Skeptical

I went to the chiropractor for the first time on Friday.  I mentioned that I've heard from various people that chiropractor appointments the last few weeks of pregnancy can help when it comes time to labor and delivery. 

I'm very skeptical of chiropractors.  It seems like the people I've know who have gone, end up addicted and the only way they feel comfortable is to continue going to be readjusted.  I was worried about what it would be like.

I have to say, I really like this doctor.  He's very patient and has worked with tons of pregnant women before.  He seems to think I just need to go to him a hand full of times before baby girl arrives. 

He started off by going over some medical history, and history of sports activities, and any problems or pain I am or have experienced.  Then, he put stim wires on my upper shoulder/neck area, and heat on my back for about 15 minutes.  I liked that part - it was relaxing!

Then I laid down on this weird table that has an opening where your spine is.  This big thing comes up out of the opening and massages your spine and the muscles on both sides.  I stayed on that for about 5-10 minutes.  It felt good - but my heartburn is worse when I'm on my back so I found that to be a bit uncomfortable.

Finally, he feels my back and hips and neck and shoulders.  He massages my shoulders and back a little bit.  Then, he adjusts the areas that need to be adjusted.  Interestingly, two little bumps I've always felt in one side of my neck are actually two spots that aren't aligned properly.  I always thought they were knots - but that's not the case.  And sure enough, after he adjusted both sides of my neck and my shoulders, the bumps in my neck were gone. So in total, I needed 4 areas adjusted - my hips, mid back, shoulders, and neck.  The only area that I didn't love being readjusted was my neck - it felt kind of odd and freaked me out a little bit (because of the sound).

He warned me that I might be sore - and I was on Friday night.  But by Saturday night, I was feeling pretty normal again.  I went back today for my 2nd appointment and will go back on Wednesday for my 3rd appointment.  After that, the appointments should taper off - probably just a few more times over the next few weeks.

Overall, am I sold on the services - no.  It really hasn't made me feel any differently.  And I am still skeptical.  Would I recommend it to other pregnant women? Well, my lower back feels a little less sore.  But really, I'll let you know after baby girl arrives.  If my labor goes smoothly, then I'd probably say to try it!