7 Ways to Combat Stress in Pregnancy

Many expectant mothers are under large amounts of stress getting ready for a new baby in the house. This involves changes in relationships, worry of the unknown and the constant pressure to be the ‘perfect’ mother. All of these stressors can affect both the mother and the unborn child.

There are several types of stress that can cause significant issues with both mother and baby, which include physical stressors, chemical stressors and emotional stressors.

Some chemical stressors include smoking, caffeine consumption, and unhealthy eating. Combatants of these stressors include healthy eating, vitamin use, and moderate exercise use.

Stress in pregnancy predicts premature birth and lower birth weight.

Cigarette smoking predicted lower birth weight. Recent well-controlled human studies indicate that pregnant women with high stress and anxiety levels are at increased risk for spontaneous abortion, preterm labour and delayed growth (reduced head circumference in particular).

How can you change these outcomes and prevent stress to baby?

1.     Eat healthy

2.     Take time for you and take care of your health and enjoy life

3.  Make realistic expectations for being a mother- you cannot do it all- ask for help from family and friends for food preparation, cleaning, laundry and try to relax more.

4.     Rest and sleep- your body will need more of this as you get further along in your pregnancy

5.    Take your prenatal vitamins (especially B complex) and eat healthy.

6.     Make a date with your husband and get away one last time before life gets busy with baby.

7.     Chiropractic adjustments reduce strain off the nervous system, reduce pregnancy related pain and release pain relieving hormones, which elevates mood and reduces stress.

NEW Clinic Location: Momentum Health Mahogany

 

I am very happy and excited to announce that I am now working full-time (Monday to Friday) at Momentum Health Mahogany in SE Calgary. Momentum Health Mahogany is in a gorgeous new space and I am honoured to be practicing in such an inspiring multi-disciplinary clinic. 

The address and contact information for the clinic is as follows: 

Momentum Health Mahogany
#110-7 Mahogany Plaza SE
Calgary, AB
T3M 0T7
Phone: 403-454-8460

This clinic is located in the new Mahogany plaza, south of Mahogany Gate SE, on the east side of 52nd Ave. Access is right off of Stoney Trail, heading Southbound on 52nd Ave, and it's the first left onto Mahogany Gate SE. We are right across the parking lot from the DQ, and Tim Hortons is directly behind us. There is free parking available in the parking lot. 

  

My hours of operation (as of Sept. 11, 2017) at this clinic are:

Monday: 1pm-7pm
Tuesday: 8am-12pm
Wednesday: 1pm-7pm
Thursday: 8am-12pm
Friday: 1pm- 5pm

These hours will be what I will be starting with for the time being and I will add more hours depending upon demand. I would be honoured to treat you and your family at this new location, particularly if this location is more convenient for you. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at dr.marleelameris@gmail.com or call the Momentum clinic at 403-454-8460.

Why Should My Kids See a Chiropractor?

I get this question all the time. Adult patients that are under care, often ask me why their kids should see a chiropractor. They have come in for pain, tightness or stiffness and it’s difficult to understand why they’d need to bring in their kids who seem to be doing just fine. However, pain isn’t the only reason to go to the chiropractor. Just like kids might not realize they are getting a cavity, but go to the dentist anyway, getting assessed by a chiropractor can help discover underlying issues before they become a problem.

Below I’ve gone through some frequently asked questions by parents on why to get chiropractic care for children. If you have any other questions or inquiries, I invite you to contact me and I’d love to discuss this further. My email is dr.marleelameris@gmail.com.

Why chiropractic care for kids?

Children have many falls, injuries and accidents as they grow. These small falls, such as when they are learning how to walk, can accumulate into bigger issues as the spine and nervous system grows and matures. This can cause the body to not function properly. The pain and issues may not show up for years it is important to get your child spinal checkup on a regular basis.

When should I get my child adjusted?

All children should be adjusted as soon after birth as possible because the birth process is often traumatic. Even the ‘easy’ births can have some ‘hidden damage’ to the nervous system. Studies have shown that many children who experience colic, reflux, gassiness and fussiness at the breast have spinal issues in their neck and skull from the birth process.

What if they are older, say 3, 7 or 12, should I still get them checked?

ABSOLUTELY! Many children have spinal dysfunctions from normal developmental milestones, such as learning to pull themselves up to standing, walking, running and falling. Often the toddler years are just an accumulation of falls on the buttocks, head trauma and multiple other injuries, all of which can impact their growth and development. Children who are incredibly active, whether that be with sports, school or playing on the playground, could use an assessment to make sure they are moving properly. 

Getting your child checked and adjusted in these crucial growth times can assist in better sleep patterns, potty training assistance, increased attention and focus in school and an overall reduction of bed-wetting, constipation and irritability.

Does it hurt?

Chiropractic care for adults and children are very different. Chiropractors who focus on adjusting children use very gentle specific techniques and adjustments. Often there is less than 3-4 ounces of pressure with the adjustment and it is done with a very light touch. The amount of pressure is incredibly gentle and is equivalent to the force used to check the ripeness of a tomato. Chiropractic care for children is incredibly safe, gentle and effective.