Chiropractic & Pregnancy

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: A Safe and Natural Approach to Wellness

Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time in a woman’s life, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. A lot of growing and shifting is happening in a small window of time and that can lead to anything from nausea, back pain, postural changes, and pubic pain (to name a few). Chiropractic care can be a safe and gentle alternative to conventional methods (prescriptions and invasive interventions) to manage discomfort, provide relief, and maintain overall wellness during pregnancy

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, how it can help alleviate common pregnancy-related issues, and why it is a valuable part of your prenatal care plan.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine and pelvis. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques, such as spinal adjustments, to correct misalignments (subluxations) and improve the function of the nervous system. Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment designed for pregnancy by looking at the joints, muscles, and ligaments that surround the pelvis. This helps optimize space and creates balance in the tissues/structures that support mom’s growing belly.

Why Should You Consider Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

There are extremely high demands placed on a woman’s body during pregnancy, especially when it comes to the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. As the baby grows, the body shifts to accommodate the growing uterus. This leads to changes in posture, increased pressure on the spine and pelvis, and altered movement patterns. The body is pulled forward by growing breasts and the mother’s center of gravity changes significantly. 

As for the nervous system, the release of pregnancy hormones like relaxin that affect joint stability. Relaxin does exactly what it sounds like: creates ligament laxity. This is helpful for making accommodations, but it can also put pregnant moms at risk of muscle strains or ligament sprains. 

Chiropractic care can help address these issues by supporting spinal alignment, reducing discomfort, and improving overall function.

Here are some of the key benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy:

1. Relief from Back and Hip Pain

Heck yes! Back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, especially as the body’s center of gravity shifts. When the spine is stacked nice and tall, the axial load (think gravity) is evenly distributed and the discs between the vertebrae are able to act as shock absorbers. However, as everything is pulled forward that force puts a lot of stress on the low back. Things like side sleeping and changes to walking patterns can add tension in the hips by shortening muscles and compressing nerves. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine, relieving pressure on the lower back and hips. This can provide much-needed relief from sciatica (pain that radiates from the lower back down the legs), sacroiliac joint pain, and piriformis syndrome. 

2. Optimal Fetal Positioning and Shortening Labor Times

Easier labor and delivery? Sign me up! Proper pelvic alignment is essential for a healthy pregnancy and an efficient delivery. Misalignment of the pelvis can reduce space for the baby to grow and find that ideal, head-down position that initiates labor and facilitates safe passage through the birth canal. When a baby does not have space to move, they can get stuck in breech or posterior positions. Chiropractic care, specifically the Webster Technique, is a specific chiropractic analysis that helps to balance the pelvis, encouraging the baby to settle into the ideal position for birth. Studies have shown that women who seek chiropractic care throughout pregnancy have, on average, 25% shorter labor times. 

3. Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation

Ahhh, music to my ears! Pregnancy can be a stressful time physically, emotionally, and mentally. Stress triggers the “fight or flight” mechanism in the brain– this is called the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”) act much like the gas and brake pedals in a car. The sympathetic nervous system is pedal to the metal, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system is the brake. Sometimes your body has a healthy balance between the two, but the demands of pregnancy can cause the gas pedal to take over. Chiropractic helps restore balance in the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and quieting down the sympathetic nervous system. When the brain is in a parasympathetic state, the body can relax. When the body is relaxed it promotes things like healing, growing, and proper hormone secretion. These are all the things we want for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

4. Improving Posture and Preventing Injury

As pregnancy progresses, the body is being pulled forward. This shift can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back and neck. Chiropractic care can help by addressing postural imbalances, strengthening the muscles that support the spine, and helping prevent long-term musculoskeletal issues due to compensation patterns.

5. Supporting Overall Wellness

Pregnancy is a time when women want to be as healthy as possible for both themselves and their growing baby. Chiropractic care can support overall wellness by improving circulation, enhancing immune function, and promoting proper nervous system function. A well-aligned spine ensures that the nervous system works optimally, helping the body heal and maintain balance throughout pregnancy.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

YES! Chiropractic care is generally considered safe for pregnant women when performed by a chiropractor who is trained and experienced in treating pregnant patients. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle, non-invasive, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Chiropractors use specially designed pillows and techniques to ensure comfort and safety for both the mother and baby.

However, as with any medical treatment, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits. Please consult your OBGYN or midwife, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or complications. Your chiropractor will work closely with your obstetrician or midwife to ensure a collaborative and safe approach to your care.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free way to manage the discomforts of pregnancy, improve overall wellness, and support a healthier pregnancy and delivery. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, stress, or want to prepare your body for birth and recovery, chiropractic care can be a valuable tool in your prenatal care plan.

If you're expecting and looking for ways to ease pregnancy-related symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with a Webster Certified Chiropractor. At Haven Chiropractic & Wellness in Land O Lakes, FL Dr. Karisa has the education, experience, and an evidence based care approach to help you have a more comfortable pregnancy journey.