A common query we receive is whether or not it is safe to undergo chiropractic care while pregnant. 

The answer is that visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy is generally a safe practice. As part of their training, chiropractors are taught how to use careful techniques with pregnant patients.

There are currently many misconceptions that chiropractic care can be dangerous for pregnant women. However, the opposite is true; chiropractic care can benefit both you and your baby.

Chiropractic care isn’t typically recommended while pregnant if you are experiencing any of the following conditions: 

• Vaginal bleeding
• Placenta previa or placental abruption
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Moderate to severe toxemia

The benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many physical and hormonal changes that can result in spinal and pelvic misalignments. 

Back pain is one of the most common complaints among pregnant women. One study found that 50% of all expectant mothers suffer back pain during pregnancy. 

In addition, 50 to 75% of women suffer back pain throughout labor and delivery.

This pain is generally the result of loosening joints and ligaments in preparation for giving birth. 

During pregnancy, the curve in your back also becomes accentuated, your abdominal muscles temporarily weaken, and you gain extra weight. All of these factors can further exacerbate back pain.

Chiropractic care is an excellent option for gently readjusting any assignments in the spine and offering you relief from pain.

In addition to helping manage pain, chiropractic care during pregnancy is believed to: 

• Help with nausea
• Shorten labor and delivery time
• Help prevent a C-section
• Lower the risk of pre-term delivery
• Reduce the need for pain medication during delivery and pregnancy
• Allow for a faster recovery time

Chiropractic care and breech deliveries

When your chiropractor restores any pelvic imbalances you may be experiencing, it ensures your baby is in the optimal position for delivery.

A misaligned pelvis can be responsible for restricting the amount of space your baby has in the womb. This restriction is known as intrauterine constraint.

Due to a lack of space, it can be more challenging for your baby to move into the desired position for giving birth, reducing your chances of a natural delivery. 

By the 34th week, 90 percent of babies are already in the head-down position that’s optimal for giving birth. If your baby remains head up by this stage, they are considered to be in a breech position.

Although chiropractic care can’t physically turn your baby around, they use the Webster Technique to encourage the baby to position itself in the correct position. 

This technique reduces intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to move more freely.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care during your pregnancy, we’re here to help.
If you’d like to book an appointment with one of our professionals, you can reach us here.