Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Pregnant Women?

By Donna Stark

There is no denying that a lot of good can result from pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean the nine-month journey is filled with happiness and bliss every single day. For many women, their days are filled with extreme discomfort caused by issues such as back and neck pain, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.

As their bodies undergo significant physical changes during the pregnancy, these symptoms of pregnancy can be a difficult problem to deal with, but fortunately, relief may be found with routine chiropractic care at The Joint Chiropractic.

What Causes Common Pregnancy Discomforts?

The chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic routinely work with pregnant women and the adjustments they provide have been shown to help relieve many of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Here are just a few of the most common discomforts that chiropractic adjustments may alleviate and the reasons why they often pop up during pregnancies.

• Back and neck pain - Carrying excess weight and changing the way you hold and carry your body can lead to back and neck pain
• Headaches - Hormonal changes and physical stress can cause headaches and migraines
• Muscle aches and joint pain - Changes in posture, overcompensation, and a growing belly can lead to strain and tension in the muscles and joints
• Fatigue - Increased physical and emotional demands can wear out a body and lead to poor sleep and increased levels of fatigue

Other Reasons to See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy

In addition to the day-to-day aches and pains listed above, chiropractic treatment may also help resolve other pregnancy issues, such as intrauterine constraint. Intrauterine constraint refers to any physical restriction that limits the normal growth, development, and movement of a baby during pregnancy. Chiropractic care (more specifically, the Webster technique) can help with this by correcting “misalignments” and reducing those restrictions in the pelvis. This can potentially help to ensure your baby has more space to move and grow, and can create a more balanced and supportive environment to thrive in.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of the Webster technique may vary from case to case and that it is not a guaranteed solution. In some cases, other interventions may be necessary to fully resolve the issue and ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and baby. It’s also important to know that chiropractic care should never be used as an alternative treatment in the case of an ectopic pregnancy or any other serious medical condition. Pregnant women should work closely with their healthcare providers in situations like those to ensure they are receiving the best possible care and support during their pregnancy.

Why Is an All-Natural Treatment Important During Pregnancy

While some pain medications have been deemed safe for use during pregnancy, an all-natural treatment may be a better choice to make. This is because the effects of many drugs on a developing baby’s well-being aren’t always completely understood. Moreover, an all-natural treatment like chiropractic care has the potential to bring additional health benefits to the mother and her growing baby. However, before you sign up to receive chiropractic care, you should always consult with a licensed chiropractor who is trained and experienced in treating pregnant women and inform your primary healthcare provider to determine the best approach for managing pregnancy discomforts.

What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

The body undergoes significant physical changes that can cause excess stress and pressure on the joints during pregnancy, which can lead to extreme discomfort for the soon-to-be mom. Chiropractic adjustments may help alleviate these aches and pains by correcting any misalignments in both the spine and other joints of the body, and by placing the body into proper alignment. These adjustments can aid in improving joint function, easing muscle tension and strain, improving posture, and restoring balance and coordination, which can help pregnant women take care of themselves and participate in their daily activities more comfortably during this time of their lives.

Chiropractic care may also help to improve the function of the nervous system, balance hormones, reduce the frequency and severity of headache and migraine pain, and increase circulation. These benefits may contribute to increased comfort for the patient as well, but perhaps the most important benefit that chiropractic care can bring is an overall improvement in sleep. Pregnant women often experience pain and have trouble falling and staying asleep, but since chiropractic care helps to reduce pressure and pain, and alleviates discomfort, their quality of sleep may be improved. Chiropractic care also has a positive effect on stress levels and overall health, which can also have a beneficial impact on their sleep.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Routine chiropractic care can be an effective option for women who are looking for an all-natural approach to pain relief and improved overall well-being during pregnancy because it avoids the use of prescription drugs, uncomfortable injections, and invasive procedures. Every qualified and experienced doctor of chiropractic will also perform an examination that includes a review of the patient’s medical history, their specific health issues and challenges, and the goals they wish to attain before any chiropractic treatment is started. Additionally, experienced chiropractors will make any necessary modifications during the adjustment to ensure the safety and comfort of both the mother and baby.

What to Expect When Visiting a Chiropractor

When visiting your chiropractor, make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing that won’t restrict movement. Your chiropractor will most likely focus on the alignment of your pelvis as well as any other areas of pain or tension you may have. However, before you get started, be sure to inform the doctor of any specific concerns or conditions you may have so that they can modify their technique and provide appropriate care, and so that you can be fully relaxed during your adjustments. After your treatment is complete, don’t be surprised if your chiropractor shares their favorite tips on how to exercise, stretch, and modify your lifestyle so you can continue to support a healthy pregnancy at home and prepare for a smooth labor and delivery.

Chiropractic Care for Healthy Moms and Babies

The doctors at The Joint Chiropractic welcome open communication and want to assure you that both you and your baby are in good hands when you step inside one of their clinics. Stop by and visit them today, and don’t forget that chiropractic care is great for newborns too!

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.