What Causes Spinal Misalignment?
Spinal misalignment and lack of motion in the joints is the basis for all Chiropractic adjustments. These misalignments, and/or joint fixations, lead to bodily changes that produce irritation to the nervous system and inhibit its inability to function properly in the body. Symptoms may include: pain, headaches, digestive issues, troubles concentrating, colic, acid reflux, numbness/tingling, altered sensations, weakness, troubles breastfeeding/bottle feeding and many other issues.
But what causes a misalignment?? There are 3 major causes:
a. Physical Stressors:
- These include trauma to the body (falling, birth process, sports injuries,
improper diapering techniques)
- Repetitive strain affecting the spine (texting, gaming, computer work, trade jobs)
- Bad postural habits (heavy backpacks, slouching)
- Weak or imbalance spinal musculature
b. Chemical Stressors
- Poor dietary and nutritional practices (fast food!)
- Drug and alcohol use and abuse
- Chemical toxins in the food we eat, air we breathe, water we drink, vaccinations
c. Emotional Stressors
- Stress: Excessive stress or inadequate stress management skills can deplete the body of the ability to sustain normal functions. Stress can have devastating effects on the immune system, making the body more susceptible to injury and disease.
These stressors decrease the body’s ability to function at its best and reduce the ability to adapt to and withstand internal and external stresses – making us more susceptible to spinal misalignment and the symptoms and signs that accompany them.
Get adjusted and help your family embark on a healthy journey!! We’re here to help!
Does Your Child Have Asthma?
Many children today are being diagnosed with asthma and are needing to rely on inhalers,
nebulizers and other medications to improve their ability to breathe. Often times, these acute episodes are brought on by exposure to irritants such as cold air, allergies, noxious fumes (like cigarette smoke) and exercise. Symptoms usually include coughing that is non-productive, wheezing that is worse during expiration and increased heart rate. If you've thought that medications were the only solution for your child's asthma, think again!!!
Chiropractic adjustments are excellent at stimulating the nervous system and often produce similar results as medications. Specific adjustments can help open up the airways, allowing the child to breathe more easily. The adjustments themselves are quick and easy and children often love coming in.
Things that can be done at home to help reduce flare ups of asthma include:
- concentrated cranberry juice (made from boiling cranberries and drinking the liquid)
- eliminating animal dander
- ivy extract
- eliminating passive smoke
How Chiropractic can help Babies with
Breastfeeding Difficulties,
First off, congratulations on becoming a new mom! Parenthood is an incredibly exciting (sometimes scary!) time where each day brings new milestones. A mother often feels the closest to her baby emotionally during the act of breastfeeding and it can be disheartening when difficulties arise. Have you noticed that you baby is having difficulty latching on, is sucking, is biting
at the breast, is preferring to feed from one side or is unable to feed long enough to get full? If so, your baby might have a misalignment of his/her atlas. The atlas is the very top bone in the neck and is commonly moved slightly out of alignment during the birth process as the baby makes its way down the birth canal. When this bone misaligns, pressure is put on the jaw and the base of the skull which make it uncomfortable for the baby to nurse. They lose interest quickly or simply do not want to nurse since it is too painful for them.
A gentle chiropractic adjustment can remove the pressure being put on the spinal nerves and decrease pain during nursing. The baby is then much more comfortable and can feed more easily.
Dr. Rachel has received specialized training from the ICPA in Pediatric Chiropractic and has treated many newborns and babies with breastfeeding difficulties. Since a baby's body is still developing, they tend to respond much more quickly to adjustments than adults do (based on the severity of the misalignment) and parents notice that well-adjusted babies sleep better, are more content, get sick less often and are more regular with their diaper wetting.
Her is an article following a unique case of breastfeeding difficulties and the noticeable improvement after receiving chiropractic care. Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Breastfeeding Difficulties in Babies
Bed-Wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
Does your little one suffer from bed-wetting? Have you tried every solution you know of like waking them up frequently, plastic sheets, mattress protector, decreasing liquid intake in the evenings, but to no avail? Have you ever considered chiropractic care?
