Pregnancy Care

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey that brings significant changes to a woman's body. As your body adapts to nurture your growing baby, these changes often create unique musculoskeletal challenges. As a chiropractor experienced in prenatal care, I provide safe, gentle adjustments specifically designed to support mothers-to-be through a more comfortable pregnancy and birth.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Body

During pregnancy, your body undergoes numerous changes that can impact your comfort and mobility:

  • Your center of gravity shifts forward as your baby grows
  • Hormones like relaxin loosen ligaments and joints
  • Your pelvis adapts and may become misaligned
  • Postural changes can strain your spine, especially the lower back
  • Increased weight creates additional stress on weight-bearing joints
  • Nerve pressure may increase as your posture changes

These changes often result in discomfort or pain that can diminish what should be a joyful experience. Prenatal chiropractic care offers a drug-free approach to addressing these issues, helping you enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy.

Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Research and clinical experience have shown that chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide numerous benefits:

  • Relief from back, neck, and joint pain common during pregnancy
  • Reduced sciatic nerve pain through proper pelvic alignment
  • Improved pelvic balance, creating more room for your baby to develop and move
  • Potential for shorter, easier labor and delivery due to proper pelvic alignment and nerve function
  • Reduced nausea through proper nervous system function
  • Better overall function throughout the pregnancy journey

Common Pregnancy Discomforts We Address

  • Lower back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Round ligament pain
  • Pubic symphysis pain
  • Hip discomfort
  • Neck and shoulder tension
  • Headaches
  • Rib pain
  • Carpal tunnel symptoms
  • Leg cramps

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, chiropractic care during pregnancy is very safe when performed by a properly trained chiropractor. I use techniques specifically designed for pregnant women, with no undue pressure on the abdomen. Adjustments are gentle and accommodations are made for your changing body.

Many obstetricians recognize the value of chiropractic care during pregnancy and refer their patients for treatment of musculoskeletal complaints. I'm happy to coordinate care with your healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to your prenatal wellness.

The Webster Technique

I am certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment method designed especially for pregnant women. This gentle approach focuses on balancing the pelvis and reducing tension in the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus.

How the Webster Technique Works

The Webster Technique addresses sacral misalignment and reduces the effects of sacral dysfunction, which can contribute to:

  • Difficult labor for the mother (dystocia)
  • Inadequate space for the developing baby
  • Restricted positioning for the baby

By restoring proper pelvic balance and function, the Webster Technique helps create an optimal environment for the baby to develop and move into the best possible position for birth. It's particularly beneficial when used throughout pregnancy for preventative care, not just when babies are in a breech or other non-optimal position.

The technique involves a specific sacral analysis, gentle adjustment, and soft tissue release of key ligaments and muscles related to pelvic function. The entire process is comfortable and specifically adapted to accommodate your pregnant body.

When to Start Prenatal Chiropractic Care

You can begin chiropractic care at any point during your pregnancy, but many women find these guidelines helpful:

  • First Trimester: Establish baseline care and address any pre-existing issues
  • Second Trimester: Maintain proper alignment as your body begins more significant changes
  • Third Trimester: Focus on pelvic balance and optimal fetal positioning for birth

Preventative care throughout pregnancy often provides the best results, but it's never too late to start! Many women seek chiropractic care even in their final weeks to help prepare for labor and delivery.

What to Expect During Your Prenatal Chiropractic Visit

Thorough Assessment

Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation of your spine and pelvis, with special attention to the unique changes occurring during pregnancy. I'll discuss your health history, current symptoms, and your goals for care during your pregnancy journey.

Comfortable Treatment

Adjustments are gentle and specifically modified for your pregnant body. Special pregnancy pillows and tables with drop-away sections ensure your comfort. No pressure is placed on your abdomen, and all techniques are completely safe for both you and your baby.

Supportive Care

Beyond in-office adjustments, I provide guidance on proper ergonomics, sleeping positions, stretches, and exercises to support your changing body between visits. This comprehensive approach helps maximize the benefits of your care throughout your pregnancy.

Beyond Pregnancy: Postpartum Care

The physical demands of pregnancy don't end with delivery. As your body begins to recover from pregnancy and birth, and you adapt to caring for your newborn, chiropractic care continues to offer valuable support.

Postpartum Benefits

  • Helps your body return to pre-pregnancy alignment after the significant physical changes of pregnancy
  • Addresses strain from labor and delivery, which can affect your spine and pelvis
  • Reduces discomfort from nursing positions and carrying your new baby
  • Supports healing of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles
  • Enhances overall recovery during this demanding transition period

Your Baby's Care

After caring for you during pregnancy, I can also provide gentle care for your newborn. The birth process, while natural, can be physically stressful for babies, potentially causing misalignments in their delicate spine.

Pediatric chiropractic care uses extremely gentle techniques—no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato—to address any birth strain. Many parents report improvements in their baby's comfort, sleep, and feeding after gentle adjustments.

Learn More About Pediatric Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chiropractic care is safe during all stages of pregnancy when provided by a chiropractor experienced in prenatal care. The techniques I use are specifically adapted to accommodate your changing body throughout each trimester. In fact, many women find that regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy helps them adapt more comfortably to the ongoing physical changes.

The Webster Technique has become well-known for its success in helping babies turn from breech or other non-optimal positions. While no technique can guarantee a baby will turn, the Webster Technique focuses on restoring proper pelvic balance and reducing tension in specific ligaments and muscles. This creates more space for the baby to move freely and often results in babies naturally turning to a more optimal position. For best results, this technique should be applied before the baby has grown too large (ideally before 37 weeks), but it can still be helpful later in pregnancy.

The frequency of care varies based on your individual needs and how your body is responding to pregnancy. As a general guideline, many pregnant patients benefit from:

  • First trimester: Monthly visits to establish baseline care
  • Second trimester: Every 2-4 weeks as your body begins more significant changes
  • Third trimester: Weekly or bi-weekly care to maintain optimal alignment as birth approaches

Women experiencing specific discomfort or complications may benefit from more frequent care. I'll create a personalized care plan based on your unique situation and adjust it as needed throughout your pregnancy.

While not always required, it's always a good idea to maintain open communication with all your healthcare providers during pregnancy. Many obstetricians and midwives regularly refer their patients for chiropractic care and recognize its benefits. If your provider has questions or concerns, I'm happy to communicate directly with them about your care. In my experience, a collaborative approach between all your healthcare providers offers the most comprehensive support during your pregnancy journey.

Related Services

Gentle care for your newborn to address birth strain and support healthy development.

Learn More

Gentle techniques to address muscle tension and discomfort during pregnancy.

Learn More

Customized exercises to strengthen and support your changing body during pregnancy.

Learn More
Schedule Your Prenatal Consultation

Have questions about chiropractic care during pregnancy? Contact us today!

Featured Links & Content

GDPR & Cookie Consent

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.