Can I Go to the Chiropractor While Pregnant?

In short, OF COURSE you can!!

Pregnancy is a transformative, body-altering experience. There’s clearly so much beauty in the process of watching your body create human life. But it can also be extremely hard on the body in a number of ways. It’s not uncommon for discomfort and misalignment to occur in the spine or joints during pregnancy. This is where prenatal chiropractic care comes into play.  

Pregnancy can lead to issues such as changes to the pelvis, changes in posture, and an increased curve in the back due to your newly protruding abdomen. Going to the chiropractor while pregnant can be an excellent way to address the various physical and hormonal changes that occur in the body during this time. These adjustments can help to re-establish balance and alignment in the spine and pelvis. It can also aid in the birthing process.

Although roughly 75% of pregnant chiropractic care patients reported pain relief under care, it’s understandable why one might be hesitant to give chiropractic care a try while pregnant. If you’re curious about the safety and benefits of prenatal chiropractic care, read on!

Is it Safe to Go to the Chiropractor While Pregnant?

Generally speaking, yes! Going to the chiropractor while pregnant is safe. Prenatal chiropractic care is all about maintaining a healthy spinal column and adjusting misaligned joints. In order to do this safely, a chiropractor uses a special adjustment table to accommodate their pregnant patient’s growing bellies without applying any pressure to the abdomen.

Sometimes chiropractic care isn’t a good idea for certain pregnant patients. It is not recommended for those experiencing…

• vaginal bleeding
• an ectopic pregnancy
• moderate to severe toxemia
• placenta previa or placental abruption

What is Prenatal Chiropractic Care?

Prenatal chiropractic care involves stretching, controlled pressure application, and specific joint adjustments. Many chiropractors use the Webster Technique when adjusting their pregnant patients. This specialized approach is tailored for prenatal chiropractors and their patients.

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique was first introduced by the late Dr. Larry Webster. He was the founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). This association set out to establish and advance chiropractic care for families to improve their quality of life. Part of that mission involved taking better care of pregnant patients.

Dr. Webster specifically designed the method to cater to pregnant patients. It helps to provide more space in the abdomen for the growing baby to move around as well as help breech babies turn into the proper position during the later stages of pregnancy. Research suggests that spinal adjustments help align the pelvis and relieve tension in the ligaments around the pelvis to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

In addition to aligning the pelvis, this gentle form of chiropractic care focuses on soft tissue release of the muscles in that area, adjustments to the sacrum, targeted massages, and uterine ligament stretches on the abdominal wall. This is all meant to address intrauterine constraint as well as lower back pain associated with pregnancy. With less stress on the uterus, the baby can more easily shift into the proper head-down position on their own.

What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care While Pregnant?

Chiropractic care can be a great addition to your pregnancy care plan. It can help you through the process during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect:

• Relaxed pelvic floor. Chiropractic adjustments can loosen the muscles around the pelvis. This could help with natural vaginal birth.  
• Overall wellbeing. Adjustments can help you maintain a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy.
• Pain relief. Prenatal chiropractic care can relieve pain in the back, neck, pelvis, sacrum, and joints.
• Stomach relief. Regular prenatal adjustments can help limit symptoms of nausea and morning sickness.
• Length of labor. Chiropractic care can help create the optimal conditions for an easier, quicker delivery.

Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic for the Baby

Prenatal chiropractors not only aid you through your pregnancy, but they can also help your growing baby stay healthy too. It’s vital for your baby to be in the proper head-down position before delivery. When the pelvis is out of alignment, the baby could have a harder time moving to the correct position. This could result in a breach or posterior delivery. A misaligned pelvis can also cause intrauterine constraint which can result in birth defects in some cases.

When you decide to make chiropractic care a part of your pregnancy journey, spinal and pelvic alignments can help to create the optimal growing conditions for your baby. It can help you avoid a complicated delivery and assure that your baby isn’t constricted in the womb.

Try Prenatal Chiropractic Care with Elevate Chiropractic

At Elevate Chiropractic, we are experts in prenatal chiropractic care. Our team of trained professionals can confidently and safely keep you feeling comfortable throughout your pregnancy journey. All of our chiropractors are trained in the Webster Technique. You can rest assured that you’re in good hands with our team of care providers.This is an unforgettable, life-changing experience. We hope to help make it that much more enjoyable by giving you relief both during your pregnancy and delivery.

Interested in trying out prenatal chiropractic care? Get in touch with us today for more information. We are happy to walk you through our process so you can feel safe and secure as you begin your prenatal chiropractic care.

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