Bed-wetting typically affects more boys than girls and can be categorized into either a persistent type or a regressive type. The persistent type describes a child that has never been dry at night. The regressive type is a child that was previously dry at night but is now beginning to wet the bed. 
In many cases, the child's inability to coordinate their bladder function stems from a misalignment in the tailbone (sacrum). Nerves that pass through these segments become pinched and the brain is unable to tell the bladder when to empty or stay full. A simple, and gently chiropractic adjustment to the tailbone, lower back and sometimes the upper neck can have great results when treating a child with bed-wetting issues. Children typically respond incredibly well and can now focus on dry nights and can continue with a positive mindset.
If your child is struggling with wet nights, don't hesitate to bring them in to see Dr. Rachel Rising at ProChiropractic in Belgrade! You'll be amazed at the results that can be achieved NATURALLY and GENTLY! Your child, (and you) will look forward to many more dry nights!
The Common Cold in Children
The “common cold” or acute nasopharyngitis/upper respiratory infection is the most common infectious condition to afflict children. Issues arise when its frequency and intensity increase, potentially leading to complications. Children, in general, tend to be more affected by the common cold than adults, with the virus reaching the sinuses, middle ear and nasopharynx.
What can a parent do at home?
It oftens helps to have the child avoid dairy and sugar for the duration of their cold since they may increase the production of inflammation and worsen the symptoms. Adding apple cider vinegar to the child’s humidifier (ratio of 1:2 parts water) may also help moisten the sinuses and improve breathing. Supplementing vitamin C can help boost the immune system and help the child recover more quickly or reduce some of the symptoms. Remember that our body temperature naturally increases in the evening and so this should not be mistaken for a fever. Mild fevers are the body’s way of naturally fighting off infections and should be left alone, for the most part (there are always exceptions).
Chiropractic care is a great way to boost your child’s immune system naturally by allowing the
brain to properly communicate with all the body’s organs and systems. When a cough accompanies the cold, it is not uncommon for the mid-back to become misaligned and cause increased discomfort in the child.
If your child is sick, get them adjusted and let the body heal itself from the inside!
Have you ever wondered why you should take your child to a chiropractor? Between birth and five years of age, your child will encounter many injuries and accidents, most of which occur at home or at day care. A recent study showed that over 1 million children under the age of 5 visit the hospital emergency room every year! For children aged 5 to 18, most injuries occur at school, often as the result of unorganized sports with improper supervision. A reported 3.5 millionchildren und
er the age of 14 seek medical treatment each year for their sports injuries. Most injuries in children result from falls, small and large, unilateral sports and activities and poor postural habits. These normal life occurrences lead to minor (or major) injuries and strains, causing interference on the normal development of the spine and nervous system. Keeping our children healthy with proper spinal alignment using chiropractic care is extremely important in preventing life-long injuries and joint degeneration.
Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commissioner identified that approximately 250,000 children under the age of 15 are injured using playground equipment and received treatment for their injuries. Of these injuries, 50% involved trauma to the head and neck.
Below are several statistics regarding the occurrence of injuries due to common playground equipment, childhood activities and sports. (Numbers represent the prevalence of injuries per year)
- - Swings: 87,000
- Monkey bars: 68,000
- Slides: 49,000
- Seesaws: 11,000
- Other: 22,000
- Roller skating: 29,337
- Inline skating: 16,479
- Football: 368,229
- Basketball: 308,627
- Soccer: 140,410
- Baseball: 120,543
- Wrestling: 33,535
- Horseback riding: 24,803
- Skateboarding: 110,462
- Bicycling: 297,852 (50,000 report head and neck trauma from not wearing a helmet)
If accidents are truly the leading cause of death and severe injury in children, we can assume that far too many children have suffered some level of spinal injury and trauma during their childhood.
To keep your children healthy and well, make sure that they are receiving chiropractic care and have at least gotten spinal check up to rule out spinal injury and allow their bodies to function at 100% so they may live life to the fullest!
