Yes, it is safe and recommended to see a chiropractor while pregnant. There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Over half of pregnant women experience back pain, and chiropractic care has proven effective in providing relief while supporting both mom and baby’s health.

This guide covers everything you need to know about chiropractic care during pregnancy, from safety considerations to specific benefits, helping you make the best choice for your comfort and health.

Why Pregnancy Creates Back Pain Problems

Pregnancy puts your body through amazing changes, but these changes often come with aches and pains. Research published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth shows the global prevalence of back pain during pregnancy is 40.5%, with rates increasing as pregnancy progresses.

Your Body’s Natural Changes During Pregnancy

Your body releases a hormone called relaxin that softens ligaments and joints to prepare for birth. While this helps during delivery, it also makes your spine less stable. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, putting extra stress on your lower back.

Weight gain during pregnancy adds pressure to your spine too. The growing baby and uterus can press on blood vessels and nerves in your pelvis and back, creating pain that radiates down your legs.

Common Pregnancy Pain Areas

Most pregnant women feel pain in these spots:

• Lower back around the belt line
• Deep pain in the buttocks area
• Pain that shoots down the back of your thighs
• Hip and pelvic discomfort
• Neck and shoulder tension from posture changes

How Chiropractic Care Helps During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on gentle adjustments to keep your spine and pelvis properly aligned. This helps your body adapt to pregnancy changes while reducing pain and discomfort.

What Makes Pregnancy Chiropractic Different

Chiropractors who work with pregnant women use special techniques and equipment. They have special tables with belly cutouts and use gentle adjustment methods that avoid pressure on your abdomen.

These professionals understand how pregnancy affects your body and modify their approach for each trimester. They never use force or pressure that could harm you or your baby.

The Science Behind Pain Relief

When your spine is properly aligned, it reduces pressure on nerves and improves blood flow. This helps your nervous system work better, which can ease many pregnancy symptoms beyond just back pain.

One collaborative chiropractic and medical study revealed that 75 percent of pregnant chiropractic care patients reported pain relief. The gentle adjustments help restore normal joint movement and reduce inflammation.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Going to a chiropractor while pregnant offers many benefits beyond just pain relief. These treatments can improve your overall pregnancy experience and even help with delivery.

Pain Relief and Comfort

The most obvious benefit is relief from back, hip, and joint pain. Many women find that regular adjustments help them sleep better and stay more active during pregnancy.

Chiropractic care can also help with:

• Sciatica (shooting leg pain)
• Round ligament pain
• Pubic bone pain
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Headaches

Better Baby Positioning

One of the most important benefits is helping your baby get into the best position for birth. When your pelvis is properly aligned, your baby has more room to move and turn head-down for delivery.

When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint. Proper alignment gives your baby the space they need for healthy development.

Easier Labor and Delivery

Women who receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy often report shorter, easier labors. When your pelvis is balanced and your nervous system is working well, your body is better prepared for the birth process.

Other evidence points to improved outcomes in labor and delivery for women who’ve received chiropractic care during their pregnancy. In fact, it may help reduce the length of time you’re in labor.

The Webster Technique for Optimal Birth Positioning

The Webster Technique is a special chiropractic method designed specifically for pregnant women. It focuses on balancing the pelvis and reducing stress on the uterus and surrounding ligaments.

How the Webster Technique Works

This gentle technique involves checking the alignment of your sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) and making specific adjustments to restore balance. The chiropractor also works with the round ligaments that support your uterus.

One 2002 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics on the Webster technique showed a success rate of 82 percent for resolving breech presentation in month 8 of pregnancy. This is much higher than other methods for turning breech babies.

When to Use the Webster Technique

While the Webster Technique can be used throughout pregnancy, it’s most effective between 34-37 weeks if your baby is in a breech position. However, many women benefit from this technique earlier in pregnancy to prevent positioning problems.

