Pregnant woman in a medical office

Visiting a Chiropractor While Pregnant

Along with the immense excitement that comes with being pregnant, strict rules, regulations, and restrictions follow right behind. While there is some universal guidance, e.g. don’t smoke while expecting, other limitations are up to the individual. Chiropractic care, for instance, is considered to be actually rather beneficial to those who are carrying children. 

 

Can I Go To The Chiropractor While Pregnant?

Yes, you can see a chiropractor while you are pregnant. Chiropractor care generally refers to the health maintenance of the spinal region, including the spinal column, spinal discs, and the nerves that run in between. According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are no known risks with seeking chiropractic care while you are expecting, especially in the first trimester. Not only is it safe, but it can actually help your pregnancy in many ways. 

 

Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Pregnancy is taxing, mentally, emotionally, and especially physically. Seeking chiropractic care while you’re pregnant can help alleviate some of the uncomfortable physical changes that your body endures.

 

  • Aids in labor and delivery. Seeing a chiropractor for regular adjustments during your pregnancy can help ensure that all major bone structures, the spine, pelvis, and hips, are properly aligned. Proper alignment leads to healthier nerves which are responsible for your contractions and cervix dilation. The better the nerve health, the easier and faster your delivery can be.

 

  • Promote pelvic alignment. Pelvic misalignment is common in those who are pregnant. Proper alignment in the hip region, often done through the Webster technique, can help stabilize the position of the baby as well as avoid any intrauterine constraint which could harm the baby’s skeletal system.

 

  • Optimal positioning. The baby’s position in the womb is very important, especially when getting ready to give birth. Regular prenatal chiropractic care can help ensure that the child is properly placed and has enough space to freely move head down when it’s time for the labor and delivery process.

 

  • Reduce pain. The extra weight of carrying a child can cause lower back pain and hip pain. As the size of your belly increases, the more pressure and stress it puts on the spine, back, joints, and muscles. Seeing a chiropractor can help realign any part of your body that has shifted throughout pregnancy.

 

  • Ease symptoms. Proper joint alignment is known to alleviate more than just joint and muscle pain. Because of the pressure relief, common pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, acid reflux, digestive issues, trouble sleeping, and swelling of the joints all be helped through consistent chiropractic care. 

 

  • Improve nerve function. The spinal column is one of the most important regions of nerves in the body. As pregnancy puts pressure on the area, some of these nerve endings can suffer. This can affect both the nervous and immune systems. Proper chiropractic care can help the nervous system function better and more efficiently, not only reducing pain but also helping the expecting parent fight off illnesses.


Common FAQs

Being pregnant can be stressful. With so many conflicting opinions and advice floating around, it’s hard to tell what is actually true. If you have questions about your specific pregnancy and chiropractic care, it is never a bad idea to ask your physician for their medical opinion. 

 

 

Do I need to tell my chiropractor that I am pregnant?

Yes. For your chiropractor to provide safe and effective care, he or she needs to be aware of your pregnancy status. This will help in choosing the right treatment plan and techniques for better results and low risks.

How often should I see a chiropractor while I am pregnant?

The frequency of your chiropractic appointments will depend heavily on your individual case and the treatment plan established by your chiropractor. On average, expecting parents will come in for care around once a month.

Can chiropractic care lead to miscarriages?

Studies show that chiropractic care has not been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. It is a non-invasive, low-risk form of treatment. For specific questions surrounding the nature of your pregnancy, ask your physician beforehand.

Does chiropractic care hurt my baby?

Proper chiropractic care should not hurt your unborn child in any way. In fact, chiropractic treatments, in general, should not be painful procedures. While at the beginning of your appointment you may feel little discomfort due to the pressure on your joints, chiropractic techniques are meant to be painless in practice. 

 

Finding a Prenatal Chiropractor 

Choosing your prenatal chiropractor will be a very personal decision. This physician will see you in all stages of your pregnancy, helping you every step of the way. At Mackenzie SDI, we offer premier prenatal chiropractic care with our team of licensed chiropractors. We pride ourselves on excellent patient service and are ready to help you through this pregnancy journey.