How to pick the right doctors for your pregnancy.

Ask around.

Odds are that you have a friend or two who thinks their doctor is great. Talk to childbirth teachers, your general practitioner, or your chiropractor. If you are already seeing a gynecologist, find out if they practice obstetrics as well.

Do you like where your doctor has hospital rights?

When my wife had our first baby, she delivered at a large area hospital. We both disliked the “move 'em in, move 'em out” mentality. So despite a great OB, she switched to a different practice for our next two. She delivered in a smaller hospital where we felt we got a lot more individual attention. However, everyone values different things.

Some things to think about:

Does my hospital have a high level neonatal intensive care unit? Does my hospital have 24 hour anesthesiologists? Do I have an option for labor tubs or showers?

Does my doctor have similar views or respect mine?

What are your doctor’s views on natural childbirth? Inductions? Elective c-sections? Fetal monitoring? Episiotomy? Be sure to discuss these things with you doctor early on, so you are completely comfortable later. In the whirlwind of giving birth, you don’t want to find out you are on different pages.

Practice Size?

 Do you like to see the same doctor every prenatal visit? Would you like more than one opinion? Do you mind waiting or rescheduling a visit if your solo practitioner is at the hospital? Does the practice include midwives?

Chiropractor?

Look for a chiropractor who has advanced education in pregnancy and pediatrics. This doesn’t mean that a general chiropractor can’t do a great job, but if you are starting out check out the American Pregnancy Association for a great recommendation.. Before making an appointment, call the office and ask if the practice sees a lot of pregnant women. Ask about the techniques used and if the doctor is certified in the Webster Technique.

It may seem like a lot of work to do at the beginning of your new adventure, but these tips will pay bid dividends in the end.

Any other good ideas? Leave a comment!

Do You Want A Longer Labor???

I have had a number of skeptics in the past few weeks ask me what good chiropractic really does in pregnancy.
I mentioned relief of pain without medication, less breach presentation, ease of movement, lower risk of  complications, and was greeted with a "so-what" smile.
I  mentioned that studies show, pregnant women who have chiropractic care have shorter labors.
That impressed every single skeptic I spoke with. Who would have thought?

Here's the data
A study done in 1990 showed that women who were under Chiropractic care throughout their pregnancies had reduced labor times. First time moms experienced 25% less time in labor and birth and moms with previous babies averaged 31% shorter labor times.

Not bad at all!

J. Fallon, “The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labor: A Comprehensive Study,” Abstract of the Proceedings of the 1991World Federation of Chiropractic, Nov./Dec. 1992, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol. 15, No. 9, p. 614.


For more information about chiropractic care visit www.abetterbrain.com

84% of Pregnant Women Get Back Pain Relief From Chiropractic

Here is a little gem of a study for those of you contemplating chiropractic treatment for your back pain or sciatica.

In a recent study 84% of patients receiving chiropractic manipulation reported relief of back pain during pregnancy. There was significantly less likelihood of back labor when spinal manipulative therapy was administered during pregnancy. ("Back pain during pregnancy and labor". Diakow PR, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 1991: 14(2): 116-118.)

Not only does chiropractic treatment bring relief of symptoms it also reduces the chance of "back labor" which as many of you know can be rather painful. Chiropractic is safe and effective and can help you feel better now and keep you from pain later.