The technique is gentle and safe at all stages of pregnancy. It helps create optimal conditions for your baby to naturally move into the best position for birth.

Safety During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Safety is the top concern when considering any treatment during pregnancy. The good news is that chiropractic care has an excellent safety record for pregnant women when performed by trained professionals.

Who Should Avoid Chiropractic Care

While chiropractic care is safe for most pregnant women, there are some situations where you should avoid treatment or get your doctor’s approval first:

According to research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, contraindications to adjusting may include vaginal bleeding, ruptured amniotic membranes, cramping, sudden onset of pelvic pain, premature labor, placenta previa, placenta abruption, ectopic pregnancy, and moderate to severe toxemia.

Other conditions that require caution include:

• High blood pressure
• Excessive dizziness
• History of miscarriage
• Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)

Finding a Qualified Pregnancy Chiropractor

Not every chiropractor has experience with pregnant patients. Look for a chiropractor who:

• Has specific training in prenatal care
• Uses pregnancy-friendly equipment and tables
• Is certified in techniques like the Webster Technique
• Communicates well with your OB-GYN or midwife
• Has good reviews from other pregnant patients

Ask about their experience and training before your first visit. A qualified prenatal chiropractor will be happy to discuss their background and approach.

When to Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

You can start chiropractic care at any point during pregnancy, and many women benefit from beginning early. Starting care in the first trimester helps your body adapt to pregnancy changes from the beginning.

First Trimester Benefits

Early chiropractic care can help with morning sickness, fatigue, and the initial postural changes of pregnancy. It also establishes a baseline for your spinal health before major changes occur.

Many women find that starting care early helps prevent problems later in pregnancy. Your chiropractor can teach you exercises and positioning tips that will help throughout your pregnancy.

Second and Third Trimester Care

As your pregnancy progresses, your body goes through more dramatic changes. This is when chiropractic care becomes especially helpful for managing discomfort and preparing for birth.

According to the same BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth research, the global prevalence of back pain in the first trimester of pregnancy is 28.3%, in the second trimester is 36.8% and in the third trimester of pregnancy was reported as 47.8%. Regular care can help manage this increasing discomfort.

How Often Should You See a Chiropractor While Pregnant?

The frequency of chiropractic visits during pregnancy depends on your individual needs, comfort level, and any specific issues you’re experiencing.

Typical Visit Schedule

Most pregnant women follow this general schedule:

First and Second Trimester: Once a month for maintenance and prevention

Third Trimester: Every 2-3 weeks as your body prepares for birth

Final Month: Weekly visits to optimize positioning and comfort for delivery

Your chiropractor will adjust this schedule based on your specific needs. Some women need more frequent care, while others do well with less frequent visits.

Factors That Affect Visit Frequency

Several things might increase how often you need to see a chiropractor:

• Previous back problems
• High activity level or physical job
• Carrying multiples
• Stress levels
• How your body responds to treatment

Listen to your body and work with your chiropractor to find the right schedule for you.

What to Expect During Pregnancy Chiropractic Visits

Your first visit to a pregnancy chiropractor will be different from a regular chiropractic appointment. The chiropractor will take extra time to understand your pregnancy and any concerns.

Your First Appointment

The chiropractor will ask about your pregnancy history, any pain or discomfort, and your goals for treatment. They’ll also want to know about your medical team and birth plans.

A physical exam will check your posture, spinal alignment, and areas of tension or pain. The chiropractor will explain what they find and suggest a treatment plan.

Pregnancy-Specific Adjustments

During treatment, you’ll use special positioning and equipment designed for pregnant women. You might lie on your side, sit upright, or use a table with a belly cutout.

The adjustments are gentle and comfortable. Your chiropractor will explain what they’re doing and check that you’re comfortable throughout the treatment.

Complementary Care: Working with Your Birth Team

Chiropractic care works best when it’s part of your overall pregnancy care team. Good communication between all your healthcare providers ensures the best care for you and your baby.

