Washington Park Chiropractic

….Dr. G’s Pregnancy Update

By Dr. Lisa Goodman, DC

As most of my patients know, I am pregnant with number 2!  In fact, I have just 10 weeks to go until my due date of November 3.  I’ve been asked a lot of questions “how am I feeling?”, “how much longer will you work?”, “is there anything you can’t do at work?”, “where and how will you have your baby?”  I thought I’d take this opportunity to answer those questions and present a few of Dr. G’s tips for a comfortable and healthy pregnancy.

How Much Longer Will You Work?

During my last pregnancy I worked until I was 39 weeks (which was just one week prior to my due date).  I intend to do the same this time.  Looks like my last day to treat patients will likely be Monday, October 25.  That should give me ample time to nest.  This brings me to my first healthy pregnancy tip: Never think your baby will come early!  No matter what expert tells you that you might deliver early – It is probably healthiest to expect baby to come no sooner than your due date  Remember, babies don’t all develop at the same rate and your due date is really just the middle of a 4 week time frame in which a healthy baby is born.  Focusing on or after my due date helps keep me focused on my patients and staying healthy and active. 

Oh – and I plan to be back part time the first week of December (with baby in tow) and full time Mid-January!

Is There Anything You Can’t Do?

As you know, chiropractic is a very physical profession.  I have always made it a point to use good ergonomics and body position when working on patients.  Therefore, even while I am pregnant this doesn’t change much.  I work hard to protect my body and still have very effective treatments on my patients.  However, rest assured that if I ever feel that there is a treatment I cannot safely perform, I will happily refer specific patients to my partner, Dr. Jake Simpson.  Dr. Simpson will be your main treating doctor while I am on maternity leave so don’t be shy!

How Are You Feeling?

I feel terrific!  I really feel absolutely wonderful.  I attribute that to a few key things:

• A Physical Job: means that I am not sedentary and I am moving a lot during the day
• A Positive Outlook: Thinking about and planning for a healthy pregnancy goes a long way
• Regular Chiropractic & Massage: Getting the Webster Technique for pregnancy and regular body work has kept me feeling really good
• Nutrition: Even though during pregnancy it is so easy to feel like you have a free pass to eat what you want – there are consequences.  My first baby weighed 9lbs 8oz and I definitely ate my share of sweets last time!  This time it is protein, veggies and whole grains.  I think this is one reason I feel so good and sleep so well.

Where are You Having Your Baby?

I am having my baby at Swedish Hospital and will be cared for by Anne Walters, CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife).  I am starting a hypnobirthing class in September which is taught by my Doula (birth coach), Jacie Gonzales at Sweet Beginnings.  Healthy Pregnancy Tip number two: Plan your Birth!  Its true, no one’s birth goes exactly as planned, there is always a surprise, but if you don’t set any plans or expectations, then labor and delivery can be quite unexpected and even scary.  The more you can read, plan and prepare – the better your baby’s birth will be!  I highly recommend a doula especially if you are planning a natural labor and delivery. 

Other Tips:

• Avoid evening leg cramps by making sure you are getting regular Calcium/Magnesium supplement taken after dinner
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid refined sugars (muffins, breads, juice, soda, sweets, etc)
• Yoga is good for the body and the mind.  Check out Corepower in the Highlands Prenatal Classes Thurs & Saturday or Pearl Street Yoga
• Read and learn as much as you can about pregnancy, labor and delivery.  Knowledge is Power!

Email me with any specific questions: drlisagoodman@yahoo.com