Considering seeing a chiro from 30 weeks

Hi ladies,

Just wondering if anyone has enlisted the help of a chiropractor in the hopes of achieving a VBAC? Apparently DS was poorly positioned, and I was wondering if a chiro would be able to assist in aligning my spine, pelvis etc before the birth.

Or is physio a better option? I'm not sure which to choose, but I do know I want to give myself the best possible chance for a natural birth this time.

Anyone got some wisdom to share? Did you see any other health professionals in addition to physio/chiro? Did it help you?

Have you considered something like Pregnancy Pilates?

I know my chiropractor often helps with positioning and pelvic alignment in pregnancy to support vaginal birth. You would need to look for someone who specialises though.

I saw my Chiro fortnightly from sometime in the 2nd trimester as my back got quite sore and pelvis often was out and needed adjusting. I think that it helped with my fast-ish delivery for DS2 (5hrs from first ouch to out); I even had a visit as labour pains started - about 1/2hr after the first pang. So I definitely think the chiro helped. (I had been expecting a slightly longer labour as DS1 was about 12hrs from first ouch to out)

I saw an osteo from around 30 week as well as TCM

Yes yes yes! I really believe it helped me get my VBAC.

Fast replies, thanks everyone!

sahbear - I han't thought of that... did you do it? Was it good?

Olive - What does an osteo do exactly? And what is TCM? lol

I saw a Chiro throughout my pg and whilst I wasnt successful with my VBAC (cord issues) it did help keep me very aligned, minimal back pain etc... I was also doing yoga

I'm in pain right now laying with a heat pack from fairly severe pubic symphysis pain- my one-man practice chiro closed for Xmas (bastard, how dare he leave me) and am very excited for my 3pm visit tomorrow. I am 36 weeks and am going to attempt epidural free active delivery- probably unlikely due to severity of my PGP but at least it's on the cards now.

3 months ago I couldn't physically stand up from my desk at work and just start walking off somewhere- I had to pause for at least a minute and slowly rotate my torso to help my pelvis- also couldn't take a sideways step or roll from one side to other in bed. He checks baby's position every visit and he has been in optimal position for last 5 weeks, mine is not vbac but want to reassure you that the chiro will be a massive bonus in keeping your body, pelvis, spine aligned and in optimal state for natural birthing experience.

I've not used one during a pregnancy before but I have used a chiro, physio and osteopath for neck and back issues. I found the osteopath the best choice. And I'll be seeing mine throughout my pregnancy.

I saw a chiro before my HBAC - originally for back pain at about 26 wks and then just to help keep everything aligned so DD2 could be in the optimal position. That and keeping active (as well as lots of squatting while gardening!) I believe made all the difference. Also did a weekly aqua class run by a physio.

DD2 was perfectly placed and sped earth side in a few hours when she was ready. Pain was minimal in the birth pool. Just lots of hard work.

My chiro also said she's noticed babies whose Mums are treated during pg have nice round heads (which is probably positioning and ease of movement through the birth canal). Was also true in our case.

I have friends who swear by osteo too.

Thanks for your replies, everyone.

I'll probably have to stick with just one choice, as funds are limited as well as time. Without family or workplace support my options are fairly limited :rolleyes: but I'm determined to do what I can to help myself, with whatever spare minutes I can scrounge together lol.

I had weekly adjustments right from the start... Couldn't live without chiro! It's the BEST ever :D We all still get adjusted monthly (DS included who is 2). I also had weekly massages, weekly acupuncture, and I went to pilates once a week. The birth of DS was natural and super speedy. If I had to pick just one I couldn't but I would instead alternate chiro and acupuncture weekly. HTH

Forshelby, ask around at chiros for a free consultation. Also ask if they do discounted rates. Most will happily discount if you ask in person and give them a reason to.
For example- I used a chiro recommended to me instead of walking up off the street, and told them I had heard about their clinic through a workmate- did they do referral discounts? I got a free initial consultation out of that one. Then while attending I explained my severe pain and limited budget- told him I was committed to regular visits but just could not afford $46 per session and attend as regularly as he recommended. He put me on family rates of $36 per session, and recommended 2 times per week until labour- I go around every 10 days but if the pain gets bad I book in for the next day and reschedule my existing appointment back. They've never said anything about all my rescheduling, happily, and I've managed to keep costs WAY down doing it this way.

Yes you should be able to get a discount. Our chiro would often have promotions for a free initial consultation however you won't get a physical adjustment on that first visit, it will be an assessment etc. A great chiro should also offer a discount if your purchase a block of adjustments too or if you pre book a block of 10 for example. If however you miss them or don't come back they will bill you for the gap of what the discount was which they gave you... Which is fair enough as they were helping you out. Most chiros are about helping their clients not making a fortune out of you, approach them and they will help you :)

I can afford about $50 a week, that's pretty much it. So yes, definitely only seeing one health professional if I want to have any money left LOL. I'll definitely ask around. I might even ask my GP for a care plan due to my obstetric history. I might be able to get whatever that thing is where you get 5 free appointments. Hmm.. not sounding intelligent at all tonight lol. I'm tired!

friends of mine see an osteo (we see the osteo for our babies once they are born). osteo is kinda like a mash-up between physio and chiro...kinda...

You can visit physio at public hospital for free while pregnant. I was going once a fortnight. Mine didn't have a limit on visits. She 'discharged' me but said if I experience pain again to call and rebook. That was thru Mater public in brisbane.

forshelby it's called an EPC, and if you can get one that will be fantastic, you may still be out of pocket though to cover any gap but not as much as you would have been.

Katters - Really? I'll ask about that at my next hospital appt. It's only a fortnight away.

Cherished - Yeah, that! *facepalm* lol. I don't think it'll be difficult to convince my gp to help me out, she was genuinely concerned when I told her what DS's birth was like, as have the hospital staff been when they read her notes. You never quite get used to that look of pity...... but I'll take that over being treated like it didn't matter. :)