Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is beautiful — but, it can also be rough on the body.

The added weight of a developing baby has a significant impact. In fact, 90% of pregnant women experience low back pain, but unfortunately, many avoid visiting a chiropractor while pregnant. The good news is that you don’t have to accept prenatal aches and pains, especially when chiropractic care can offer a medication-free way to treat pain.

Long story short, chiropractic adjustment while pregnant can offer relief – and yes, it’s safe!

Safety of Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a very physical practice, so it’s understandable to have concerns about the safety of your baby during an adjustment.

But rest assured, it’s completely safe. A systematic review of chiropractic literature found that adverse effects were rare, with the most common being temporary discomfort. Importantly, no adverse effects on the baby were reported.

There are even specific chiropractic techniques developed for pregnant patients that can help you deliver the baby safely.

Note: During a healthy pregnancy, chiropractic care poses no risks to the baby. If you’re experiencing pregnancy-related issues, such as vaginal bleeding, preeclampsia, or a risk of premature labor, however, you should avoid seeing a chiropractor and consult with your OB/GYN.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Less Prenatal Pain

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many physical changes. The curvature of your spine and your center of gravity shift, putting stress on your musculoskeletal system and spinal column.

During the third trimester, your body releases a hormone called relaxin, which causes your pelvis to soften and loosen your ligaments. This prepares your body for delivery but can also lead to discomfort.

Typically, women begin to feel pregnancy-related pains in the first trimester, and some report feeling the side effects up to six months postpartum.

Physical symptoms from pregnancy may include the following:

• • Neck pain
  • Mid and lower back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Headaches
  • Sciatica 
  • Nausea and morning sickness

However, spinal manipulation can provide pain relief for all of these symptoms — yes, even morning sickness!

Manual therapy improves how the nervous system functions, which can help ease pregnancy-related nausea. Chiropractic care can also establish pelvic balance, which helps move the baby into the correct position for birth.

Better Labor Outcomes

Regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can make childbirth simpler and safer. The Webster Technique is a specific intervention developed for pregnant women to help make labor less difficult.

Dr. Larry Webster developed the Webster Technique in the 1980s in response to his own daughter’s challenging birthing experience. He made adaptations to chiropractic techniques that address pelvic misalignment and intrauterine constraint (the way the baby is positioned and constrained in the womb).

With the Webster Technique, you lie on the table in a comfortable position. The chiropractor gently adjusts the alignment of your pelvis and massages the surrounding soft tissue and ligaments to relieve tension from the uterus.

This non-invasive chiropractic treatment can prevent and correct breech presentation and lead to a smoother birth. A survey showed that the Webster Technique resolved 92% of breech presentations, potentially helping to avoid the risks associated with cesarean sections.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) states that women can receive chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy to improve labor outcomes. When the pelvis is properly aligned, it may also shorten labor time to reduce the risk of a c-section.

Quicker Postpartum Recovery

Unfortunately, the body doesn’t immediately “snap back” after you’ve delivered your baby.

Chiropractic care can help ease the aches and pains you feel after birth and make breastfeeding more comfortable. Sometimes, breastfeeding can lead to a misalignment of the spine or cause tension in our muscles and upper back. Because chiropractic care is an alternative pain relief option, you don’t have to worry about medications being transmitted to your baby through your breast milk.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care FAQs

Is an Adjustment Uncomfortable While Pregnant?

No, not at all.

There are special adjusting tables designed specifically for pregnant women. Additionally, pillows can be used to make sure you’re in a comfortable and proper position.

How Soon After Delivery Can I Resume Chiropractic Care?

This depends on your individual situation and body.

Many women find that spinal adjustments shortly after giving birth help alleviate the strain childbirth has taken on their bodies.

However, if you had a c-section or experienced any other complications, it’s important to ensure it’s safe to return to chiropractic care. Talk with your obstetrician or primary healthcare provider first before booking your next appointment.

Should I Receive Chiropractic Care If I’m Doing Physical Therapy?

Absolutely.

Physical therapy and chiropractic care don’t replace each other. In fact, they complement each other. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles, while chiropractic care addresses spinal misalignments and nerve function. Both are essential parts of women’s health during and after pregnancy.

Manage Pregnancy Pain and More

Chiropractic care while pregnant is not only safe but it’s also beneficial for both you and your baby. It can provide much-needed relief from lower back pain while making sure your baby is in the correct position for a smooth birth.

Continuing care after you’ve delivered your baby can also help shorten your recovery time and ease the strain you feel, all without the use of medication!

During your pregnancy, you should be focused on feelings of excitement and joy, not on an aching back or hips. Booking a spinal adjustment gives you the pain relief you need to be present for all the precious moments of your pregnancy.