A Path to Wellness

In our newest column, From Bump to Baby, Kennesaw Patch editor Gaetana Pipia will be documenting her pregnancy journey over the next several months and exploring options available to expectant mothers here in Kennesaw. 

As I enter my second trimester, I've become all too aware of the many possible changes my body may undergo over the course of my pregnancy. I've learned that "pregnant glow" may instead succumb to severe acne and skin discoloration, that back pain will only get worse and that my nose may mysteriously look bigger due to the joys of facial swelling.

Yes, pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but it sure does come with some odd, little side effects.

Within a few weeks of finding out I was pregnant, I scheduled my first appointment at the Wellpath Center, a Kennesaw practice that is unique in that it specializes in treating expectant moms and even children and newborns, in addition to providing regular Chiropractic care.

While I haven't noticed a pronounced proboscis as of yet, I do worry that the back and leg pain I've suffered from for almost a year now may become unbearable in my later months. With the fatigue and stress that already come with pregnancy, more unnecessary pain, I figure, is bad for baby and I alike.

The sound of cracking knuckles has always made me uneasy, so needless to say, I was nervous to get adjusted for the first time.

My doubts were soon put to rest, as the few appointments I've had have been nothing but calming, healing experiences. As a long sufferer of chronic headaches, they seem to have subsided over the past couple weeks, and my back pain is already getting noticeably better.

Not to mention, I usually receive a prenatal massage before getting adjusted, not the worst way in the world to start off a stressful day.

Dr. Heather Whittle Davis, who founded the practice over 10 years ago, recently invited me to an informational session for expectant mothers at

Several moms ranging in age, background and bump circumference attended the session for lunch and learning.

Dr. Meaghan Cromer led a presentation on proper exercise and diet practices during pregnancy, and also spoke about the physical changes the body undergoes.

"As you change and grow as your pregnancy goes on, your center of gravity will shift," said Cromer.

Just some of the issues that can be caused by a changing anatomy during pregnancy include pressure and strain on the lower back, tension in the shoulders and achy or cramping legs, she said.

"All of this relates to the shifting of the posture of the body."

Cromer also discussed how breech presentations are commonly due to pelvic misalignment and ligament tightness and how a Chiropractic technique called the Webster Technique can be used to relieve intrauterine constraint and help breech babies move into normal birthing positions.

Dr. Davis had the technique successfully applied during her own pregnancy.

As the event came to a close, Adrienne Thiesing, 26, won a raffle for a free massage and said of the session, "I loved it. I came here just kind of curious. I'm leaving with a free massage and all kinds of information."

Thiesing, now five months pregnant with a girl, said she experiences back pain and looks forward to seeking prenatal Chiropractic care. She said she had received Chiropractic care years ago and experienced renewed energy, improved health and even weight loss.

Davis said the center regularly holds sessions internally but plans to do more sessions reaching out to the community in the future.

"I enjoy working with families, with expectant moms and children and focusing on wellness and prevention," she said.

Davis said the practice sees about 200 patients a week and that a sense of community exists among staff and patients alike. She said her vision is to one day expand to a multidisciplinary practice with all natural practitioners.

Both Davis and Cromer said there are great rewards in the work that they do.

Cromer said on a daily basis she enjoys "seeing the potential for health with everyone's body is there and helping them tap into it."

"Patients may come to us in a lot of pain," she said. "It just improves their quality of life so much."