The vagus nerve is one of the body’s most important nerves. It helps regulate digestion, heart rate, immune function, inflammation, and the body’s ability to relax and recover.

A recent review examining fetal development found that the vagus nerve begins developing long before birth and plays a critical role in the maturation of the autonomic nervous system.

Researchers also found that maternal health, placental function, stress, and the birth process may all influence healthy vagal development.

Fetal heart rate variability was identified as an important indicator of how the autonomic nervous system matures during pregnancy.

At Markham Chiropractic Centre, our focus is on optimizing nervous system function. The Torque Release Technique is a neurologically focused chiropractic technique designed to improve communication between the brain and body through gentle, precise spinal adjustments.

Supporting healthy spinal function during pregnancy may be one part of an overall wellness approach for expecting mothers.

References

Cerritelli, Francesco, et al. “The Role of the Vagus Nerve During Fetal Development and Its Relationship with the Environment.” Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2021.