Q&A Pregnant DC asks a ton of questions about...well...everything

A pregnant chiropractor just discovered she was pregnant and had a TON of questions about what to do and how to continue practicing, nutrition, etc. 

Follow along below.

I  just wanted to ask you about a couple things:

Do you think it's important to take folic acid supplements?  YES  ABSOLUTELY!!!  AND NO. DON'T DO IT. You need to take FOLATE and not FOLIC ACID.  Folic acid is the synthetic form of Folate. Folate is one of the most important supplements you will need during Pregnancy.  About 400 mcg is the standard found in most pre-natals.  It prevents spina bifida, oral cleft defects, tongue and lip tie, and other fusion abnormalities.  It's a necessity.

How do I find a good midwife? Ask people in your community who they would recommend.  There is an organization called DONA (Doula Assoc. of N. America) they may be able to direct you to a naturally centered midwife.  Remember, midwives can be medical, too.  So interview them to see who is a good fit for your needs and wants.  That's what I did. 

Do I need to go to an OB-GYN for a pre-natal visit? NO WAY!! You can see a midwife at anytime during your pregnancy and they are trained in regular GYN care as well!!

What's the usual thing a pregnant woman does in terms of prenatal care? My intuition is just that I need to find a good midwife that supports natural childbirth, and that I don't really need to go to an Ob-Gyn. Follow your intutition girlfriend.  You are right on the money!!

Any other things I should think about doing? Taking a child birth class would be great later on in your pregnancy.  I recommend Bradley or a Bradley like class.  It's a great way to build your practice, too!  You may even offer to hold the classes in your office (if you have the room) in exchange for your tuition.  You'll then have posters, signs, photos, etc of the importance of chiro care during pregnancy....offer exam, etc....you get the idea.

This won't affect me now, but what did you do recommend me to do towards the end of my pregnancy concerning my practice. I don't have anyone practicing with me and I was thinking of hiring an associate later on in about 7 months or so.  Great question!  You're right, it doesn't effect you now and it's far too much to go into via e-mail right now.   Right now I am coaching 2 women who just returned back to practice after having a baby.  One of them I coached right through her pregnancy on how to make the transition out of practice and now back into again after the birth of her baby.  If this is something that interests you, let me know.  We can set up a time where you can have a FREE call with me and discuss some possibilities to see if this would work or not.   The reason I recommended  it is, because when you take maternity leave and then re-enter the practice,  it really is a process that takes time to implement correctly and slowly.  Make sense?  Anyway, we can certainly discuss the options if you are interested.  OK?

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.  I am SOOOOOOOOOO happy for you.  From what I know of you so far, I think you'll make a terrific mommy!  Until next time........

Love & Gratitude

Dr. Karen Gardner

www.premierpregnancypractic.com

Want to build, grow and perfect your Pregnancy Practice? Let's get on a call to discuss your strategy. The first call is on me! Schedule now

Dr. Karen, just wanted to say wow...I've learned so much and I'm only into the 2nd module. This is the stuff we need to know in everyday practice! I could listen to you all day long!        ~ Dr. Katie Gelesko Stull

Q&A Infertility and Chiropractic

Hello Karen.

I have a question re: fertility/infertility.

I have a young woman has one ovary, endometriosis, a potentially blocked fallopian (sp?) tube, a husband with low motility, many previous failed in vitro and "forced in vitro" attempts.  They have one child through a "forced in vitro" attempt and they would very much like to have another.  I offered to consult with you and Madeline Behrent on their behalf.

Is there a protocol (chiropractic, nutrition etc.) that I should consider with them or are there simply too many roadblocks. 

I'd love to hear your thots.

With Love and Gratitude.

Jeb  

Hi Jeb,

Thanks for trusting me with your valuable practice members, what an honor! 

Is the father currently under care as well or just mom?  In my experience with women who are having fertility issues, coccyx is a key.  C2 is also a major component to the problem.  If those 2 areas are clear, then it's good ol' L3 and sacrum.  I'd bet that mom had quite a fall on her tailbone in the past.  Ask her. Always clear cranial issues as well, 

As far as nutrition goes, Vit E is essentail for reproductive health.  Evening primrose oil helps to balance hormonal flucuations, but should not be taken during pregnancy (until late 3rd trimester when it helps to "ripen" the cervix)

There are no homeopathic or herbal remedies that come to mind for this problem.  But if I think of any I will be sure to let you know. 

I hope this helps a little.  Keep me posted.  Again, I would definitely check the coccyx. 

Dr. Karen Gardner

Earn 11 CE credits online (Where applicable. Some restrictions apply)

Gardner Method  Prenatal Chiropractic Program

This is the COMPLETE, ON-DEMAND, 15+ module series on the Gardner Method of Prenatal Chiropractic care.  It is a "go at your own pace", online webinar series where you can earn up to 10 CE credits. Some restrictions apply.  Continue reading to learn more.

