Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care

Many women who are used to receiving regular chiropractic care find themselves questioning whether or not they should continue with this treatment once they become pregnant. There are no known complications to chiropractic care to be concerned with during your pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant and some have additional training in specific methods.

Chiropractor who use low-force or gentle techniques may be preferred by pregnant women as there is no cracking or twisting of the spine during the adjustment.

Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?

Chiropractic during pregnancy is an effective, drug free and safe treatment for both the mom and her baby. Chiropractic care can continue while you are pregnant, or you can begin a new chiropractic treatment program as early as the first month of pregnancy. Treatment will help you better deal with the many changes that are occurring with your body. Special adjustments by the chiropractor, designed for pregnancy, help balance the pelvis, reduce any nerve irritation in the spine and generally help your body feel more at ease overall.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association recommends that women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy in order to establish pelvic balance and optimize the room a baby has for development throughout the pregnancy. With a better balanced pelvis, babies enjoy a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth which can result in an easier and safer delivery for both the mother and her baby.

What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can lead to a healthier overall pregnancy. Other benefits include controlling nausea symptoms, relieving back, neck and joint pain, reduce the risk of possible cesarean section as well as reducing the amount of time a woman is in labor and delivery. Chiropractors trained in the Webster Technique are able to perform adjustments using this technique when babies are presenting breech. Studies have shown an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when the Webster Technique was used.

How do I get adjusted while pregnant?

Many chiropractors have either specially designed pillows or tables that allow the expectant mother to lay on her stomach, safely and comfortably during her chiropractic adjustment. Women that are uncomfortable lying this way can still be adjusted by lying on their side.

Are there benefits to Chiropractic Care Post Pregnancy?

After your delivery, your body's supply of relaxin is reduced and your bones and ligaments start to return back to their original positions. Chiropractic adjustments help this process by making sure that everything is aligned. Chiropractic is an essential part of the postpartum process and is especially helpful if you've had a difficult pregnancy or birthing experience.

Chiropractic also helps your body deal with the added stresses that occur as you hold and take care of your baby. Additional bending, lifting, stretching and rocking will become part of your daily routine. Your body will need help adjusting to these new movements and chiropractic is a great help.

As more women look to chiropractic care as a means of maintaining good health throughout pregnancy, more health care providers are referring to chiropractors within their communities. Be sure to discuss chiropractic as an option when you meet with your health care provider. If they are not aware of chiropractic care in pregnancy, ask them to find out it. Most chiropractors welcome the opportunity to partner with other health care providers to help pregnant women enjoy a positive pregnancy experience.