Postural Correction Strategies for a Healthy Pregnancy

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Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 10:57am EST

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Many women seek postural correction to relieve neck or back pain that can result from weight gain and altered biomechanics during pregnancy. But even if you’re not in pain, pregnant women can still benefit from having proper posture. Aligned posture during pregnancy maintains, and can even improve, balance and alignment in your spine and pelvis. This can help your baby assume it’s optimal birthing position and reduce the risk of complications during the delivery.

The American Posture Institute utilizes a trifecta of essential components for long-term postural correction. The first component is spinal alignment to correct misaligned joints of the spine and the hips, reducing spinal nerve stress. The second component is postural rehabilitation to correct muscular dysfunction patterns. To maintain proper spinal alignment, it is necessary to rehabilitate the muscular patterns to support the spinal column. The third component is posture habit re-education, learning proper postural habits to support good posture throughout your daily activities.

Why should I consider postural correction during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, there are several physiological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. The following changes could result in a misaligned spine or joints:

  • Protruding abdomen and increased curvature of the lower back
  • Pelvic changes in proportion to fetal development
  • Postural adaptations in the mid back due to breast enlargement

Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is a key component to a healthy pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby, causing intrauterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth.

The nervous system is the master communication system to all the body systems including the reproductive system. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body function more effectively.

What can I do at home to help improve my posture during pregnancy?

  • Avoid carrying other children on your hips, this contributes to a misaligned pelvis and can cause muscle strain in the low back
  • When sleeping, prop pillows between your knees for comfort. Use a supportive pillow and a firm mattress for spinal support
  • Avoid wearing high heels that accentuate the curve of your lumbar spine
  • Keep your mind and body flexible with prenatal yoga classes
  • Check your posture in the mirror. If you see abnormal postural presentations (for example, one shoulder higher than the other or an increased curve of your lower back) consult a posture expert for a complete evaluation

Written By:
Dr. Krista Burns DC, DRHA, CPEP, CPS
Doctor of Chiropractic
Doctor of Health Administration
Certified Postural Specialist
Co-Founder American Posture Institute

Posture by Design, Not by Circumstance
www.americanpostureinstitute.com

Dr. Krista Burns
Dr. Krista Burns, co-founder of the American Posture Institute, is dedicated to the development and expansion of the American Posture Institute as the number one recognized leader in postural correction and postural certification programs in the world. She graduated with honors as a Doctor of Chiropractic from the prestigious university Palmer College of Chiropractic. Passionate about furthering her education, she completed a Ph.D. in Health Administration with an emphasis in Health Policy. To further her clinical expertise she completed certifications as a Certified Postural Specialist, Certified Posture Exercise Professional, and a Specialist in Functional Chiropractic Neurology. She is an inspiring public speaker and has been a featured presenter at forums such as the International Functional Medicine Conference in Italy and the Women’s Leadership Summit in the United States. Dr. Burns is a published author and researcher in the field of health and wellness. As a recognized health expert, she has been featured on Sport Magazine televised program, CYOU TV live radio program, and as a contributing author to L’Accademia del Fitness national health magazine. She is also the founder and President of the League of Chiropractic Women-Europe, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the chiropractic profession. In addition to her esteemed professional accomplishments, she has always had a love for fitness. As a teenager she was a competitive member of the United States Freestyle Development Ski Team, and a qualifier for the US National Championships and North American Competition skiing circuit. Her love for sports continues, as she is currently a recognized fitness competitor for the International Federation of Bodybuilders. She was a top finisher in the Northern Italian Championships, qualifying her for her top 10th finish in the Italian National Championships as a Bikini competitor. Dr. Burns has a passion for all things “health.” She lives the advice she gives. Her superior personal work ethic is demonstrated by her continuous devotion to academics, her admired professional accomplishments, her role as a woman leader in the chiropractic profession, and her successes as a professional athlete.