(Dr. Rachel Rising, D.C. is currently enrolled in the 180-hour ICPA [International Chiropractic Pediatric Association] pediatric chiropractic certification program.)
Here is a great article that was published in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, telling a family's personal story delivering a breech baby at home.
All According to Plan: A Breech Home Birth Story
It is truly amazing what the body is capable of doing! When mother and baby are able to communicate with each other, anything is possible.
Dr. Rachel JM Rising D.C
Webster Certified
Chiropractic care during pregnancy enables the mother's body to function the way it is designed to. It promotes the normal physiological function of both the mother and baby throughout the pregnancy and the birth process.
Chiropractic care for the mother helps to:
- balance the structure of the pelvis and associated muscles and ligaments, preparing the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth
- remove torsion on the ligaments that help support the uterus, leading decreased tension on the mother's uterus
- reduce interference to the mother's nervous system, allowing her body to function at its optimal level
- improve maternal function, decreasing the potential for intervention
Benefits of Chiropractic care for the developing baby:
- when the mother's nervous system is functioning at its best, the baby is provided with the best possible environment for growth and development
- the baby is allowed to move more freely in the womb and develop without restriction when the mother's pelvis is properly aligned
- the baby is able to get into the best possible position for birth, reducing pain during labor and promoting a natural childbirth
Dr. Rachel JM Rising, DC
Webster Certifified
Chiropractic Care for
Women and Children
Written by: Dr. Rachel JM Rising, D.C.
Beginning at Birth, children are subjected to forces that alter their body mechanics and affect their daily lives. Since small children are unable to tell us where they hurt, they use their bodies to tell us. Common symptoms include:
· Constipation/Diarrhea
· Colic
· Altered Sleeping Patterns
· Slow Development
· Torticollis
· Ear Infections
· Frequent Vomiting
With older children, they are often not aware of malfunctions in their spine until theproblem is too far advanced. Playing sports, carrying a heavy backpack and chronic misalignment that has gone uncorrected since birth all play a role in your child’s overall health. Does your child have:
o Asthma?
o Problems Staying Focused?
o Chronic Colds/Infection?
Allergies?
*Children generally respond to Chiropractic care more quickly than adults since their bodies are still in the process of growing, making them more adaptable to changes to the nervous system.*
PREGNANT?
Pregnancy causes the body to change very quickly and creates a shift in posture due to the developing child. Increased forces are placed throughout the spine creating muscle tension and bone misalignment which lead to abnormal pressure on the nervous system.
Getting adjusted regularly throughout this time of constant change helps reduce discomfort, may quicken the delivery process and may help in properly positioning the baby for delivery.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Rachel JM Rising!
Schedule an appointment today
to find out what CHIROPRACTIC can do for your FAMILY.
Umbilical cord blood is the baby's blood supply until birth. It contains a variety of important cells including stem cells, red blood cells and even cancer-fighting T-cells. With so many know benefits in the cord blood, why is it common practice to clamp the cord and stop the transfer of cord blood immediately following birth? Scientists have asked themselves this same question and have conducted many studies analyzing the risks and benefits of delayed cord clamping.
One of the main reasons for clamping the cord early is to cultivate the cord blood and store it for future use. We must then ask ourselves why we choose to deprive our child at birth of all the essential components in the blood that can benefit our baby NOW. Storing cord blood is very expensive and there is only a 1 in 20,000 chance that the blood will be needed later in life. If the blood is used later in life, studies have shown that it is most effective with children who have developed tumors, lymphomas or some auto-immune disorders. Cord blood donations for adults is not likely to even be effective due to the small amount of stem cells. An adult would benefit much more from a transfusion from a family member or anonymous donor.
What we do know is that delayed cord clamping (even just 2 minutes!) increases the baby's iron level (almost doubles), lowers the risk of anemia, lowers the need for transfusions and decreases the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage.
