Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy – A Conversation with Caitlin Haley Corona, DC
Dr. Caitlin Haley Corona became especially interested in addressing the unique Chiropractic benefits of pregnancy in 2019, when she was expecting herself. Now a mother of two, she has continued her education in pregnancy and pediatrics and is certified in the Webster Technique.
As a busy doctor at Bledsoe Chiropractic in Conway, AR, Dr. Corona treats women throughout all stages of pregnancy. In this blog, she shares her insights about the importance of Chiropractic care during pregnancy and after baby’s arrival.
Foot Levelers:
At what stage in their pregnancy do patients typically come in for Chiropractic care? Trimester One, Two, Three, or Postpartum?
Dr. Corona:
Women begin their care at all stages of their pregnancy journeys. But on average, we see patients who have not previously been under our care start around the 20-week mark. With that period being the halfway point in pregnancy, most women notice more strain to their SI joints, pelvis, lower back, and have symptoms of sciatic pain.
Foot Levelers:
How would you describe the mothers-to-be whom you care for? Patients you were already treating, or patients referred to Chiropractic care by their Ob/Gyns?
Dr. Corona:
We have a combination of both. Patients I’ve grown to know well in the clinic have become pregnant and allowed me the privilege of caring for them throughout their motherhood journeys. Bledsoe Chiropractic has a wonderful relationship with prenatal providers in our community. I’ve also gotten to know the prenatal providers in our city through my own pregnancies. Dr. Bledsoe has really let me grow and build the pregnancy population in our clinic. Many of the pregnant patients whom we see are referred to us by patients who have already experienced care in our clinic.
Foot Levelers:
How has being a mother of two contributed towards your Chiropractic protocol for pregnant women?
Dr. Corona:
I had two very different pregnancies – my first was an easy vaginal delivery. My second involved a C-section because my daughter was breech until week 37. My experiences have taught me that no pregnancy is the same and gave me an appreciation for ALL births that I did not have before. I maintained regular adjustments through both my pregnancies, and I use those techniques that helped me on my patients.
Foot Levelers:
How has your ongoing education about pregnancy and being certified in the Webster Technique impacted your care?
Dr. Corona:
I got the Webster Technique certification during Chiropractic school. This technique focuses on creating and maintaining balance to counteract the strain pregnancy takes on the body. It also addresses the pelvis, muscles and ligaments that surround and support the uterus through pregnancy, to help the mother stay comfortable and keep the baby in the healthiest possible position during development. It was eye-opening to learn how the body changes through each phase of pregnancy.
I surround myself with others who excel at prenatal care and continue to learn from them every day. This helps me to have a continuous education and help me grow as a prenatal Chiropractor.
Foot Levelers:
Why do you think it’s so important for women to have ongoing Chiropractic care during and after their pregnancies? How about if they are carrying multiples?
Dr. Corona:
During pregnancy, hormones and changes to the body cause the pelvis, lumbar spine, and surrounding structures to shift. This can cause spinal misalignments, muscle tightness, instability, and pain. Not only does Chiropractic care help decrease pain, staying adjusted throughout pregnancy can help ensure that the baby is in the best position possible for a smoother labor and delivery. If a woman is carrying multiples, this greatly increases the pressure on the lumbar spine and pelvis. After the baby’s birth, Chiropractic care is an important element of recovery.
Foot Levelers:
How does the shifting center of gravity and other evolving changes of pregnancy affect a woman’s body, and how does Chiropractic care and foot stabilization help?
Dr. Corona:
The shifting center of gravity can contribute to imbalances, postural changes, pain, discomfort, and decreased range of motion. Chiropractic care can help women stay as balanced as possible along with limiting postural changes, pain, and discomfort. Most patients come to us with unstable feet, a condition that significantly increases during pregnancy. The hormone relaxin causes the ligaments in the body to loosen through pregnancy, including the ligaments of the feet. That means that the arches in the feet can become even less supportive during pregnancy. Stabilizing the feet with custom orthotics helps keep a woman’s entire body aligned and balanced throughout the evolving changes of pregnancy.
Foot Levelers:
How is treating a pregnant woman different than one who is not pregnant? What adaptations do you do as a doctor? How does this change as a woman gets closer and closer to her due date?
Dr. Corona:
When treating a pregnant woman, I always follow the Webster Technique. I focus on the pelvis, muscles, and ligaments supporting the uterus, to keep the pelvis in the best alignment possible. I try to avoid side posture unless absolutely necessary due to the strain and torsion it can put on a pregnant patient’s pelvis. As a mother gets closer and closer to her due date, I try to keep her spine free of interference to be able to fully communicate to her body as labor nears. In the last 4 weeks of care, I typically see my pregnant patients at a minimum of once per week to ensure that her body is in proper alignment and functioning properly.
Foot Levelers:
How does Chiropractic care and foot stabilization contribute to the healthiest environment for a developing baby?
Dr. Corona:
Foot stabilization and supporting the arches of the feet properly helps doctors achieve optimal results through Chiropractic care. When the body is properly aligned and the spine is free of interference, this leads to the body functioning at 100%. This helps the baby develop and thrive throughout the pregnancy.
Foot Levelers:
How does stabilizing the body with custom orthotics help decrease pain, fatigue, and discomfort during the different stages of pregnancy? How does it help a woman recover and return to work and other activities after her baby is born?
Dr. Corona:
If the spine is in proper alignment, it will help the muscles relax and keep inflammation down. In my experience, the lower the pain and discomfort, the less fatigue a pregnant mother will have. Fatigue is often related to hormonal changes that occur in the various trimesters. I have seen Chiropractic care help most with fatigue during the third trimester. This is the stage where the body easily comes out of alignment. We can realign and stabilize the body, allowing the woman to move better and feel less discomfort after an adjustment.
Foot Levelers:
What can Chiropractors do to educate the public about the importance of Chiropractic care during and after pregnancy? What kind of outreach have you done at Bledsoe Chiropractic?
Dr. Corona:
Chiropractors can begin by talking with patients who are planning to start a family in the future or patients who already have children. Chiropractors can also reach out to obgyns in their area to communicate the importance of Chiropractic care. We have a wonderful relationship with obgyns in our area. Many of those them refer patients to our office because of the information we have shared with them about Chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Foot Levelers:
What would you say to chiropractors who are interested in treating pregnant patients?
Dr Corona:
Look into the Webster Technique by reaching out to The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Start surrounding yourself with Chiropractors who take care of pregnant patients and ask questions.
Foot Levelers:
What would you say to women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy but have not explored Chiropractic care?
Dr. Corona:
Find a Webster-certified Chiropractor in your area to begin your pregnancy journey. Also, find a Chiropractor who uses Foot Levelers custom orthotics in their care and scans feet to ensure proper foot stabilization along with ongoing Chiropractic care through pregnancy.
Dr. Caitlin Haley Corona is a graduate of Arkansas State University and Parker University. She has completed specialized training in pregnancy and pediatrics and is certified in the Webster Technique. She practices at Bledsoe Chiropractic in Conway, AR. Dr. Corona can be reached at drcaitlin@bledsoechiropractic.com.
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