Dystocia
Abnormal or Difficult Labor

How can Chiropractic decrease the incidence of Dystocia?

Three Reasons for Dystocia as defined by Williams Obstetrics:

1. “Uterine forces insufficiently strong or inappropriately coordinated to efface and dilate the cervix”

The uterus is a muscle, which is controlled by nerves.  These nerves originate from the lower thoracic spine and sacrum.  Chiropractors adjust the spine to restore normal nerve function, which then restores normal organ, gland, or MUSCLE function.

2. “Any contraction of the pelvic diameters that diminish the capacity of the pelvis can create dystocia (difficulty) during labor.” They further state that the diameter of the woman’s pelvis is decreased when the sacrum is displaced.

Chiropractors eliminate abnormalities of the maternal pelvis by balancing the sacrum, pelvis and surrounding musculature with adjustments.

3. “Abnormalities of presentation, position or development of the fetus” can also cause dystocia.

What causes abnormalities of presentation or positioning of the baby? 
Uterine torsion leading to Intrauterine constraint.
Uterine torsion develops from a malpositioned pelvis, which creates undue stress and tension on the ligaments that support the uterus (Broad, Round and Uterosacral Ligaments).  These tensioned ligaments restrict the normal movement of the uterus, thus causing Intrauterine constraint (seen with Breech presentation)