Pre-Natal Care: Part 2
I’m back for part 2 of my pre-natal care blog. I got so wrapped up in supplements, that the first part was a little longer then anticipated. But that’s all right, I’m now 4 days overdue, so I have been given ample time to add to the first part, haha. Also, I take that to mean that I am passionate about this subject. And I am, I love talking about pregnancy and think that you DON’T have to suffer through it! And that’s what these posts are intended to deliver. Take care of yourself during pregnancy, and you can feel great! I’m not talking about sickness here, I am talking about aches and pains, soreness, headaches or low back pain. Almost every mom I’ve met has had some sort of pre-natal tension or pain at some point in their pregnancy. So, what can you do? Continue on to find out! Here are my 3 Must Have Therapies:
Massage
Of course I would start with massage! No, but really, this has been HUGE for me. Massage can help with pregnancy tension, pain, stress or anxiety. Some of the most common tensions I hear about during pregnancy are headaches, low back pain, sciatic pain, hip pain, stress, and anxiety. YOU GUYS! Massage can help with ALL of the above pregnancy issues! Help yourself feel great!
Throughout this pregnancy in particular, I had a lot of headaches in the beginning, and then just a lot of upper body tension throughout. And, of course at the end, my hips are tightened up and sore. Through massage, my headaches decreased in frequency and intensity, it immensely helped with my upper body pain and my hips feel great! I get massage at least once a month, and it’s a favorite in my self-care routine.
A little shout out: Massage is safe during all stages of pregnancy. Just make sure you choose a massage therapist who has worked with pregnant women and has training as well. (I have both). As you get further along in your pregnancy, your comfort is my priority. Of course, when your belly gets bigger you cannot lay face down, so we will work with you on your back for a little while (if comfortable) and then primarily side-lying. I just have you flip so we work both sides well.
Acupuncture
I found acupuncture during my first pregnancy and fell in love. It is completely different from massage therapy, and yes there are needles involved, but give it a chance here. So during acupuncture, the practitioner will place the needles and leave you to relax and let the needles do their magic for about a half hour. I relax so deeply during this time, it is amazing. It definitely is a different therapy, and you may not feel a huge difference in the first few appointments, but man! The relaxation! It’s so great.
For me, acupuncture has helped in many areas. The first thing that stands out in my mind is the energy. It helps increase my energy throughout my pregnancy, and I love it. There are other crazy things that acupuncture helps me with. Usually, I have really odd dreams. Acupuncture helps them fade away and make them almost non-existent. (No I don’t know why or how, LOL.) It also does help with some tension throughout.
I use Liz Ross, in Hancock, MI for my acupuncture. She has great training, and always does a thorough intake and makes sure she is working the right points. I’ve loved her! Her phone number is 808-542-1344.
About those needles: seriously I don’t even feel them. Occasionally, when there is a tender spot there is a slight pinch, but nothing like an I.V. The needles are tiny! I fretted a bit before my first ever treatment, but they are so tiny, they are nothing to fret about. And, I never see them. Just don’t move around a lot, and you’ll do just fine.
Chiropractic
Last but not least, chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is a necessity in my families life. Necessity meaning we go once a month as part of our total wellness. I totally believe that chiropractic works to keep my body working great so that it can take care of itself. Our bodies are amazing, and chiropractic helps them to stay at 100%. This way our bodies can heal well, stay healthy and grow as we are supposed to. Not only that, but chiropractic care feels great, and I always feel an inch taller walking out.
During pregnancy, chiropractic has helped with many things. Low back pain, hip pain, nerve pain and headaches to name a few. And these are just what I have experienced. I know that many people have gotten relief for many different ailments.
One of my biggest “wow” moments this pregnancy, was when I was suffering from a lot of frontal hip pain. I was having a lot of pain in the front of my pelvis and could hardly walk. And I feel like i hear so many stories about women who just deal with this pain, thinking it’s normal, or that they should just deal with it. You don’t have to deal with it. Seek out help! Anyway, I was having all of this frontal hip pain, went to the chiropractor, and through his work, was able to feel great again! It felt so good to walk out of there feeling so great. I wanted to shout from the rooftops, “Mommies! Take care yourselves, and you too can feel great!!”
As I mentioned above, I see the chiropractor monthly, including in pregnancy. If I need it, I will go in more often, but usually monthly works great to keep everything in check.
I see Davin Isaacson at Discover Chiropractic in Hancock and love how he does his work. He is very gentle, does stretching before adjusting and usually I am in there for at least an hour when I take my girls with me. He takes great care of us. I will also take my baby to him very soon after it is born, and I know he has experience with all of that! His phone number is 482-4900.
With a combination of Massage, Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care, (along with my supplements, eating well and staying active), I generally feel great during pregnancy. Even now at 4 days overdue, I FEEL great, it is just a mind game of wondering when this baby will arrive. And yes, maybe I’m just lucky and have awesome pregnancies. But, I don’t ever plan to test it and take these therapies out of my life, I love feeling good! Don’t you?
If you could feel great, how much better could your pregnancy be? What would that be worth to you? The small investment made is always worth the benefits from any of these therapies. If you’re pregnant and not feeling great, I truly hope you take your care into your own hands and try one or all of these therapies.
Best of Health,
Nikki