Dr. Karen, just wanted to say wow...I've learned so much and I'm only into the 2nd module. This is the stuff we need to know in everyday practice! I could listen to you all day long!        ~ Dr. Katie Gelesko Stull

Enroll now and save 10% off of your tuition.

www.premierpregnancypractic.com

Want to build, grow and perfect your Pregnancy Practice? Let's get on a call to discuss your strategy. The first call is on me! Schedule now

Dr. Karen, just wanted to say wow...I've learned so much and I'm only into the 2nd module. This is the stuff we need to know in everyday practice! I could listen to you all day long!        ~ Dr. Katie Gelesko Stull

Q&A Adjusting during labor and the newborn

Hi Dr. Karen:

I registered for your course and am enjoying it very much, thanks!  I had a couple questions that I wondered if you could answer.

At what point in the labor process do you decide to go to the patient, vs having them come to you?  I'm thinking more about home births here, since I have a large percentage of those in my practice.

And what do you do about adjusting the newborn when you attend a birth?  Do you do that right away, and do you charge separately for that?

Thanks so much for your insight!

Dr. Carolyn

Dr. Carolyn,

I am so happy you are enjoying everything!  Thanks for letting me know.  Thanks also for asking some great questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

Now...in early labor a mom ALWAYS comes to me.  This stage can go on for days.  I have found that when adjusted it helps to speed things along.  When she is in full blown labor (contractions are 2 minutes apart) that is typically when I would go to them.  They are pretty much in no mood to travel anyway so it works out. I no longer attend births for a variety of reasons so I am sharing what I used to do MANY years ago. 

I adjust the baby after the cord has stopped pulsing and after the cord is cut.  I also let mom get attended to before I check the baby.  Usually within the first 20 minutes after birth is when I check to see if the baby needs to be adjusted.

Usually the first adjustment is included in their pregnancy care plan, so if they have paid for a plan then I do not charge for this service.  If not, it depends on the circumstance whether or not I charge.

To be honest, I am usually so overwhelmed with emotion at a birth and I usually say this is my birthday gift to baby and don't charge anyway...bad business maybe, but that's just me. Again, this was EONS ago. 

I hope this helped.  Let me know if you need anything else form my end.  Have FUN!!

Love & Gratitude

Dr. Karen Gardner

www.premierpregnancypractic.com

Want to build, grow and perfect your Pregnancy Practice? Let's get on a call to discuss your strategy. The first call is on me! Schedule now

Dr. Karen, just wanted to say wow...I've learned so much and I'm only into the 2nd module. This is the stuff we need to know in everyday practice! I could listen to you all day long!        ~ Dr. Katie Gelesko Stull

Q&A Can a patient have bilateral superior pubic bones?

Hi Dr. Karen,

I have a patient just 37 weeks now.  I've been adjusting her about every 2 weeks during the pregnancy and now they determined the fetus is in the breech position. 

Followed your procedure for 3 visits this week, has not turned yet put mom says the fetus feels like its more transverse now. (ultrasound was neg. for cord or placenta problems).  On exam today, the right pub checked superior and the left pub is tender.  Could she have a bilateral superior pub?

Yours in Health,

John  B.  II, DC

Hi Doc,

Thanks for writing.  Yes it can be possible for bilateral superior pubes, not too common, but not impossible either.  I would adjust the right one you are finding.  Then go back and check the left.  There could be residual tenderness because the round ligament is also taught so check there as well. 

I would also check C2 and coccyx.  These are major players in a transverse presentation.  Don't forget to check for TMJ dysfunction and Frontal Bone involvement. The frontal and pubic bones mirror image one another. 

I hope this helped.  Good Luck and please let me know if I can be of further assistance.  Until next time....

Love & Gratitude

Dr. Karen Gardner

www.premierpregnancypractic.com

Want to build, grow and perfect your Pregnancy Practice? Let's get on a call to discuss your strategy. The first call is on me! Schedule now

Dr. Karen, just wanted to say wow...I've learned so much and I'm only into the 2nd module. This is the stuff we need to know in everyday practice! I could listen to you all day long!        ~ Dr. Katie Gelesko Stull

Q&A When are Braxton Hicks contractions normal?

Hi Doc, How are you? I Hope all is well for you. I am writing to you because I have a patient that came in today with complaints of Braxton Hicks Contractions, she has about 6 weeks to go. Were in your book can I find information on how to help her with this situation. 

