fbpx Skip to content

Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase of life for any woman. However, with the changing body and growing baby, it can also bring some discomfort and pain. Many women turn to chiropractic care during pregnancy to help manage their symptoms. But is chiropractic safe during pregnancy? Let’s explore this question.

First, it’s important to understand what chiropractic care is. Chiropractors undergo a minimum of 5 years at university to become a registered health professional. A chiropractor will use many different hands-on treatment techniques to improve the body’s alignment and relieve pain. They can also provide advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes to improve overall health.

Now, let’s address the safety of chiropractic care during pregnancy. The good news is that chiropractic treatment during pregnancy may be considered a safe and effective approach to treating common musculoskeletal symptoms that affect pregnant patients. Research has supported that women receiving chiropractic care through their pregnancy constantly report a high level of satisfaction with their treatment outcomes. Chiropractors can provide adjustments that can relieve tension and pressure in the back, hips, and pelvis, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

However, caution should be exercised under specific medical circumstances. Contra-indications to performing spinal adjustments may include vaginal bleeding, placenta abruption, ectopic pregnancy, and moderate to severe toxemia. It’s important to always communicate with your health care provider when you become pregnant and then keep them informed along the way with how the pregnancy is progressing.

It’s important to understand that the ligamentous laxity that is provided by the hormones during pregnancy allows the use of very gentle movements to improve lumbo-pelvic alignment to achieve better movement and less pain. Chiropractors who regularly see pregnant patients will have specialised treatment beds and support pillows that make the experience comfortable and easy to move around the table.

When seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy, it’s important to find a chiropractor who is trained in working with pregnant women. These chiropractors will have specialized training and may use techniques specifically designed for pregnant women. One of the most established techniques used by experienced pregnancy chiropractors is the webster technique. This gentle chiropractic technique aligns the pelvis, specifically the sacrum and includes the release of associated muscle groups.

It’s also important to communicate any discomfort or pain that you may be experiencing during the adjustment. Your chiropractor can adjust their techniques and make modifications as necessary to ensure that you are comfortable and safe during the treatment.

In conclusion, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to manage pregnancy-related pain and discomfort. However, it’s important to seek out a chiropractor who is specifically trained in providing care for pregnant women. By taking these precautions, you can safely and effectively manage your pregnancy-related pain and discomfort with chiropractic care.

 

 

 

Source:

J Chiropr Med. 2007 Spring; 6(2): 70–74.

Pregnancy & Chiropratcic: A narrative review of the literature.

Published online 2007. doi: 10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004

David Diehm

Back To Top