If you have a birth plan, make sure you indicate whether or not you want your birth provider to delay cord clamping.
Make the best decision for your baby and start him/her off as healthy as possible!
Dr. Rachel JM Rising D.C
Webster Certified
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dr. Rachel Rising DC has received her Certification in the Webster Technique, as recognized by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).
Dr. Rachel Rising DC has a strong passion for caring for expectant mothers and their growing families throughout the entire pregnancy, birth and throughout childhood. She provides support and patient education allowing families to make important decisions surrounding the birth of their new arrival with much more ease.
With a national average of C-sections reaching as high as 45% of ALL births (the WHO recommends an average of 12%!), Dr. Rising has made it her mission to promote natural child
birth. "Our bodies are incredible systems, that when allowed to function optimally by removing nerve interference, can do the impossible and overcome amazing obstacles!" says Dr. Rising. Pregnancy is an amazing period in a woman's life that allows her to connect with her baby on the deepest level, forming bonds that will shape the child's future. In order for the baby to receive the best environment for growth, and reach optimal health, the mother's body must be able to communicate with her growing baby.
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral ("tailbone") analysis and adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to minimize the effects of sacral misalignment and SI joint dysfunction, allowing the baby to move more freely in the womb. When proper pelvic alignment is reached, pelvic muscles and uterine ligaments relax, reducing torque on the uterus.
The following website provide a multitude of information and articles regarding Pregnancy and Birth.
www.spinningbabies.com
If you are expecting, or know someone who is, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Rising to discuss your goals for your pregnancy and begin your journey naturally.
Dr. Rachel will be posting weekly discussions regarding pregnancy on the ProChiropractic blog. Stay tuned!
ProChiropractic * 8757 Jackrabbit Lane * Belgrade, MT * (406) 388-9915
Congratulations! You are now embarking on the wonderful journey of pregnancy! Throughout the process, you will be asked often what your birth plans are: When? Where? How? BE PREPARED!!! Establishing a written birth plan ahead of time will greatly simplify the birth process and will ensure that everyone will be on the same page in your ideal birth situation. The purpose of the birth plan is to provide additional clarity to your caregivers and birth supporters so that your wishes can be followed though. Below is a sample Birth Plan to guide you along the way:
1. Who are the caregivers?
2. What do you expect from your caregivers?
3. Place/Location of birth?
4. What position do you want to give birth in (squatting, lying down, birthing chair)?
5. Which tests do you want performed (ultrasound, fetal monitoring, amiocentesis)?
6. Which surgical procedures do you/or don't you want (induction, episiotomy, c-section, scraping of membranes)?
7. Which drugs, if any?
8. Which drugs do you want/or not want administered to your baby (Hep-B vaccine, antibiotic cream)?
9. If additional blood is needed, do you want it from a blood bank or do you have a donor?
10. What testing/procedures do you want or refuse for your baby (PKU, platelet count, Vit K shot, circumcision)?
11. Who will be with you at your birth?
12. Who will be with your other children, or will they be with you at the birth?
13. Do you want video-taping or pictures?
14. Specify any wishes if complications arise:
15. Do you want the baby lain on your chest immediately?
16. Do you want to wait for the cord to stop pulsating before it is cut?
17. Will you breastfeed? Do you need support?
18. Names of people you want contacted after the birth (names and phone #s)
19. Addtional comments:
Make this plan available to your birth provider and supporters prior to the birth so that confusion can be minimized and your wishes can be honored. Listen to your body and have the type of birth you want!!
Dr. Rachel JM Rising D.C
Webster Certified
When talking with other moms, it is becoming very common to hear about epidurals being used during the birth process. Mothers are being convinced that pain during labor is unnatural and that they should turn to drugs to help them during labor and delivery, instead of LISTENING to their bodies’ own natural capabilities. During a recent poll, 64% of nurse midwives and 53% of certified nurse-midwives reported concern over the increased use of epidurals. Unfortunately, mothers are led to believe that a “natural” birth is one where she delivers the baby vaginally and remains conscious during the entire process. That is not the case! A natural birth is one where no drugs are used, only the mother’s inborn intuition to listen to her body!