Coordinating with Your OB-GYN or Midwife

Let both your chiropractor and your birth provider know about all the care you’re receiving. Most doctors and midwives support chiropractic care during pregnancy, especially when they see how it helps their patients.

Your chiropractor might share information about your treatment with your birth provider, and your birth provider might suggest specific areas for the chiropractor to focus on.

Other Supportive Therapies

Chiropractic care can be combined with other safe pregnancy treatments:

• Massage therapy for muscle tension
• Prenatal yoga for flexibility and strength
• Physical therapy for specific movement issues
• Acupuncture for various pregnancy symptoms

Managing Different Types of Pregnancy Pain

Pregnancy can cause several types of pain, and chiropractic care can help with most of them. Understanding your specific pain helps your chiropractor provide the best treatment.

Lower Back Pain Relief

Lower back pain is the most common pregnancy complaint. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it’s estimated that more than half of all pregnant people have some degree of back discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can provide significant relief by improving spinal alignment and reducing nerve pressure.

Your chiropractor might also suggest exercises, stretches, and positioning tips to help between visits. Simple changes like using a pregnancy pillow or adjusting your workspace can make a big difference.

Sciatica During Pregnancy

Sciatica causes sharp, shooting pain down your leg and is common during pregnancy. This happens when the growing baby puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Chiropractic care can help relieve this pressure through gentle adjustments and specific exercises. Many women find that regular chiropractic care prevents sciatica from getting worse.

For severe sciatica relief, consider our specialized sciatica and back pain treatment programs designed to address nerve pain safely during pregnancy.

Headache and Migraine Relief

Pregnancy hormones and posture changes can trigger headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care addresses the neck and upper spine issues that often contribute to head pain.

If you’re dealing with frequent headaches during pregnancy, our headache treatment programs and migraine relief services offer safe, drug-free solutions.

Postpartum Chiropractic Care: Recovery After Birth

Your body doesn’t automatically return to its pre-pregnancy state after delivery. Postpartum chiropractic care helps your body recover and adjust to the demands of caring for a newborn.

Why Postpartum Care Matters

Birth is physically demanding, and your body needs help realigning afterward. The hormones that softened your ligaments during pregnancy don’t disappear immediately after birth.

New mothers also face new physical stresses from breastfeeding, carrying a baby, and sleep deprivation. These activities can create new areas of tension and pain.

Benefits of Postpartum Adjustments

Postpartum chiropractic care can help with:

• Realigning your spine and pelvis after delivery
• Reducing upper back and neck pain from breastfeeding
• Improving energy levels and sleep quality
• Supporting your body as it returns to its normal state
• Preventing long-term back problems

Many women find that postpartum chiropractic care helps them feel more like themselves again and better able to care for their new baby.

Exercise and Movement During Pregnancy

Staying active during pregnancy is important for your overall health and can complement your chiropractic care. Your chiropractor can suggest safe exercises that support your treatment.

Safe Pregnancy Exercises

Good exercises during pregnancy include:

• Walking for cardiovascular health
• Swimming for full-body, low-impact exercise
• Prenatal yoga for flexibility and relaxation
• Gentle stretching to maintain mobility
• Specific exercises recommended by your chiropractor

Avoid exercises that involve lying on your back after the first trimester, contact sports, or activities with a high risk of falling.

Exercises Your Chiropractor Might Recommend

Your chiropractor might teach you specific exercises to support your treatment:

• Pelvic tilts to strengthen your core
• Cat-cow stretches for spinal mobility
• Hip circles to maintain pelvic flexibility
• Breathing exercises for relaxation
• Posture awareness exercises

Practice these exercises regularly between visits to maintain the benefits of your chiropractic care.

Lifestyle Tips for a Comfortable Pregnancy

Along with chiropractic care, simple lifestyle changes can help reduce pregnancy discomfort and support your overall health.

