Pregnancy brings many physical changes, and back discomfort, pelvic pain, and changes in posture can make everyday activities more challenging. Many expectant mothers wonder whether seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is a suitable option for managing these musculoskeletal concerns.
Chiropractic care may be considered by some pregnant women who experience back or pelvic discomfort. However, it is important to understand that pregnancy-related chiropractic care is not appropriate for everyone, and the available research does not establish that it is universally safe or effective for every pregnancy.
Before scheduling an appointment, speak with your OB-GYN or midwife and choose a chiropractor who understands the physical changes and clinical considerations associated with pregnancy.
Is Seeing a Chiropractor During Pregnancy Recommended?
There is no single recommendation that applies to every pregnant woman. Whether chiropractic care is appropriate depends on individual health circumstances, pregnancy-related concerns, medical history, and the type of treatment being considered.
Some pregnant women explore chiropractic care to address musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the lower back, hips, and pelvic region. A chiropractor may assess movement, posture, joint mobility, and areas of discomfort before discussing possible care options.
Research on chiropractic treatment for pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain remains limited and inconclusive. A systematic review published in 2020 found some favorable evidence, but it did not establish definitive effectiveness for chiropractic care or spinal manipulation.
That is why a conversation with your obstetric care provider should come before beginning treatment.
Why Can Back and Pelvic Discomfort Develop During Pregnancy?
As pregnancy progresses, the body goes through physical and hormonal changes to accommodate the growing baby. These changes can influence posture, movement, balance, and the way different muscles and joints handle everyday activities.
Some common contributing factors include:
Changes in posture: As the abdomen grows, the body’s center of gravity shifts. This can change the way a pregnant woman stands, walks, and distributes weight.
Additional physical load: The increasing weight carried during pregnancy can place additional demands on the back, hips, and supporting muscles.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy-related hormones affect connective tissues and ligaments, including those around the pelvis. These changes can influence joint stability and contribute to discomfort.
Changes in daily movement: Getting out of bed, climbing stairs, standing for long periods, and finding a comfortable sleeping position may become more difficult.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), backache is common during pregnancy, particularly in the later months. These discomforts can have several contributing factors, so persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with an obstetric care provider.
What Can a Chiropractor During Pregnancy Help Assess?
When a pregnant patient consults a chiropractor, the discussion may focus on musculoskeletal concerns and how those symptoms affect daily activities.
Depending on the individual’s circumstances, an assessment may consider:
- Lower back discomfort and movement limitations
- Hip or pelvic-region discomfort
- Changes in posture and body mechanics
- Joint mobility and movement patterns
- Activities that make discomfort better or worse
A chiropractor may discuss conservative options that are appropriate for the patient’s individual circumstances. These could include movement advice, positioning guidance, gentle exercises, or modified manual techniques when clinically appropriate.
The purpose of an assessment is to understand the patient’s concerns and determine whether chiropractic care is suitable. It should not replace prenatal medical care or an evaluation by an obstetric professional.
What Should You Know About Prenatal Chiropractic Techniques?
Prenatal chiropractic care may differ from routine chiropractic appointments because the body changes throughout pregnancy.
A chiropractor experienced in working with pregnant patients should consider the stage of pregnancy, comfort, medical history, and any relevant recommendations from the patient’s healthcare team.
Depending on the individual and the treatment approach, modifications may include:
- Using positioning that accommodates the growing abdomen
- Avoiding unnecessary pressure on the abdomen
- Adjusting treatment positions to improve comfort
- Selecting techniques based on the patient’s assessment and clinical circumstances
- Discussing any discomfort or concerns before and during treatment
Not every technique is appropriate for every pregnant patient. Ask the chiropractor to explain the proposed approach, possible risks, and alternatives before agreeing to treatment.
What Is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment approach associated with the pelvis and surrounding structures during pregnancy.
Some chiropractors receive additional training in this technique. However, it is important to understand its limitations.
The Webster Technique should not be presented as a method proven to turn a breech baby, guarantee optimal fetal positioning, prevent a C-section, or make labor easier. Pregnant patients with concerns about fetal position should discuss appropriate assessment and management with their obstetric care provider.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Every Pregnant Woman?
No. Chiropractic treatment should never be assumed to be safe for every pregnancy simply because a provider offers prenatal services.