Know the facts about epidurals before you go into labor and outline your thoughts about drugs in your birth plan. Parents are not being told of the consequences of epidurals such as their ability to quickly cross the placenta and potentially cause toxicity in both the mother and baby. Side effects of such toxicity include: low blood pressure, incontinence, headache, paralysis of lower limb, numbness in extremities, SLOWING OF LABOR, allergic reactions and many more.
Birth in itself is a traumatic process for the baby but chiropractic care can help minimize structural obstacles and allow the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. By restoring proper alignment to the mother’s pelvis, the baby can more easily pass through the birth canal. Mothers that utilize chiropractic care throughout pregnancy experience SHORTER labor times and DECREASED pain during labor in 84% of moms. These moms also show a decreased incidence for the use of external forces to “help” the baby.
Other important facts to consider about the use of epidurals:
A recent study comparing 100 babies delivered either vaginally or by c-section with NO DRUGS to 100 babies delivered using epidurals and/or Pitocin. Immediately after birth, all babies were placed on their mothers’ bare abdomen. Within 30 minutes, ALL babies that were delivered without the use of drugs moved up towards their mother’s breast, latched on and began breastfeeding ON THEIR OWN. After the same 30 minutes, ALL babies that were born with the use of epidurals and/or Pitocin, were still resting on their mothers abdomens.
You wouldn’t inject your baby with these drugs after birth, so why would you do it during the birth process when you are still sharing a blood supply??
Dr. Rising is certified in the Webster Technique, a specific technique used to restore pelvic alignment in pregnant mothers and decrease torque on the uterus.
As our society progresses, we seem to be taking a step away from the natural process of birth. Birth is an intimate “dance” between mother and baby, where a mother trusts her body and brings a new life into the world. Unfortunately, new mothers feel as though they need outside help during their birth experience.
Perhaps this is due to the fact that many women are unfamiliar with birth. Many women have never been to a birth, or seen a birth except on TV and do not know what to expect. Add to this the issue that society teaches us to fear birth and to expect extreme pain. Proper pelvic biomechanics directly influence the amount of pain a mother experiences during delivery. Chiropractic care helps properly align the pelvis, allowing optimal space for the growing baby and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. When maximal space is available to the baby, birth is much less painful and becomes less traumatic for both the new mom and the baby.
The take home message is : “Listen to your body”. Women have been giving birth for thousands of years. The ability to bring a new life into the world is ingrained in us. We instinctively know what to do if we just listen to our bodies, and do what feels right. If, during your delivery, you feel like you need to move around, DO IT!
Do what feels right and have the birth experience you want, not what society tells you should happen. No one knows your body better than you!
Dr. Rachel JM Rising, D.C.
Webster Certified
(Dr. Rachel teaches a Free prenatal birth class every other month at ProChiropractic and discusses the importance and benefits of pre- and post-natal chiropractic care along with issues surrounding birth trauma, birthing positions, at-home tips and being empowered during labor and delivery.)
There are many opinions that exist regarding parents co-sleeping with their babies. Some worry that the child will never learn to sleep on their own, in their own bed. Others believe that there is
no other option and that the baby must stay in close proximity to them. Regardless of your belief, nighttime is a great time for mother and baby to develop their special bond. The hormones that are secreted during breastfeeding enhance the bonding experience most effectively during the night. When a mother is breastfeeding, Oxytocin, Prolactin and Endorphins are secreted and each serve a specific purpose. Oxytocin acts to stimulate the ejection of milk while Prolactin calms and soothes the mother while she breastfeeds. Endorphins are also secreted during the process and help encourage the mother to continue breastfeeding while giving a sense of pleasure and contentment to the baby. All these hormones work together and increase the bond between mother and child. Parents who co-sleep with their babies also notice that they get more sleep during the night and awake more rested.
