walking is a mental exercise – I have to put my game face on to keep moving my feet the pain.
It’s amazing how you can get so used to having pain! It feels sooo good to be adjusted. I can’t wait until I can stand straight! Or lay flat on my back. And in a couple days I’ll be able to go to the gym again! Nervous about how much my muscle will have gone though =(
Thanks Gina for the push 😉
YAY!! I am so glad that you are so much more comfortable 🙂 I am a huge chiro fan, I’m so glad you found it beneficial 🙂
It’s so crazy that you can SEE the belly change shape, how fun! I bet baby girl is just happy to be in such a loving environment 🙂
Yay, I’m so glad to hear you did it and it helped a bunch! It really worked for me during pregnancy too 🙂 Now, flip, girl, flip!
My chiropractor has helped with my allergies, stomach issues, and headaches. Before I started seeing one I thought they only helped with back issues. Apparently not! Glad you found relief… maybe baby will be seeing you sooner rather than later!!
I have an appointment with a chiropractor next week! It’s my first time too!
I’m so glad that you went and found some relief. I had terrible sciatic pain throughout my entire pregnancy and the only thing that would help is getting adjusted. Hope that your sweet girl flipped. 🙂
YAY!!! Loved this post! 🙂 I’m so glad you liked it and it helped! i hope she flips! 🙂
I’m glad you’re feeling so much better. I do hope the little girl flips for you now that she has some more room. 🙂 I’ve been thinking about going to a chiro, myself. My back has been horrible the past few months, nothing debilitating, but noticeable. . . .
That is great the chiropractor helped! I just recently started seeing a sports chiropractor for ART since I was having knee pain while running. He has actually worked wonders and I feel so good. I was skeptical too and until I had a reason to go, I didn’t think I would. I really hope the baby turns and this works for you! I am so enjoying following your pregnancy and all that you have done!
I am so happy that your appointment worked out for you! Sending you all my baby flipping energies love <3
Hmm, you’ve really got me considering seeing a chiro now. I’ve had some pretty terrible back pain over the last week, and I’m going crazy trying to mentally encourage myself that I only have to get through it for 2 more weeks of this pregnancy. Maybe a chiro can work a little magic so I can have a more comfortable ride to the finish line. Thanks for the informative post!
Amen for having this experience! As you said, even if she didn’t flip, the fact is that YOU became comfortable with it, you tried what you could do (and in retrospect you will look back on it all knowing you did what you could at the time given the facts and reality at hand) and you are feeling better about things now…that’s awesome!
Even just your words in this post…I can tell there’s been a little load taken off you….so happy for you 🙂
I’ve never been to a chiropractor but would like to go. This post is very informative and I am glad you had a good experience.
ive been to a chiro in the past, but i didn’t know that they could do that! with acu treatments i know we can help flip a breech baby and help with labor, but thats pretty amazing that one appointment helped that much. i love alternative medicine 🙂
Glad the chiropractor worked!!
I’m so glad you feel better!
so glad to hear you had such a good experience!
Wow! Sounds like the appointment went better than you expected!*
Fingers crossed that she flipped! At least you are more comfortable 🙂 I have an ultrasound next week to see if my little one flipped from breech to head down. If not, maybe I’ll try chiro!
I’m happy that you had such a great experience! I hope the baby isn’t sunny side up anymore <3
hooray! i am so happy that you had a great experience with the chiropractor. i hope you get good news about her position tomorrow! 🙂
I’d never heard of round ligaments so I googled it and wound up reading the WebMD article on round ligament pain in pregnancy. The sentences below caught my eye. It might be good to skip the Zumba from here, though if it contributed to your pain you’d probably have noticed. Good luck!
“For most women, the pain will go away simply by changing daily activities.”
“Changing how you move-rising or sitting down more gradually, avoiding sudden movement-may decrease the spasms.”
http://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-round-ligament-pain
Interesting… Can’t wait to her what your midwife has to say. Either way, I’m sure its getting crowded in there! The chiropractor thing is certainly worth a try and I’m glad it has helped you feel better!
I actually worked for a chiropractor when I was pregnant, therefore took advantage of the free adjustments. I had what I considered a pretty easy labor (no epidural or pain medications). My labor was only 12 hours from the first contraction to delivery. I love Chiropractors. On an unrelated note you may have already visited this blog but I ran across this blog today and thought of you since it is a gluten free blog. http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com
Some of her recipes look amazing and I am not a gluten free gal but follow a Mediterranean Diet. I am crossing my fingers for you for an easy labor! Take Care! ~Dawn
I’m glad you had a good experience! I hope she decides to flip! I love my chiro and it really helps with my hips and back. Also, I’ve had a lot of headaches during pregnancy and he has been able to adjust me and make them go away immediately!
I’ve seen a chiropractor in our town throughout the years for various different reasons, but initially because of my shoulder… Sometimes it would hurt when he was adjusting me, but an hour or so later, my body felt so much freer and less stressed! I ultimately had to have should surgery so it was not a long-term solution, but it did help to control the pain while I was doing physical therapy…
Glad to hear your chiropractic experience was a good one!
So this chart is my newest obsession:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/19/business/20leonhardt-table.html
If the kiddo holds out past today it looks like she’ll have a very uncommon birthday!
I swear by my monthly chiropractor visits. I don’t remember the last time I was sick with the flu, or even a cold. And my mom says that chiro visits helped her have an easier delivery – everything was lined up. 🙂
SO glad you had a great experience! I felt so bad for you being in all that pain 🙁 Take it easy, sweetie!!
Hi Gina! Good luck on your final days of pregnancy! My yoga instructor gave me a recipe for a drink during labour that I think you may really like! I sipped it throughout my labour and after to replenish my energy and actually made it agaim the other day to try to help up my water intake while I am nursing. It involves things that you likely have around your house (lemon, honey, etc). If you are interested i could pas it along to your email address!
Glad the chiropractor appointment helped! My dad is a chiropractor and I loved living close to home so I could get adjustments. I recently moved so I miss the regular and free treatments I have gotten the last several years.
so glad this helped you and thanks for the post!!!!
Awesome! Keeping you in my prayers!