Why have chiropractic care during your pregnancy?

Chiropractic treatment during pregnancy is safe, gentle, drugless, and effective for alleviating many of the pains and discomforts that a woman may experience during her pregnancy. Dr. Morales has been educated with innovative specialized training to treat a woman through her entire pregnancy, including using Webster Technique and Flexion-Distraction Technique. A pregnant woman’s body is continuously changing, constantly changing her biomechanics. To help fix these biomechanics, these techniques and tools are used in combination with various other techniques to ensure the safety, comfort and effectiveness of treatment.

Here are some benefits to having chiropractic care during your pregnancy according to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association:

• Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can ease and even help avoid the common discomforts experienced in pregnancy.
• Doctors of chiropractic work with restoring proper alignment and function of the pelvis, spine, and nervous throughout pregnancy, allowing an easier, quicker, and safer delivery.
• Chiropractic treatment help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches caused by various postural changes.
• Chiropractic care is shown to reduce the need for pain medications and medical interventions.

What should I avoid?

• Avoid undercooked meat, poultry, fish and eggs
• Avoid unpasteurized foods
• Avoid excess caffeine, herbal teas, ALCOHOL

What can I do at home?

• It is true that your nutrient needs increase, but energy requirements only increase about 300 calories per day for the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
• Eat healthy, wholesome foods, drink plenty of water, and avoid excess sugar and fat
• Exercise and stretch regularly

What are some examples of healthy eating?

Protein– Experts recommend 75 to 100 grams of protein per day. Protein in your foods positively affects the growth of fetal tissue, including the brain. It also helps your breast and uterine tissue to grow during pregnancy, and it plays a helping part in your increasing blood supply. Ex: Salmon, chicken, Lean meats, tofu, nuts, legumes

Calcium– Daily requirement of calcium is around 1000 milligrams during pregnancy.  Calcium helps your body regulate fluids, and it helps build your baby’s bones and tooth buds. Ex: watercress, kale, cabbage, mozzarella, milk, yogurt.

Iron– iron helps increase your blood volume and prevent anemia. A daily intake of 27 milligrams is ideal during pregnancy. Ex: liver, turkey, lean meats, squash, pumpkin seeds, nuts.

Folic Acid– Folic acid plays a key role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Experts recommend 600 to 800 micrograms (.6 to .8 milligrams) daily. Ex: beans, lentils, spinach, asparagus, romaine lettuce, avocado

Vitamin C– Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C will help with wound healing, tooth and bone development, and promotes metabolic processes. Experts recommend at least 85 milligrams per day. Ex: Yellow bell peppers, guava, kale, kiwi, broccoli.