Pregnancy can involve medical conditions or complications that require specific precautions, a different approach to care, or referral to another healthcare professional.
Before considering a chiropractor during pregnancy, discuss your medical history and current symptoms with your OB-GYN or midwife. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether a musculoskeletal assessment or particular treatment approach is appropriate.
A chiropractor should also review relevant health information, ask about pregnancy-related concerns, explain the proposed treatment, and recognize when medical referral is needed.
If a provider cannot explain the risks, limitations, or reasons for a recommended technique, it is reasonable to seek further clarification before proceeding.
When Should You Contact Your OB-GYN Instead of a Chiropractor?
Some symptoms during pregnancy need medical assessment rather than chiropractic treatment.
Contact your obstetric care provider if you experience severe or persistent back pain, vaginal bleeding, fever, burning or pain during urination, or other symptoms that concern you.
Seek urgent medical attention for warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, fluid leaking from the vagina, regular painful contractions before your due date, or decreased fetal movement when you would normally feel movement.
Do not delay medical evaluation to schedule a chiropractic appointment. An obstetric professional should assess symptoms that could indicate a pregnancy complication.
How Do You Choose a Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
If your OB-GYN or midwife agrees that a chiropractic consultation may be appropriate, choosing a qualified provider is an important next step. Consider asking these questions before scheduling:
- Do you have experience working with pregnant patients?
- Have you received additional education in prenatal chiropractic care?
- How do you modify examinations and treatment positions during pregnancy?
- What techniques might you recommend for my particular concern?
- What risks or limitations should I understand before treatment?
- How do you coordinate care with an OB-GYN or midwife?
- When would you recommend that I seek medical evaluation instead?
Look for a licensed chiropractor who is comfortable discussing the limitations of treatment, respects your healthcare provider’s recommendations, and does not promise specific pregnancy or delivery outcomes.
You should feel informed, comfortable, and free to ask questions before agreeing to any treatment.
Is a Chiropractor During Pregnancy Worth Discussing With Your Healthcare Provider?
For some expectant mothers, chiropractic care may be one option to discuss when experiencing pregnancy-related back or pelvic discomfort. However, it should be considered on an individual basis, with appropriate medical guidance and realistic expectations.
Pregnancy-related discomfort can have different causes, and no single treatment is right for everyone. Your OB-GYN or midwife can help you understand which options may be appropriate for your circumstances.
At True Grit Health Center in Wentzville, Missouri, prenatal chiropractic care is one of the services offered to expectant mothers. Our approach is centered on understanding individual concerns and discussing care options based on each patient’s needs.
If you are considering chiropractic care during pregnancy, contact our office to learn more about our prenatal chiropractic services and discuss whether an initial consultation may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go to a chiropractor during pregnancy?
Some pregnant women consider chiropractic care for musculoskeletal discomfort, including back or pelvic pain. Whether it is appropriate depends on individual health circumstances and the proposed treatment. Discuss it with your OB-GYN or midwife before beginning care.
When should you start seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy?
There is no universally recommended starting week for chiropractic care during pregnancy. Suitability depends on your health history, pregnancy, symptoms, and the treatment being considered. Speak with your obstetric care provider before scheduling an appointment.
Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care may be considered as one option for pregnancy-related lower back discomfort, but research on its effectiveness remains inconclusive. Other options, including appropriate exercise, physical therapy, and posture or activity modifications, may also be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does a prenatal chiropractor use different techniques?
A chiropractor experienced in prenatal care may modify patient positioning, examination methods, and treatment techniques to account for pregnancy-related changes. The approach should be individualized and explained before treatment.
Can chiropractic care turn a breech baby?
There is not sufficient reliable evidence to claim that chiropractic adjustments or the Webster Technique can turn a breech baby. Discuss fetal positioning and appropriate management options with your OB-GYN or midwife.
Should I ask my OB-GYN before visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy?
Yes. Discuss your symptoms and plans for chiropractic care with your OB-GYN or midwife first. This is especially important if you have pregnancy complications, significant pain, or other health concerns.
Is prenatal chiropractic care the same as regular chiropractic care?
Prenatal chiropractic care takes pregnancy-related physical changes into account. A provider may modify positioning and techniques based on the patient’s stage of pregnancy, comfort, medical history, and individual needs.
