Chiropractic and acupuncture treatment for pregnancy and for kids
Safety and Benefits
Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining the health of the spine, joints, discs, and related nerves—without the use of medication or surgery. It involves precise, hands-on adjustments to correct joint misalignments, particularly in the spine. These adjustments help reduce pressure on spinal nerves, restore proper function, and support the body’s natural ability to heal, promoting overall wellness and improved mobility.
Is chiropractic care during pregnancy safe?
Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors are well-trained to safely support women during pregnancy. In fact, chiropractic care is a common and effective way to promote fertility and pregnancy wellness, both for those trying to conceive and for expectant mothers. There are no known contraindications to receiving chiropractic treatment during a healthy pregnancy.
Many chiropractors go a step further by pursuing advanced training in prenatal and postnatal care. Those with specialized credentials in this area may hold designations such as:
DACCP – Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics through the ICPA, representing the highest level of training
CACCP – Certification through the ICPA, reflecting advanced education in prenatal and pediatric care
Webster Certified – Trained specifically in techniques that support pelvic balance throughout pregnancy
ICPA Member – A chiropractor with a focused interest in family wellness care
Chiropractors trained in prenatal care often use specially designed tables to accommodate a pregnant woman’s body and apply gentle techniques that avoid pressure on the abdomen. In addition to spinal adjustments, they may also recommend pregnancy-safe stretches and exercises to support comfort, balance, and mobility throughout each stage of pregnancy.
Why Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Matters
Pregnancy brings about a range of physiological and hormonal changes as your body prepares to support a growing baby. These changes—while natural—can often lead to misalignments in the spine and joints, especially as your posture shifts and your body adapts to a changing center of gravity.
One of the most important goals of prenatal chiropractic care is to maintain pelvic balance and alignment. When the pelvis is out of alignment, it may limit the space available to your baby—this is known as intrauterine constraint. A restricted or tilted pelvis can also affect your baby’s position, making it more difficult for them to move into the optimal position for birth.
Poor pelvic alignment may increase the likelihood of breech or posterior presentations, which can complicate labor and potentially lead to interventions such as a cesarean delivery.
In addition, the nervous system plays a key role in coordinating all of the body’s systems, including the reproductive system. By keeping the spine properly aligned, chiropractic care helps ensure that your nervous system can function at its best—supporting your body’s natural ability to adapt, heal, and prepare for birth.
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Speak with Your Healthcare Provider
As more women turn to chiropractic care for support during pregnancy, many healthcare providers are now recognizing its benefits and referring their patients to qualified chiropractors.
If you’re considering chiropractic care, start by discussing it with your healthcare provider. If they’re unfamiliar with its role in prenatal wellness, encourage them to explore the growing research and positive outcomes associated with chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Most importantly, choose a care team that respects your choices and supports your body’s natural ability to function, adapt, and thrive throughout your pregnancy journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to managing pain and improving overall health when performed by licensed professionals.
Chiropractic care can help relieve back, hip, and pelvic pain, improve posture, maintain pelvic alignment, and support optimal baby positioning—potentially making labor and delivery smoother.
Prenatal chiropractic care can help relieve back, hip, and pelvic pain, improve posture, maintain pelvic alignment, and support optimal baby positioning—potentially making labor and delivery smoother.
You can begin at any point during your pregnancy, but many women start in the first or second trimester to proactively manage changes in posture, balance, and comfort.
The Webster Technique is a gentle chiropractic method designed to support pelvic balance during pregnancy. It’s commonly used to reduce intrauterine constraint and promote optimal fetal positioning.
No referral is required, but it’s always a good idea to keep your OB or midwife informed. We’re also happy to coordinate care with your provider.