If you do co-sleep with your baby, make sure you follow the safe co-sleeping guidelines below:
- Do not sleep with baby if yourself or your partner is under the influence of any substance, including alcohol and medication. Any substance that may induce a deep sleep may inhibit your awareness of your baby.
- Do not sleep with baby if yourself or your partner is a smoker.
- Make sure you are sleeping on a firm, flat surface (No waterbeds, couches and sofas).
- Make sure baby's head is uncovered and that you aren't using too many blankets, as to avoid overheating.
- Make sure your hair is tied back (if it is long).
- Be aware that obesity can also reduce your awareness of your baby while in bed with you.
For more information regarding common issues with children, visit theICPA website.
Dr. Rachel JM Rising D.C
Webster Certified
At-Home Postural and Activity Suggestions for Moms
It is important for expectant mothers to use gravity in order to help the baby get into the best position for the upcoming birth. Along with Chiropractic care, here are some tips to try at home, especially in the 6 weeks leading up to the “due date”.
· * Use forward leaning positions as much as possible, keeping your belly like a hammock
· * Keep your belly lower than your spine and keep knees lower than your hips (ie on all fours!)
· * Use a birth ball, or pregnancy rocker
· * When sitting on the couch, or any softer chair, place a firm cushion in your lower back and under you to provide a firmer seat
· * Watch TV or read while sitting in a dining room chair; or straddling a chair; or kneeling over an ottoman (coffee table, cushions, exercise ball)
· * Lay on your side to sleep or rest
In addition:
· * Spend at least 20 minutes (3x/day) on all fours doing a pelvic rock, or doing the hula
· * Perform tasks that require you to be on all fours often, especially during the 2 weeks prior to labor (scrubbing the floor, crawling, etc)
· * Go for a swim, using the breast stroke (belly down)
· 
* * Take warm bath
· * Try to resolve any emotional conflicts or fear prior to delivery. Take on a calm state of mind.
· * Utilize your Health Care Providers!! Chiropractic, acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, massage, myofascial release, yoga, etc.
Things to AVOID in the weeks leading up to birth:
Long trips sitting in bucket seats.
If possible, use a semi-reclining position with knees higher than
hips to prevent breech position)
Sitting with legs crossed
Deep sqats
Dr. Rachel JM Rising D.C
Pregnancy Due Dates/Calculators/Estimators: How Accurate Are They?
Upon finding out that you’re pregnant, the next question is usually “How far along am I?” Luckily, there are many helpful tools that exist to help you determine your Estimated Due Date (EDD), each with its own margin of error. Here’s a bit more information on both medical and non-medical “calculators” that are available to you.
It is important to note that birth usually occurs between 37 and 42 weeks. In addition, fewer than 5% of births occur exactly on the 40-week mark; 50% of births occur within one week of the EDD (between 39-41 weeks) and 80% occur within 2 week of the EDD (between 38-42 weeks). Keep in mind as you read this blog that it is much more useful and accurate to refer to a range of due dates, instead of one specific day.
(NOTE: The gestational age is calculated based on the date of conception, which is typically 14 days after a woman’s last menstrual period. Using this date, birth occurs 38 weeks after conception.)
NON-MEDICAL ESTIMATORS
Naegele’s Rule: Franz Naegele was a German Obstetrician that developed the rule for estimating the date of delivery around 1830. According to his rule, start with the first day of your last menstrual period, add 7 days and subtract 3 months. The cycle will be approximately 280 days (40 weeks) from the last menstrual period. (Naegele’s rule assumes a menstrual cycle of 28 days, and so EDD will be later if cycle is longer, etc.)
Parikh’s Formula: This calculation is similar to Naegele’s Rule, however it accounts for the duration of individual cycles, and does not assume a 28-day cycle. It recommends adding 9 months to the first day of your last menstrual cycle, subtracting 21 days and finally, adding the duration of previous cycles (ex. 31 days).
