Nearly 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain. That number swells to 75% when labor is included. Dr. Sarah Merritt helps you foster the conditions for a comfortable pregnancy and an uncomplicated labor and delivery. If your pregnancy is affecting your back, call or make an appointment online today at Merritt Chiropractic in San Ramon, California.

 

Pregnancy Care Q & A

The moment you decide to expand your family is a magical time in your life. It can be a bit scary, too. Your body will be going through many changes in a relatively short amount of time. This requires amazing adaptability of the woman’s body in order to navigate those changes and allow your body to grow another human inside your uterus and eventually get it out of you. This is exactly why chiropractic is so important to a healthy and happy pregnancy and labor regardless of back pain.

The body works in a feedback loop with the brain. The body sends signals to the brain about the environment and the brain then sends signals to the body about how to coordinate function (moving, breathing, digesting, etc,) Any parts not moving properly don’t give information to the brain and, in turn, don’t function well. The whole goal of chiropractic is to get the whole body moving properlyso it can function properly because if you function well you are as healthy as you can be as healthy as possible!

So during this incredibly dynamic time in your life, what on earth could be more important than ensuring that your body is moving properly? Not much!

If you are looking for the healthiest and smoothest pregnancy and labor possible, call or make an appointment online today at Merritt Chiropractic in San Ramon, California.

What does chiropractic pregnancy care look like?

During pregnancy, your uterus expands and your pelvis tips, causing an increase in the curvature of your spine. As a result, your center of gravity shifts and your body tries to compensate for this lack of balance.

Dr. Merritt assesses and uses gentle and easy to receive adjustments to correct and rebalance the pelvis, spine, hips, knee, neck and feet. This can usually do wonders to help alleviate the pain and tension sometimes experienced with these changes. Her sessions help lower cortisol so you experience fewer headaches, anxiety, mood swings and give birth to a happier, less anxious baby.

Pregnant women who include Dr. Merritt in their care see a decrease in the length of labor by an average of 30%. The techniques Dr. Merritt uses also help correct breech presentations over 90% of the time. This results in a decrease in cesarean births. Overall, Dr. Merritt’s care results in fewer unplanned birthing interventions and an improved pregnancy and labor experience as noted on self-assessed surveys.

What is the Webster technique?

The Webster Techniques incorporates leg checks, knee bends, arm stretches, gentle muscle tension and small impulses to affect the structures of the pelvis. It can be used for a variety of patients, regardless of their health condition.

During your pregnancy, Dr. Merritt uses the Webster technique to help balance you and the corresponding muscles and ligaments. The Webster technique reduces joint dysfunction and helps tense muscles and ligaments relax. Abnormal tensions on the uterus decrease, so your baby comfortably assumes the best possible position for birth.

Childbirth is a potential source of trauma to your infant's spine. Over 95% of infant are born with cervical spinal dysfunction. Dr. Merritt is International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) trained and specializes in cervical and cranial work for newborns. This proves very useful in children who have trouble breastfeeding. She uses a light, precise, biomechanical adjustment, using no more force than a quarter.

What is Active Release TechniqueⓇ?

Active Release Technique (ART) focuses on relieving tissue tension that results from repetitive use. ART treats problems with your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It reduces the amount of scar tissue buildup, relieving:

• Headaches

• Back pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Other ailments associated with pregnancy

The ART adjustments Dr. Merritt does during your pregnancy care increase your range of motion, strengthen your muscles, and decrease:

• Pain

• Tingling

• Numbness

• Weakness

Dr. Merritt instructs you to actively move the injury site from a shortened to a lengthened position while she applies deep tension to the area of tenderness.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your pregnancy, call or make an appointment online today at Merritt Chiropractic in San Ramon, California.