Prenatal Chiropractic and helping with a breech baby?
We see a lot of pregnant women for prenatal chiropractic in Lincoln, NE, and have lots of experience with parents coming to us when they find out that their baby has moved into a breech position, or is still in a breech position. Helping a family navigate a breech baby is one of our favorite things to do with our Lincoln families. We feel very confident that we are the best possible prenatal chiropractors to help you.
We often get questions about how chiropractic can turn a breech baby. The really cool thing is, we don’t actually do anything with the baby! We work with your body to help your body create the space for the baby to move into a head down position when it is safe, and they are ready. Read further to learn how your Lincoln, NE prenatal chiropractors can help with navigating a breech baby positioning.
What does chiropractic have to do with my baby’s positioning?
Your body’s external alignment (your bones and muscles) have internal attachments to your uterus and cervix, and when your external alignment isn’t optimal, it puts unnecessary tension on the inside that can affect the shape, and tension on your uterus in a way that prevents your baby from being able to move into the position that they need to.
How do you know if your alignment is affecting their positioning?
We use a couple of risk factors as red flags that your alignment could be playing a role. If you are having any of the following, there is a good chance it is. The good news is, that means there is a good chance we can help you!
-one sided pelvic pain (sciatica, low back, hip, etc.)
-pubic bone pain
-baby always sitting way over to one side of your body
-baby always sitting way out in front
-history of pelvic injury
When do we consider them breech?
This may vary a little bit from our local providers, but we take the baby’s positioning seriously at 32-34 weeks. We like to have confirmation from your provider that they are head down by 34. A lot of providers won’t consider them breech until about 36 weeks, but we like to get a head-start before there is less room, and if they are still head-up at 34, we actively manage their care as if they are.
What do we do in the office?
The first thing we do is we take a history of your health, and of your pregnancy and your prenatal care thus far. We make note of any daily habits (ie your work, or exercise) that may be playing a role, and then hany historical things that may affect your body (like a previous pelvic injury, horseback riding, etc). Then we talk you through your prenatal chiropractic adjustment using both Webster Chiropractic Technique as well as additional advanced training in Spinning Babies, so you know what to expect with your care. It’s very gentle, and very safe for you and your baby. You’ll actually even be able to lay on your stomach (with special support pillows)! You’ll notice right after your adjustment that your body feels different. You may feel that you are able to stand up taller, or that you have less tension in your low back and pelvis.
How often do I need to come?
Generally speaking, we usually see patients for prenatal Webster chiropractic adjustments about twice a week until the baby decides to move head down. If a patient gets scheduled for an ECV, or an external cephalic version (done by their OB), then we try and see them the morning of their appointment so that their body is in the best possible position going into their version.
What can you do at home?
A couple of things you can do at home to help:
-Take a walk, especially after your adjustments. This helps give the baby extra feedback on being able to shimmy into place.
-Spinning babies three sisters exercises.
-If you feel like they start to move towards going head down, a cold pack near their head location can make them want to move away from it.
-Handstands in a pool, if you have access to one.
-Acupuncture -- Lincoln Acupuncture Project is a great resource here in Lincoln, NE. Tell Cait we said “hi!”
-Any exercises we give you specific to your work, and exercises that could be affecting their positioning.
We would be so honored to be a part of your journey during your pregnancy! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. Helping moms with their prenatal chiropractic care is one of our favorite things!! You can text the office at 402-420-5373, or you can schedule online with our online scheduler!