Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can come with some aches and pains. Back pain, tight hips, and pelvic pressure are all common as your body grows and changes. If you’re feeling sore or uncomfortable, you might wonder if a chiropractor can help. But you may also wonder, “Is it safe?”
The good news is, yes—chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy. In fact, it can help you feel better, move easier, and support a smoother pregnancy from start to finish. Read on to learn the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Is Going to the Chiropractor Safe While Pregnant?
Absolutely! Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive option for pain relief—whether you’re pregnant or not. In fact, more than 35 million Americans visit a chiropractor each year. Here’s how it works.1
Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to align the spine, hips, and other joints. This helps relieve pressure on the nerves, so they can send signals more freely. As nervous system function improves, pain and discomfort often subside.
While chiropractic care is generally safe for pregnant women, there are a few exceptions. If you’re dealing with any of the following, it’s best to avoid chiropractic care and speak with your doctor first:2
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cramping
- Premature labor
- Placenta previa
- Placenta abruption
- Ruptured amniotic membrane
However, for most pregnant women, chiropractic care is not only safe—it’s tailored to support your body. Techniques are modified to keep you as comfortable as possible. This may include gentler pressure, special tables that adjust to your body, or pregnancy pillows to support your belly.
Why Chiropractic Care Is Helpful During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings a wave of changes to your body. As your belly expands, your center of gravity shifts forward. This can change your posture and increase the curve of the spine. Over time, this “mommy posture” can misalign the spine and joints, which can lead to low back pain.
At the same time, hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin skyrocket during pregnancy. These hormones loosen the ligaments to prepare your body for birth. The trouble is, high levels of these hormones can lead to pelvic hypermobility. This can misalign the pelvis and leave less space for your baby to grow—a condition known as intrauterine constraint.
Fortunately, regular chiropractic care can help with these issues. Chiropractors balance and align your spine and pelvis so they’re in the right position. This can relieve pain and discomfort for you—and your baby.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Now that you know how chiropractic care supports your body, let’s take a look at some of the key benefits during pregnancy:
1 – Relieves pain
Between 50-80% of women suffer from back pain during pregnancy.3 Hip, neck, and joint pain are also common. This makes sense—after all, your body goes through a ton of changes to accommodate your growing baby. Hormonal shifts, loosened ligaments, and extra weight can all put stress on your muscles and joints.
Luckily, chiropractic care may help ease that discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments get the spine, hips, and pelvis in proper alignment. This can help relieve pressure and reduce pain. In fact, about 75% of pregnant women find pain relief from chiropractic care.2 And less pain means a smoother, more comfortable pregnancy.
2 – Eases nausea
Up to 80% of pregnant women experience nausea (aka “morning sickness”).4 And while it’s considered a normal part of pregnancy, that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.
Chiropractic care may help. Chiropractors gently correct spinal misalignments. This can enhance nerve communication and improve nervous system function. For some women, this may help ease symptoms of morning sickness, like nausea.
3 – Repositions your baby
One of the biggest perks of prenatal chiropractic care is that it can help balance the pelvis. When the pelvis is misaligned, it can restrict your baby’s movement. This is known as intrauterine constraint—and it can make it harder for your baby to get in the ideal position for delivery (rear-facing, head down). For some women, this may lead to a breech position or increase the risk of needing a cesarean.
Chiropractors use a special method called the Webster technique to realign the pelvis. This can help the baby get in the right position and reduce the risk of cesarean birth. In fact, the Webster technique is shown to have an 82% success rate in correcting intrauterine constraint.5
4 – Shortens labor time
Regular chiropractic care may help speed up labor and delivery, too. One study found that pregnant women who received chiropractic treatments had labor times that were 25 to 31% shorter.2
This may be because chiropractors balance the pelvis, which may help the baby make a smoother exit.
5 – Manage postpartum pain
Visiting a chiropractor can also support your postpartum recovery. Caring for a newborn can take a toll on your body. Breastfeeding, holding a baby for long periods, and lugging around car seats and strollers can all strain your muscles and joints.
Over time, this can affect your posture and lead to pain and discomfort. Chiropractors address postural imbalances and correct misaligned joints to help you find relief.
When Should I Start Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy?
You can start prenatal chiropractic care as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed—as long as you get the green light from your OBGYN. Be sure to let your chiropractor know you’re pregnant so they can adjust their techniques. Or better yet, look for a chiropractor with specialized training in prenatal care.
How Often Should I Go to the Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
That’s hard to say, as it depends on each person’s unique needs. Your prenatal chiropractor will tailor a treatment schedule that’s right for you. But in general, most women benefit from more visits as the pregnancy progresses.
Here are some rough guidelines our holistic chiropractor recommends:
- First trimester: once a month
- Second and third trimester: once every 2-3 weeks
- Last month of third trimester: once a week
Support a Healthy Pregnancy with Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Orland Park, IL
Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your body—but you don’t have to tough it out. Chiropractic care is a safe, gentle way to ease discomfort and prepare your body for birth.
At Anchored in Health, our holistic chiropractor offers gentle, tailored care for every stage of pregnancy.
If you live in the Chicago area, here’s how to get started:
- Contact us with any questions.
- Schedule your first prenatal chiropractic treatment here.
- Experience how chiropractic care can help you have a more comfortable pregnancy.
Other Holistic Wellness Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL
Prenatal chiropractic care is just one of the services we offer to support pregnant women at our Chicago clinic. We also provide prenatal massage and acupuncture, which can help ease discomfort, reduce stress, and balance the body.
Looking for support after baby arrives? We offer a variety of services to help you feel your best in every stage of life. This includes functional medicine, thermography, genetic testing, vibrant wellness testing, and the Shape ReClaimed program.
Contact us to find out how our holistic care can support your health, in pregnancy and beyond!
Sources:
- Key Facts and Figures about the Chiropractic Profession | American Chiropractic
- Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature | PMC
- Pregnancy and Low Back Pain | PMC
- Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | PMC
- The Webster Technique: a chiropractic technique with obstetric implications | Pubmed
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and Anchored In Health or any of its practitioners. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.