Yes, chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy when done by a trained doctor. There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. In fact, it can help make your pregnancy more comfortable and may even make labor easier.

This guide will help you understand how chiropractic care works during pregnancy, what benefits you can expect, and how to stay safe while getting treatment.

Why Pregnant Women Need Chiropractic Care

Your Body Changes A Lot During Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, your body goes through many big changes. The hormone relaxin is released, which relaxes the joints and eases labor and delivery. But sometimes these loose joints become unstable and create pain.

Here are the main changes that can cause discomfort:

• You carry 25 to 30 extra pounds
• Your belly muscles get weaker
• Your lower back curve gets bigger
• Your center of gravity shifts forward

Common Pregnancy Pains

About 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy, according to research published by the National Institutes of Health. Many also deal with:

• Hip pain and stiffness
• Neck pain from changing posture
• Sciatica (sharp pain down your leg)
• Headaches from stress and tension
• Pelvic pain as ligaments loosen

How Safe Is Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

What The Research Shows

Multiple studies prove that chiropractic care is safe for pregnant women. A systematic review published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information examined chiropractic care during pregnancy and found that adverse effects were rare, with the most common being temporary discomfort. Importantly, no adverse effects on the baby were reported.

More than 1 million chiropractic adjustments are given every day, all over the world. Complications are rare. For pregnant women, the treatments are even gentler than normal.

Special Safety Measures For Pregnancy

Chiropractors who work with pregnant women use special methods to keep you and your baby safe:

• Gentle pressure: When women are pregnant, you can almost blow on them to make the adjustment because of the ligament laxity
• Special tables: Tables that adjust for your growing belly
• No belly pressure: All techniques avoid putting pressure on your stomach
• Modified positions: Safe positions that don’t stress your body

When To Avoid Chiropractic Care

While chiropractic care is usually safe, you should avoid it if you have:

• Vaginal bleeding for unknown reasons
• Risk of early labor
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
• Placenta problems
• Severe morning sickness

Always talk to your doctor before starting chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Amazing Benefits Of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Pain Relief That Really Works

Shaw reports the results of a chiropractic and medical collaborative study indicating that 75% of pregnant patients who received chiropractic care during their pregnancies stated that they found relief from pain.

The main benefits include:

Back Pain Relief

• Fixes spine alignment problems
• Reduces muscle tension
• Improves your posture
• Makes daily activities easier

Hip And Pelvic Pain Relief

• Balances your pelvis
• Reduces pressure on joints
• Helps you walk better
• Makes sleeping more comfortable

Sciatica Relief

• Takes pressure off pinched nerves
• Reduces sharp shooting pains
• Improves leg function
• Helps you move normally

Better Baby Positioning

Proper spine and pelvis alignment helps your baby get into the best position for birth. With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth.

This can help:

• Reduce the chance of breech babies
• Make labor go smoother
• Lower the risk of c-section
• Create more room for baby to grow

Shorter Labor Times

Research shows exciting results about labor. Women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy have 25% to 31% shorter labor times, according to a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. This happens because better alignment in your pelvis gives your baby more room to move through the birth canal.

What To Expect During Prenatal Chiropractic Visits

Your First Visit

Your first chiropractic visit during pregnancy will be thorough but gentle:

1. Health History: Questions about your pregnancy, pain, and medical history
2. Physical Exam: Gentle tests to check your spine and pelvis
3. Treatment Plan: A safe plan made just for you
4. First Treatment: Gentle adjustments using pregnancy-safe methods

Special Pregnancy Techniques

The Webster Technique

This is a special method made just for pregnant women. The Webster Technique has been reported by chiropractors who use it to correct potential musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine constraint. It works by:

• Balancing your pelvis gently
• Reducing stress on your uterus
• Helping baby move into the right position
• Making labor easier

Research shows impressive results: 92% of cases resulted in resolution of the breech position when the Webster Technique was used, according to a survey published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

Gentle Adjustment Methods

Pregnancy adjustments are much softer than regular chiropractic care:

• Light touch instead of strong pressure
• Special cushions for comfort
• No twisting or forceful movements
• Focus on natural body movements

How Often Should You Go?

Most pregnant women benefit from:

• Early pregnancy: Once a month
• Middle pregnancy: Every 2-3 weeks
• Late pregnancy: Weekly visits
• After birth: As needed for recovery

Your chiropractor will make a plan that fits your specific needs.

Choosing The Right Chiropractor For Pregnancy

Look For Special Training

Not all chiropractors have the same pregnancy training. Look for these special certifications:

• DACCP: The highest level of pregnancy training
• CACCP: Advanced pregnancy certification
• ICPA Member: Specializes in pregnancy and children
• Webster Certified: Trained in the special pregnancy technique

Questions To Ask

Before choosing a chiropractor, ask:

• How many pregnant women do you treat?
• What special training do you have?
• Do you have pregnancy tables and equipment?
• Can you work with my doctor?
• What techniques do you avoid during pregnancy?