Sleep and Rest

Getting good sleep becomes more challenging as pregnancy progresses. Use pillows to support your growing belly and keep your spine aligned. Sleep on your side rather than your back after the first trimester.

A pregnancy pillow that supports your belly and goes between your knees can make a huge difference in your comfort and sleep quality.

Work and Daily Activities

If you work at a desk, take frequent breaks to stand and move around. Adjust your chair and computer screen to maintain good posture. When lifting, use your legs rather than your back.

Avoid standing for long periods and wear supportive, comfortable shoes. High heels can throw off your balance and increase back pain.

Stress Management

Pregnancy can be stressful, and stress can increase muscle tension and pain. Find healthy ways to manage stress like gentle exercise, meditation, or talking with friends and family.

Your chiropractor can help reduce physical stress on your body, which often helps with emotional stress too.

Common Myths About Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

There are many misconceptions about chiropractic care during pregnancy. Let’s clear up some common myths with facts.

Myth: Chiropractic Adjustments Can Cause Miscarriage

There is nothing in the literature to say that Chiropractic adjustments can cause a miscarriage. It is not something that has occurred – as far as I know and as far as what the research says. When performed by a qualified chiropractor, adjustments are very safe during pregnancy.

Myth: You Should Wait Until the Third Trimester

You can safely start chiropractic care at any time during pregnancy. In fact, starting earlier often prevents problems from developing and helps your body adapt to pregnancy changes.

Myth: Chiropractic Care Can Induce Labor

While some women go into labor after a chiropractic visit late in pregnancy, the treatment doesn’t directly cause labor. Instead, it helps your body function optimally, which may allow natural processes to occur when your body is ready.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

Understanding the cost of chiropractic care during pregnancy helps you plan for this important aspect of your healthcare.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but coverage varies. Check with your insurance company about:

• How many visits are covered per year
• Whether you need a referral from your doctor
• What your copay or deductible will be
• Whether pregnancy chiropractic care is specifically covered

Value of Investment

Consider chiropractic care as an investment in your comfort during pregnancy and your preparation for birth. The cost of regular care is often less than dealing with chronic pain or complications during delivery.

Many women find that the improved sleep, reduced pain, and easier labor make chiropractic care worth the investment.

Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor

Before starting care, ask your chiropractor these important questions:

About Their Experience

• How many pregnant women do you treat?
• What specific training do you have in prenatal care?
• Are you certified in the Webster Technique?
• Do you work with other birth providers in the area?

About Treatment

• What techniques do you use for pregnant patients?
• How will treatment change as my pregnancy progresses?
• What equipment do you have for pregnant women?
• How do you communicate with my other healthcare providers?

About Results

• What can I realistically expect from treatment?
• How long before I might see improvement?
• What signs should I watch for that might indicate I should stop treatment?
• What can I do at home to support my treatment?

Red Flags: When to Stop Treatment

While chiropractic care is generally very safe during pregnancy, there are some warning signs that mean you should stop treatment and contact your doctor immediately:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Regular contractions before 37 weeks
• Sudden onset of severe headache
• Vision changes
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, stop treatment and contact your healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not only safe but highly beneficial for most women. With proper care from a qualified chiropractor, you can enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy, better baby positioning, and easier labor and delivery.

The key is finding a chiropractor with specific training in prenatal care and maintaining good communication with your entire birth team. Start care early in pregnancy if possible, but remember that it’s never too late to begin receiving the benefits of chiropractic treatment.

At HealthQuest Longevity, we understand the unique needs of pregnant women and provide gentle, effective chiropractic care throughout your pregnancy journey. Our experienced team works closely with your other healthcare providers to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated care.

If you’re experiencing pregnancy-related back pain, headaches, or other discomfort, don’t suffer in silence. Schedule a consultation today to learn how our pregnancy-focused chiropractic care services can help you have a more comfortable, healthy pregnancy.

Remember, taking care of yourself during pregnancy is taking care of your baby too. You deserve to feel your best during this special time in your life.