Is Prenatal Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
Dr. Ryan Chapman DC
Short answer: For most healthy pregnancies, chiropractic care from a provider trained in prenatal techniques is considered low-risk, and many people seek it for low back, pelvic, hip, and sciatic-type pain. The key is adapted technique: pregnancy pillows or tables, no pressure on the abdomen, and gentle adjustments. Talk with your OB or midwife first, especially if your pregnancy is high-risk. In Burbank, Chiropractic Remedy offers Webster-certified pre- and postnatal chiropractic care. Why does pregnancy cause back and pelvic pain? The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments, including those around the pelvis. Your center of gravity shifts forward, increasing the curve in your low back. Weight gain adds load to the spine, hips, and feet. The sacroiliac joints and the front of the pelvis take extra strain, which can cause pain when walking, climbing stairs, or rolling over in bed. Are prenatal chiropractic treatments safe during pregnancy? Published reports of serious problems from chiropractic care during pregnancy are rare. The most common side effect is mild, short-lived soreness. Safety depends on the provider using techniques designed for pregnancy: Side-lying positions, pregnancy pillows, or tables that make room for your belly No pressure on the abdomen Gentle, low-force adjustments Soft tissue work for the hips, glutes, and round ligaments When to check with your OB or midwife first Get medical clearance before chiropractic care if you have any of the following: Vaginal bleeding Placenta previa or placental abruption Signs of preterm labor or ruptured membranes Preeclampsia, a severe headache, or sudden swelling A pregnancy your doctor has labeled high-risk What is the Webster Technique? The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic assessment and adjustment focused on the sacrum and pelvis. Its goal is pelvic balance and reducing tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Chiropractors receive Webster certification through additional training in prenatal care. What to expect at a prenatal chiropractic visit Your chiropractor will ask about your pregnancy, how far along you are, and any concerns from your OB or midwife. Adjustments are done in comfortable, supported positions and focus on the pelvis and low back. You will usually leave with a few simple stretches for home. Postnatal chiropractic care After delivery, many people deal with pelvic instability, back pain from feeding and carrying, and neck tension. Postnatal care focuses on restoring pelvic alignment and posture. After a C-section, wait until your doctor clears you. Frequently asked questions Is chiropractic care safe in the first trimester? For an uncomplicated pregnancy, yes. Let your chiropractor know how far along you are and about any symptoms. How often should I come in? It depends on your symptoms. Some people come in only when pain flares, others on a regular schedule in the third trimester. Is it safe for the baby? Prenatal techniques avoid pressure on the abdomen and use gentle force focused on the pelvis and low back. Book a visit Chiropractic Remedy, 3607 W Magnolia Blvd, Suite C, Burbank, CA 91505. Phone (747) 245-5421. Book online.
Short answer: For most healthy pregnancies, chiropractic care from a provider trained in prenatal techniques is considered low-risk, and many people seek it for low back, pelvic, hip, and sciatic-type pain. The key is adapted technique: pregnancy pillows or tables, no pressure on the abdomen, and gentle adjustments. Talk with your OB or midwife first, especially if your pregnancy is high-risk. In Burbank, Chiropractic Remedy offers Webster-certified pre- and postnatal chiropractic care. Why does pregnancy cause back and pelvic pain? The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments, including those around the pelvis. Your center of gravity shifts forward, increasing the curve in your low back. Weight gain adds load to the spine, hips, and feet. The sacroiliac joints and the front of the pelvis take extra strain, which can cause pain when walking, climbing stairs, or rolling over in bed. Are prenatal chiropractic treatments safe during pregnancy? Published reports of serious problems from chiropractic care during pregnancy are rare. The most common side effect is mild, short-lived soreness. Safety depends on the provider using techniques designed for pregnancy: Side-lying positions, pregnancy pillows, or tables that make room for your belly No pressure on the abdomen Gentle, low-force adjustments Soft tissue work for the hips, glutes, and round ligaments When to check with your OB or midwife first Get medical clearance before chiropractic care if you have any of the following: Vaginal bleeding Placenta previa or placental abruption Signs of preterm labor or ruptured membranes Preeclampsia, a severe headache, or sudden swelling A pregnancy your doctor has labeled high-risk What is the Webster Technique? The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic assessment and adjustment focused on the sacrum and pelvis. Its goal is pelvic balance and reducing tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Chiropractors receive Webster certification through additional training in prenatal care. What to expect at a prenatal chiropractic visit Your chiropractor will ask about your pregnancy, how far along you are, and any concerns from your OB or midwife. Adjustments are done in comfortable, supported positions and focus on the pelvis and low back. You will usually leave with a few simple stretches for home. Postnatal chiropractic care After delivery, many people deal with pelvic instability, back pain from feeding and carrying, and neck tension. Postnatal care focuses on restoring pelvic alignment and posture. After a C-section, wait until your doctor clears you. Frequently asked questions Is chiropractic care safe in the first trimester? For an uncomplicated pregnancy, yes. Let your chiropractor know how far along you are and about any symptoms. How often should I come in? It depends on your symptoms. Some people come in only when pain flares, others on a regular schedule in the third trimester. Is it safe for the baby? Prenatal techniques avoid pressure on the abdomen and use gentle force focused on the pelvis and low back. Book a visit Chiropractic Remedy, 3607 W Magnolia Blvd, Suite C, Burbank, CA 91505. Phone (747) 245-5421. Book online.