There are many Pregnancy Calculators that exist online that will take your cycle length into account:
MEDICAL ESTIMATORS
Fundal Height: The fundal height, or McDonald’s Rule, is a measurement of the size of the mother’s uterus. The measurement helps assess the growth and development of the fetus is measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. The length, in centimeters, should match the growing baby’s gestational age, to an accuracy of 1-3 cm (ex. A measurement of 20 cm would be seen on a 17-23 week pregnant mother.) This measurement is most often used following the 20-week mark and is accurate within 4-6 weeks.
Fetal Heart Rate: The fetal heart rate can be measured beginning at 10-12 weeks gestation electronically. This method is accurate within 4-6 weeks. At 20 weeks, the fetal heart tones are usually heard with non-electric devices (fetoscope). .
Bi-Manual Exam: During the first trimester, a manual exam will be conducted and is accurate to within 1-2 weeks. By feeling for the uterus, it can be determined how far along a pregnant mother is. At 12 weeks, the uterus should be felt above the pubic bone. At 16 weeks, the uterus should be at the belly button and the patient will be able to feel fetal movement.
Ultrasound: Ultrasounds seem to be the most accurate early in the pregnancy with an error margin of 5-7 days early on. If an ultrasound is done later in the second trimester or even the third trimester, delivery date estimations may be off by up to a few weeks.
Always remember to enjoy your pregnancy and try not to worry too much about exact dates. Your body will know when it’s ready!
Dr. Rachel JM Rising D.C
Webster Certified
Family planning is a very exciting time, and couples may have some questions: How long with it take for me to get pregnant, when is the most fertile time, etc?
These are very common questions and we all want to get pregnant on our first try, right? Keep in mind that most couples need to “try” for several months, up to a year before becoming successful. For a woman under 30, the odds of conceiving are between 15-25% each month. When a woman reaches 40, her odds drop to 5% during a given month. Don’t be discouraged!
In addition to age, an irregular menstrual cycle, the amount of time you’ve been trying to conceive, illnesses or medical conditions and the frequency of intimacy all affect your chances of becoming pregnant. Keep in mind that if you’ve been trying to conceive for over one year and are unsuccessful, talk to your doctor about testing for male and female infertility issues.
Understanding your Menstrual Cycle
Understanding your menstrual cycle may help you conceive more quickly. A menstrual cycle begins of the first day of bleeding and ends of the day before the start of the next cycle. Cycles may be irregular and range from 21 to 40 day cycles. If your cycle length varies from one month to another, you are considered to have an irregular cycle. Ovulation occurs on the 14th day before the end of your cycle. This range of 4-5 days is your most fertile time. However, due to variations in cycle, the window of most fertile days may vary.
The question now becomes: How often should we be intimate? The answer to that is really as often as you’d like! Even the best calculated fertility windows do not guarantee success. Increase your “odds” by “playing” more often. Experts even suggest being intimate at least two to three times per week.
Find out the most fertile days of your cycle
Birth Control
There are many misconceptions that exist when a woman has been on birth control and ceases her medication. How long does it take for the effects of birth control to end? Many women have become pregnant immediately after going off their birth control medication. For others, it may take weeks, months or even years for the body to regulate itself.
If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, begin taking a prenatal vitamin that contains dosages similar to the following recommendation:
The nervous system develops in the first 28 days after conception and so it is very important to have enough nutrients prior to conception and to continue taking your prenatal vitamins for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Dr. Rachel JM Rising D.C
Webster Certified
The idea of having a Vaginal Birth After a previous Cesarean (VBAC) is one that seems to be controversial among many health care providers. Some midwives will allow their clients to opt out of getting a second c-section if certain precautions are taken, whereas many medical doctors and OB/GYNs prefer for their patient to have a second cesarean.
If you have had a previous c-section and are interested in the possibility of having a VBAC, ASK QUESTIONS! Learn the facts before letting your medical provider dissuade you from having the birth you want (as long as precautions are taken, and your are at low risk).
Here are some common guidelines to keep in mind when considering VBACs.