Dr. Scott P. Marietta, GA

Hi Doc,

Thanks for trusting me with your practice member.  Here's the deal on braxton hicks....they start almost from the very beginning of the pregnancy and continue all the way up until labor starts.  They are only noticeable when mom gets "bigger".

There is nothing to do except let them happen.  They are nature's way of toning and strengthening the uterus for real labor.  Just like weight lifting, with each muscle contraction strength is increased in that muscle.  Even thought they be be uncomfortable they are very necessary for an effective labor.  If they are causing her true menstrual type pain, they may not be Braxton Hicks and could actually be early labor.  So make sure she gets that checked if it is concerning her.  Staying hydrated (as you already know) is vitally important as well. 

Does this help?  Let me know if I can answer anything else or elaborate more on this topic. 

Love & Gratitude

Dr. Karen Gardner

www.premierpregnancypractic.com

Want to build, grow and perfect your Pregnancy Practice? Let's get on a call to discuss your strategy. The first call is on me! Schedule now

Dr. Karen, just wanted to say wow...I've learned so much and I'm only into the 2nd module. This is the stuff we need to know in everyday practice! I could listen to you all day long!        ~ Dr. Katie Gelesko Stull

Q&A Maternity support bands for SI pain while the baby is breech.

This Question comes from a DC who is expecting. She has bilateral SI joint and pubic bone pain. She is also carrying breech. 

Hi D,. Karen,

If I am having bilateral SI pain as well as pubic symphisis pain, would it be ok to use the SI maternity lock brace even if my baby is breech?  It has two parts, one that goes around the SI's and one that goes just under the belly for a little extra support.  I have been using just the under the belly support part only sometimes, but it does not seem to help at all.  Any suggestions?  Thanks for all of your help.

Kim         

Hi Kim,

Ask your midwives if they have experience w/ puslatilla (a homeopathic remedy).  This can persuade the baby to be more cooperative.  If a version has to be done, this can often make it easier. 

Are you getting your pubic bone adjusted?  It sounds like you are having quite an issue with that. 

DO NOT wear a belt until the baby turns.  I know it can bring relief to the instability of the SI joints, but it can also constrict the baby.  If the baby was vertex....no problem. You can try a trochanter belt, however, as this will hold things together a little better w/o further constraining your baby. Once the baby is vertex, this is the band I would recommend.  Email me if you'd like to learn about professional pricing for DC's.

Additionally, try SOT blocking for the SI joints.  It works very well during pregnancy.  

Good Luck! 

Love & Gratitude

Dr. Karen Gardner

www.premierpregnancypractic.com

Want to build, grow and perfect your Pregnancy Practice? Let's get on a call to discuss your strategy. The first call is on me! Schedule now

Dr. Karen, just wanted to say wow...I've learned so much and I'm only into the 2nd module. This is the stuff we need to know in everyday practice! I could listen to you all day long!        ~ Dr. Katie Gelesko Stull

Q&A How to tell if a Baby is still breech.

The following question came to me from a doctor who is caring for a pregnant woman with a breech baby. This doctor wants help in determining baby's position.

Hey Dr :

I used your article to give me direction on a breech patient last week.  Her uterus relaxed almost immediately.  The baby turned about 90 degrees, but went back, or so I think, back to Breech.  I check her again this week using your protocols and found thins had changed.  Her pelvis was out but in a different pattern.  I adjusted what I found and will see her again to marrow.

Is this change typical?  Do you have any recomendations?  How can I verify if the baby has turned?

Thanks for your help.

Dr. B

Hi Dr. B,

Thanks for taking time to e-mail doc!  I'm glad the article has proven helpful to you.  Yes, changes like you are describing are VERY common in our practice and are often a really good sign.  Make sure, you check for pubic bone superiority, C2 rotation (If you already have...way to go!)

The baby's head exerts a lot of pressure inside of mom.  Depending on where mom feels most of her pressure can often indicate where baby's head is situated.  If she feels a lot of pressure up near her ribs, chances are the baby is breech.  However if the pressure is closer to her lower abdomen and bladder, good chances for a vertex position.

In my practice,  I wait for confirmation from the midwife to tell me for sure if the baby has turned.  They use the Leopold maneuver to determine baby's position.  Depending on your state, you may or may not be allowed to use this maneuver.  That's why I leave that up to our midwives to tell me. 

I hope this was helpful.  Please let me know how it goes.  Until next time...........

Love & Gratitude

Dr. Karen Gardner

www.premierpregnancypractic.com

Want to build, grow and perfect your Pregnancy Practice? Let's get on a call to discuss your strategy. The first call is on me! Schedule now

Dr. Karen, just wanted to say wow...I've learned so much and I'm only into the 2nd module. This is the stuff we need to know in everyday practice! I could listen to you all day long!        ~ Dr. Katie Gelesko Stull