Why You Should Prepare for Not Just Birth, But Pregnancy and the Overlooked 4th Trimester

When we talk about preparing for a baby, most of the focus tends to be on the birth itself. And while labor and delivery are incredibly important, it’s easy to overlook two equally crucial stages: the pregnancy and what comes afterward—the often-overlooked 4th trimester, or postnatal period.

If you’re expecting or know someone who is, it’s essential to be mindful that preparing for birth means more than just that one day. The months leading up to and after birth are equally important to your overall well-being. As chiropractors, we not only focus on supporting the body through pregnancy but also offer care that can help with the recovery and demands of the postnatal period.

Let’s dive into why preparing for the entire journey

—pregnancy, birth, and the 4th trimester—

can make a significant difference to your health and experience as a new parent.

Here are 6 things to keep in mind as you prepare:

1. Take Care of Your Body During Pregnancy

It’s easy to think of pregnancy as just the wait for birth, but your body is doing an incredible amount of work during this time. Your posture changes, your center of gravity shifts, and your ligaments loosen, which can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain, especially in the lower back and pelvis. Chiropractic care can help ease this discomfort, align your body, and support optimal movement throughout pregnancy. By keeping your spine aligned, chiropractic adjustments help your body stay balanced, giving your baby plenty of room to grow and move. This can also contribute to a smoother labor and delivery by ensuring your pelvis is in an optimal position.

2. Prepare Mentally and Physically for Birth

We know that birth is a major event, both physically and emotionally. Preparing your mind and body is key to having a positive birth experience. In addition to prenatal classes, chiropractic care can help prepare your body for the physical demands of labor. Techniques like the Webster technique, often used by chiropractors, aim to align the pelvis and optimize the baby’s position, potentially leading to a more efficient labor. Taking the time to relax, practice breathing techniques, and listen to your body can help you feel more in control when the big day arrives.

3. Don’t Forget About the 4th Trimester

The 4th trimester is the first 12 weeks after birth, a time of enormous change and adjustment. Your body has just been through one of the most intense physical events it will ever experience, and now it’s recovering while you care for a newborn. This period is often overlooked, but it’s a critical time for healing, bonding, and adjusting to your new role. Physically, you may experience lingering discomfort, whether from birth trauma, postural changes, or breastfeeding. Chiropractic adjustments can help your body heal and return to balance, assisting with back pain, shoulder tension, and more.

4. Support for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding, while natural, can be physically demanding. The posture required for nursing can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain. Many new mothers also experience tension from holding their newborn for extended periods, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Chiropractic care can help relieve this tension and ensure your spine is aligned, making feeding times more comfortable for you. In some cases, chiropractic adjustments can also assist in addressing breastfeeding issues related to latch, particularly if the baby has trouble turning their head or moving comfortably during feedings.

5. Managing Stress and Emotional Changes

The postpartum period can be a whirlwind of emotions, with sleep deprivation, physical recovery, and the demands of a newborn. This can all lead to stress and tension, often manifesting in the body. While it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed at times, it’s important to have support in place. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve physical tension, and as your nervous system regulates, it may even help lower stress levels. Combined with practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and support from your loved ones, this can help you feel more grounded during this challenging time.

6. Restoring Core and Pelvic Floor Function

Pregnancy and birth put a lot of strain on your core and pelvic floor. After birth, it’s essential to give these areas time to heal. But it’s also important to gently start restoring strength to support your body long-term. The muscles of the core and pelvic floor are vital for stability, posture, and preventing issues like back pain or pelvic dysfunction later on. Your chiropractor can provide advice on when and how to start gentle exercises, as well as techniques to ensure your posture is supporting your recovery. Additionally, chiropractic care can help your pelvis return to proper alignment, which is key for healing and restoring strength.

A Must-Read for New Parents

One of the best resources I can recommend to parents during this incredible journey is *Well Adjusted Babies* by Dr. Jen Barham-Floriani. This book offers invaluable insights into holistic approaches to pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. It’s an essential guide for anyone looking to make informed decisions about their health and well-being during this time. We have copies available in the clinic, so be sure to pick one up on your next visit!

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Throughout pregnancy, birth, and the 4th trimester, your body undergoes incredible changes. Chiropractic care offers a natural, safe way to support your body through these changes. By helping to keep your spine and pelvis aligned, we can assist in reducing discomfort, promoting healing, and optimizing your body’s ability to function. If you’re currently pregnant or have recently had a baby, consider making chiropractic care a part of your journey. Whether you’re looking for relief from pregnancy discomfort, preparing for birth, or needing support during the postnatal period, we are here to help.

With love, Inga Burmeister DC

The content of this blog is for educational purposes and is not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.