The 25 to 35 pounds that an average woman gains during pregnancy is essential to the health of the baby, but all of that extra weight can add a lot of stress to a woman's back. As many as 80% of all pregnant women experience back pain during the pregnancy; fortunately, there are several professionals--other than your doctor--that can help reduce back pain.

Chiropractors

While pregnant women gain some weight all over their bodies, much of that weight is concentrated on their growing abdomens. That concentration of weight can shift the alignment of the back and pelvis, which in turn affects the overall balance and comfort of a pregnant woman and can even affect the passage of the baby through the birth canal. To improve balance and realign the body, a chiropractor can perform noninvasive treatments that result in less back pain and discomfort for many women. Many of these treatments involve simple readjustments and realignments that only a chiropractor has been trained to perform.

If a woman is unsure about being in a position that involves laying on her stomach, she can rest assured that many chiropractors have special tables that accommodate pregnant woman. Additionally, chiropractors trained in the Webster Technique are especially skilled at working with pregnant woman. In fact, some of their techniques even result in higher birth success by establishing pelvic balance and positioning the baby for non-breech labor. For more information, contact Newman Chiropractic Center LLC or a similar location.

Acupuncturists

Acupuncture is an age-old tradition in Eastern cultures that has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The process of poking the skin with thin needles is thought to correct imbalances in the body and improve the flow of energy, or qi (chee), through the body. Especially during pregnancy, a woman's natural qi can get thrown off or imbalanced because of the change in hormones, fluids, and body structure. One treatment a month can help improve that natural energy, thus reducing stress on a woman's body and improving conditions like an achy back.

It's essential that a pregnant woman seek out help from someone who is properly trained and certified in the field. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine gives out credentials to graduates of intense training programs, and they can be found through their online directory. Additionally, some acupuncturists are specifically trained in treating pregnant woman and will advertise as such.

Many pregnant women find that their back pain becomes stressful, even if they are eating right, getting plenty of rest, and exercising regularly, as doctors suggest. If that is the case, these women should seek out professional care from chiropractors and acupuncturists to help ease their discomfort.