We’re so glad you asked! As always, we recommend running everything by your care team first, but generally speaking, chiropractic care in pregnancy and postpartum is not only safe but also beneficial. Skilled, maternity-specific chiropractic care can help ease many of the most common physical discomforts that often come with pregnancy and help prepare your body for labor and recovery after your baby arrives.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A CHIROPRACTOR?
Many of the OBs and Midwives our clients work with recommend looking for a chiropractic provider who is certified in the Webster technique. This is a set of subtle sacral adjustments that help address the balance in the physical structures of the pelvis. Imbalance in the pelvis can make it more challenging for babies to get into good birth positions, which can make labor more difficult. Regular chiropractic adjustments, especially in the third trimester, can help your baby get into an optimal position and prepare your body for labor. In addition, a chiropractor can help manage common pregnancy related discomfort like sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, pubic symphysis pain, round ligament pain, and back pain. You can search for a provider certified in the Webster technique in your area here or ask your doula or OB/midwife for their go-to recommendation.
IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE JUST FOR PREGNANCY OR POSTPARTUM AS WELL?
Great question! Chiropractic care is amazing for postpartum as well. When you're pregnant, your center of mass shifts gradually but tremendously as your belly grows, and the whole body compensates for this new normal. After birth, your body suddenly returns to a more “normal” center of gravity - it’s a huge change! Chiropractic care can be a gentle way of supporting your body as it adjusts to this new normal. It can also help with upper body tightness from frequently holding and feeding babies, low back pain, and many other common postpartum issues as well.
WHAT IF I’M NOT INTERESTED IN CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
That’s perfectly okay! Your intuition and comfort are of paramount importance. If you don’t feel safe with this type of body work but want to address physical discomfort and/or prepare your body for optimal fetal positioning, you can check out Yoga Therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness, or check out the Spinning Babies website.
