This year, Empowered Mama Fitness has teamed up with local professionals to bring you a webinar series dedicated to helping you on your journey through motherhood.

In January, Colleen from Heal 180 spoke to us about preparing our bodies for conception. In February, I shared all of the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy, and we continued that conversation in March as we discussed postural issues and discomforts with Dr. David Hanson from Hanson Family Chiropractic.

As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice some changes in your body, especially your posture. As your center of gravity moves forward, the curve in your lumbar spine increases, placing extra strain and force through the lumbar spinal joints. Postural changes can also impact the curve in your neck (cervical spine) which can result in headaches.

Your hormones are also changing...hello relaxin. While this hormone is important in creating laxity in your pelvic joints for birth, it also effects your whole body, creating instability in all of your joints which can amplify pelvic imbalances. Pelvic misalignment can alter the pelvic opening and create tension through the soft tissue which may create pain in pregnancy and difficulty in labor (dystocia).

The great news is, that you don't have to live with the pain and discomfort. Chiropractic is one of the safest choices you can make for you and your baby. Why? Dr. Hanson shared the benefits:

• Chiropractic care delivers gentle adjustments to the spine, pelvis and ligaments resulting in decreased pain and discomfort
• Proper alignment of the pelvis allows for a safer birth for mom and baby
• Women receiving chiropractic care can experience decreased labor times and labor pain
• Regular chiropractic care also restores balance to the body and nervous system which can help improve sleep and decrease fatigue

With all this said, a chiropractor plays an important role in your pregnancy and should be part of your prenatal dream team. Don't go to just any chiropractor, though, look for one certified in the Webster technique which is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment focused on correcting the sacrum and establishing pelvic alignment.

Feel free to check out the entire webinar on YouTube and follow @empoweredmamafitness and @hansonfamilychiro on Instagram for additional tips and tricks to have an optimal pregnancy!

About the speakers:

Dr. Hanson is a Webster-certified chiropractor located in Batavia, Illinois. It is clear to see from his Success Stories that he provides excellent care to expecting moms, helping them relieve aches and pains, as well as experience the other incredible benefits of chiropractic, such as shorter labor times! (Who doesn't want that right?!)

“At Hanson Family Chiropractic we’ve seen hundreds of lives transformed. Dr. Dave and Kristen are excited to help people heal and live a better tomorrow through chiropractic care!”

Kelly Vida is a fitness instructor who puts her heart and soul into expanding women's knowledge on prenatal exercise. Her mission is to provide yoga, personal training, and educational resources designed to empower mamas and their partners both pre- and postnatally.