prenatal support
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Women have unique bodies that are strong and capable of creating and growing life. This process is transformative both physically and emotionally and requires support. During this changing time, there are common complaints that can be effectively treated utilizing chiropractic and other drug-free, natural, and non-invasive methods. Chiropractic during pregnancy is safe, gentle, and effective.
Benefits of care during pregnancy:
Connection to the process and the physical and emotional changes that come with it
Helps to maintain a healthier pregnancy
Prepares your body for an efficient labor and delivery
Relief of back, neck, pelvic or joint pain
Removes tension on the ligaments that support the uterus, such as the round ligaments- reducing torsion (intrauterine constraint) to the woman’s uterus offering the baby the room to move into the best possible position for birth
Potential prevention of cesarean section or other interventions
Common conditions:
Neck & Hip pain
Headaches
Sciatica
Pubic symphysis pain
Rib/diaphragm discomfort
prenatal acupuncture
Acupuncture throughout pregnancy helps to support the body so that you can better adjust and adapt to the changes in your body. We cater your treatments to each stage of your pregnancy. Early first trimester treatments may address nausea and morning sickness, headaches, fatigue, while promoting emotional well-being. Throughout your second trimester we will focus on easing any of the common conditions that may arise such as improving digestion, sleep quality, and every day stress. Once in the third trimester, we focus on musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, edema/swelling, insomnia, breech presentation, general health and well-being.
Birth and labor preparation
We recommend weekly office visits starting around week 34 of pregnancy to support the body in transitioning from pregnancy to labor. Research demonstrates that pre-birth acupuncture is effective in shortening labor duration, reducing medical induction and cesarean section rates. These treatments focus on:
Promoting cervical ripening and dilation
Balancing the nervous system for labor
Emotional and physical support and releasing fears surrounding labor and birth
Supporting amniotic fluid levels
Promoting the natural onset of labor
breech presentation
We are not obstetricians and we do not "turn babies". However, our services and support may help. Obstetricians and midwives in Evanston and the surrounding areas refer their patients to us for breech or mal-positioned babies. Dr. Merkel has helped hundreds of moms get their babies into a more optimal position prior to birth.
We utilize the Webster Technique in addition to myofascial pelvic work, acupuncture, functional movement, and moxibustion. These technique are very gentle and are not forceful. We aim to promote proper movement and mobility of the pelvic structures to alleviate any tension placed on the lower part of the uterus. Our goal is to create as much space as possible to facilitate an optimal labor and delivery.