Prenatal

Pregnancy FAQs                                                                          

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus. Spinal adjustments are especially gentle during pregnancy as far less force is required to correct subluxations. This is due to the increase in hormones causing significant muscle and ligamentous relaxation. Special "adjustive" positions are also used to provide comfort and safety for both mom and fetus.

How Often Should I Receive Chiropractic Care During My Pregnancy?

The frequency of care varies for a number of different reasons. Typically, regular care during a non-complicated pregnancy will be about one visit per week, with a possibility of more frequent visits in the last month.

Are There Scientific Studies About Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

In this study, researchers identified the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis (frequently "adjusted" by chiropractors) as being responsible for the majority of low back pain cases in pregnancy. This is due to the significant number of hormonal and biomechanical changes occurring in the pelvis during pregnancy. Researchers found 7/10 women were helped by spinal manipulation in this study.

Bery G, Hammar M, Moller-Nielsen J et al. Obstet and Gynecol, 72:71-75, 1988.

TextBook on Chiropractic & Pregnancy

According to Dr. Fallon, author and internationally recognized "chiropractic pediatrician", statistics from her office "have demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments effectively reduce the average amount of time spent in labor." Her data shows a nearly 25% reduction in the average labor times in those receiving chiropractic care versus the generally accepted average labor time - in women who had given birth in the past, there was a 33% reduction in average labor time.

Fallon J. International Chiropractic Association. 1994 - Arlington, Virginia.

What Is The Webster Technique For Pregnancy?

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic technique developed by Dr. Larry Webster that helps to balance the pelvis and assist in the prevention and removal of constraint to the uterus.  This constraint is often found with breech pregnancies.  Many chiropractors are becoming certified in this gentle procedure due to its efficacy in helping turn and prevent breech positions. A recent study by the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported a high rate of success (82%) in relieving intrauterine constraint using the Webster Technique, allowing breech position babies to turn to the normal occiput anterior position. This naturally facilitates easier and safer deliveries and helps avoid more invasive procedures.

When Should I Start Chiropractic Care During My Pregnancy?

It is never too early or too late to start care.  Ideally, you should start chiropractic care before you even become pregnant as the pelvis will maintain balance more easily without the stress of the baby on your spine.  Some pregnant moms will seek chiropractic care even in the last month of pregnancy.

What Are The Most Common Reasons Pregnant Women Seek Chiropractic Care?

-General health during pregnancy

-Nutritional guidance

-Headaches

-Heartburn

-Back or neck pain

-Sciatica

-Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

-Breech pregnancies

-Nausea or morning sickness

-Constipation

-Pubic bone pain

-Bell's Palsy

-Rib pain