1. Parents have discussed all of the pros and cons regarding having a VBAC with their doctor
2. The current pregnancy does not show any indications for necessitating a cesarean
3. In the previous cesarean, a low transverse incision was used
4. The mother is admitted to the hospital EARLY during labor and is carefully monitored throughout labor and delivery
5. Facilities are set up for an immediate c-section if needed
Other issues to keep in mind:
a. Some doctors will not allow a VBAC is the previous cesarean was due to a small pelvic cavity
b. Some doctors won't use drugs to stimulate labor is a previous c-section was performed
c. Some doctors will not use a regional anesthesia during a VBAC since it may mask symptoms of rupture issues
d. Some doctors recommend using low forceps to decrease labor time
If a cesarean is inevitable, Cesarean Support Groups recommend the following:
* allow the mother to refuse preoperative medications
* allow the mother to receive regional anesthesia so that she can watch the baby being born
* use an epidural, if an anesthesiologist is present
* perform the operation with a low transverse incision, when possible
* let the father be with the mother in the delivery room
* let the mother have her arms free
* let the mother view the birth without a screen, or with a mirror
* encourage the doctor to encourage the parents and reassure them during the surgery
* allow the mother, and or father, hold the baby immediately after birth
* let the parents watch during the initial pediatric exam
* allow for an initial bonding period before rushing to weigh, measure and administer eye drops
* let the new family be together in the recovery room for the first hour after birth
* let the mother nurse the baby as soon as the operation is complete
Now that you're pregnant, keep in mind that although you need to increase your food intake to support your growing baby, you only need to add 300 calories to your average daily intake! Make sure that you are making healthy choices during snacks and mealtimes, such as fruits and vegetables and decreasing your fatty food intake. Eating frequent, small meals has also been shown to help reduce the occasional nausea associated with pregnancy.
Some foods should be avoided completely due to the fact that they may contain bacteria (E.Coli, Listeria, etc.) that may be harmful to the baby. During development, our body directs more of our resources to the growing fetus and takes away from other mechanisms of defense, making the body more susceptible to illness and bacteria, which normally do not pose a threat.
Foods that should be avoided include:
- "Doggie Bags": Taking your leftovers home with you is OK as long as you can get it into your refrigerator in less than 2 hours. After a few hours, harmful bacteria may begin to grow on your food.
- Alcohol: This is a given. Recent studies have shown that no amount of alcohol has been proven do be safe to consume during pregnancy.
- Caffeine: For those of you who rely on your morning cup of coffee, studies have shown that consuming less that 200mg of caffeine per day will not harm your baby. This is the equivalent of one cup of coffee.
- Unpasteurized milk: This should be avoided since the pasteurization process eliminates potential bacteria from the milk. It is safe to drink pasteurized milk (the kind bought at grocery stores).
- Pot Luck: Sitting out of your family's holiday get-together is not
necessary but be weary of foods that are left out unrefrigerated for over 2 hours, especially cream-based dishes.
- Local Fish: Local fish should be avoided if it known to have high levels of mercury. Often times, signs are posted near local fishing areas, warning fishermen.
- Raw Shellfish/Seafood: Due to the potential for bacteria, raw seafood and shellfish should be avoided. This includes sushi.
- Raw Sprouts
- Unwashed fruits and veggies: Harmful bacteria may reside on the surface of your food so make sure you rinse them before consuming.
- Meat spreads and Deli meats: Due to their potential to harbor harmful bacteria, make sure you cook your meat thoroughly before eating. Also, any meat that you eat should be cooked well-done, no more medium-rare steaks for the duration of your pregnancy.
- Raw eggs: Raw eggs may also contain harmful bacteria and should be avoided. This includes raw cookie dough and homemade caesar dressing. Pasteurized eggs can be bought for consumption that are safer for the pregnant mother. 
- Finally, soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, feta, blue cheese, queso blanco and queso fresco should be eliminated from your diet during pregnancy due to potential bacteria.
Rachel JM Rising, D.C. Webster Certified
ProChiropractic
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