I found out a couple weeks ago that my good friends Jake Canner and Lindsey are going to be parents in less than nine months. Concurrently, I’ve been taking a class in Chiropractic College on Obstetrics wondering when I was going to use some of this information. Thus, I’m relying some of the information that I have learned to help guide you to a healthier pregnancy. (This is not meant to be the end all, be all. These are simply some tips to help. You should always listen to your doctor and consult with him/her if you are thinking of changing something.)
TIP 1:
Do your vitamins have an adequate source of Vitamin D? Recent research has suggested that Vitamin D contributes to improving pregnancy outcomes, such as decreasing the risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), improving gestation length, birth weight and infant bone mineralization to name a few. For Lindsey’s health one study in the American Society for Clinical Nutrition suggests that maternal Vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy is significantly associated with an elevated risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). There is still a lot to be learned about this powerful vitamin so it’s not suggested that you go to GNC and buy mega doses, yet, a good multi should have at least 400IU’s.
TIP 2:
News about CAFFEINE. Recent studies have shown that women who consume greater than 200mg of caffeine daily are at significant risk for miscarriage prior to 20 weeks. To put this into perspective one large coffee has up to 100mg of caffeine. A good substitute is green tea; there are only 30mg/ cup.
Tip 3:
Why should I drink a minimum of 2-3 L of water a day? Water accounts for 75% of newborns weight and is essential for ALL activities of body function. Dehydration decreases amniotic fluid volume and increases preterm uterine contractions. Carry a water bottle with you to work or at the gym.
Tip 4:
Speaking of the gym, is there really much benefit to working out while I’m pregnant? One study suggests infant’s mothers who exercises for at least 30 minutes three times a week had HIGHER IQ’s, better coordination and lower levels of body fat. AKA Super Baby Canner.
Tip 5:
Why am I getting sick? Pregnancy nausea usually happens in up to 80% of newly pregnant women. Lindsey- most women start experiencing morning sickness between 4 and 6 weeks. The nausea usually ends around the 14th to 16th week when the hCG levels start to decrease. There are prescription medication that are reserved for severe sickness, yet, one of the natural ways for battling pregnancy induced nausea is B6 supplementation. B6 around 50mg daily has been shown to help with pregnancy induced nausea.
Tip 6:
Can chiropractic care help me?
During your pregnancy the body goes through an amazing transformation. The average women gains 25 to 35 pounds, placing a tremendous amount of stress on the spine. In addition, your baby may press against your back placing added stress to joints and nerves. As you progress in your pregnancy your center of gravity shifts forward. This posture places stress on the discs between your vertebrae; which can create pain. This is very common as 50-90% of pregnant women experience some type of back pain during their pregnancy. The body attempts to compensate by releasing hormones that loosen ligaments that are attached to the pelvis. However, even these natural changes can result in posture imbalances. Chiropractic care can help you during your pregnancy in several ways:
· By restoring normal motion of the spine and pelvis.
· By relieving pain.
· By increasing your endurance.
· By promoting healthy self care.
· By helping you return to normal activities after birth.
· By reducing the time of labor.
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