Red Flags To Avoid

Stay away from chiropractors who:

• Have no pregnancy experience
• Use high-force techniques
• Don’t have proper equipment
• Won’t talk to your doctor
• Make unrealistic promises

Safety Tips For Pregnancy Chiropractic Care

Before Your Appointment

• Get approval from your doctor first
• Write down your symptoms and questions
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing
• Bring your prenatal vitamins list
• Tell them about any pregnancy complications

During Treatment

• Speak up if anything feels wrong
• Ask questions about what they’re doing
• Never let them use strong force
• Make sure you’re comfortable
• Stop if you feel dizzy or sick

After Your Visit

• Drink plenty of water
• Rest if you feel tired
• Do any exercises they recommend
• Watch for any unusual symptoms
• Call your doctor if you’re worried

Common Concerns And Questions

“Will It Hurt My Baby?”

No evidence shows that gentle chiropractic care harms babies. Studies have found that chiropractic adjustments generally do not increase the risk of complications in pregnancy, according to research from Henry Ford Health. The treatments are designed to help both you and your baby.

“Is It Better Than Medicine?”

Chiropractic care offers a drug-free way to manage pain. This is especially good during pregnancy when many pain medicines aren’t safe. It works well with other treatments your doctor recommends.

“When Should I Start?”

You can start chiropractic care any time during pregnancy, even in the first trimester. You can start chiropractic care as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed and your obstetrician approves treatment.

“What About After Birth?”

Chiropractic care helps after birth too. Not only is it safe to go to a chiropractor during pregnancy, but seeing a chiro after pregnancy is also safe. It can help with:

• Recovery from labor
• Neck pain from nursing
• Back pain from carrying baby
• Getting your body back to normal

How Chiropractic Care Fits With Your Medical Team

Working With Your Doctor

Good chiropractors work as part of your medical team. They should:

• Communicate with your OB-GYN
• Share treatment plans
• Report any concerns
• Respect medical decisions
• Support your overall care

Combining Treatments

Chiropractic care works well with:

• Massage therapy for muscle relaxation
• Prenatal yoga for flexibility
• Physical therapy for strength
• Regular prenatal checkups

Cost And Insurance Coverage

What To Expect

Chiropractic care costs vary by location, but many insurance plans cover pregnancy treatment. Check with your insurance about:

• How many visits are covered
• If you need a referral
• Your copay amount
• Which chiropractors are in-network

Making It Affordable

If cost is a concern:

• Ask about payment plans
• Look for sliding scale fees
• Check if your FSA/HSA covers it
• Compare prices in your area

Alternative Pain Relief Options

If Chiropractic Isn’t Right For You

Other safe pregnancy pain relief includes:

• Prenatal massage: Gentle muscle relaxation
• Water therapy: Swimming or warm baths
• Prenatal yoga: Gentle stretching and movement
• Heat/cold therapy: Safe temperature treatments
• Support belts: Help carry baby weight

Complementary Approaches

You can combine chiropractic care with:

• Regular exercise (approved by your doctor)
• Good posture habits
• Proper sleep positioning
• Stress management techniques
• Healthy eating for strong bones

Real Stories From Pregnant Women

Many women find great relief from pregnancy chiropractic care:

“I had terrible back pain that made it hard to walk. After just three visits to my pregnancy chiropractor, I felt like a new person. I could sleep through the night again!” – Sarah, mom of two

“My baby was breech at 36 weeks. After Webster Technique treatments, she turned head-down and I had a normal delivery.” – Maria, first-time mom

“I was skeptical at first, but chiropractic care made my second pregnancy so much easier than my first. I had way less pain and more energy.” – Jessica, mother of three

Red Flags: When To Stop Treatment

Stop chiropractic care and call your doctor if you experience:

• Vaginal bleeding after treatment
• Strong contractions or cramping
• Fluid leaking from your vagina
• Severe headaches or dizziness
• Extreme pain that gets worse
• Baby moving less than usual

Final Thoughts

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is both safe and helpful for most women. It offers natural pain relief without drugs, can make labor easier, and helps your body handle the changes of pregnancy better.

The key is finding a chiropractor with proper pregnancy training and getting approval from your doctor first. When done right, chiropractic care can make your pregnancy journey much more comfortable.

If you’re dealing with pregnancy pain, don’t just accept it as normal. Talk to your doctor about whether chiropractic care might help you feel better. Many women find it makes a huge difference in how they feel during this special time.

Remember, every pregnancy is different. What works for one woman might not work for another. Work with your medical team to find the best pain relief plan for you and your baby.

Ready to explore natural pain relief during your pregnancy? Contact a qualified pregnancy chiropractor in your area to learn more about how they can help make your pregnancy more comfortable and enjoyable.