Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy? | Adelaide
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but let’s be honest, it can also come with a few aches, pains and plenty of questions.
“Is chiropractic care actually safe during pregnancy?” is one we hear regularly from expecting mums.
The short answer is: yes, chiropractic care can be a safe and gentle option during pregnancy when provided by a chiropractor who is appropriately trained and experienced in pregnancy care.
But what does that actually look like? And how does chiropractic care change as your pregnancy progresses?
Let’s take a closer look.
How Pregnancy Changes Your Body
Your Body is Changing, and Fast!
From the very beginning of pregnancy, your body starts adapting to support your growing baby.
Your centre of gravity changes. Your pelvis and spine are adapting to a growing bump. Hormonal changes affect your ligaments and joints, while your muscles work differently to help you balance and move.
By the third trimester, everyday activities like sleeping, walking, getting out of the car or even putting your shoes on can feel surprisingly challenging! These changes are completely normal, but they can sometimes contribute to:
● Lower back discomfort
● Sciatica-type symptoms
● Rib and upper-back tension
● Difficulty getting comfortable in bed
● General stiffness and reduced mobility
This is where pregnancy-specific chiropractic care may help.
But Isn't Pregnancy Too Delicate for Chiropractic Adjustments?
It's a common concern, and understandably so.
Pregnancy chiropractic care isn't about forcefully "cracking" or twisting your body.
A chiropractor trained in pregnancy care will adapt their techniques to your stage of pregnancy, your symptoms,
your comfort and your individual needs.
Adjustments may be gentle and controlled, with positioning and techniques modified to accommodate your growing belly.
Your chiropractor should also take a detailed health history and pregnancy history before providing care and will work within their professional scope, referring you to your midwife, obstetrician or GP when appropriate.
What Makes Pregnancy Chiropractic Care Different?
A pregnant body isn't the same as a non-pregnant body, so your care shouldn't be either.
As your pregnancy progresses, your chiropractor may modify:
How Our Chiropractors Adapt Positioning and Techniques
You may be positioned comfortably on your side or supported with pregnancy-specific equipment
rather than lying flat on your stomach. Gentle, pregnancy-appropriate techniques can be selected depending on
your needs and stage of pregnancy.
Your Comfort and Individual Needs Come First
Your chiropractor may focus on areas such as the pelvis, hips, spine and surrounding muscles
to support comfortable movement. If something doesn't feel comfortable, it shouldn't be done.
Good pregnancy care should always feel safe, supportive and respectful.
Can chiropractic care help with pregnancy discomfort?
For some women, chiropractic care can be a useful part of managing musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy.
Research suggests that spinal manipulation and related manual therapies may provide benefit for some people experiencing pregnancy-related low-back or pelvic pain, although the evidence varies depending on the condition and technique.
It's also important to understand that chiropractic care isn't a treatment for pregnancy itself, nor is it a substitute for medical or midwifery care. Instead, it can form one part of a supportive pregnancy care team.
What About The Pelvis?
The pelvis goes through significant changes during pregnancy.
As your baby grows, your posture, movement patterns and the way you load your pelvis can change. Combined with hormonal and soft-tissue changes, this may contribute to pelvic and lower-back discomfort.
Pregnancy chiropractic care may focus on helping you maintain comfortable movement and mobility throughout these changes.
And this is where many mums tell us they notice the difference, not necessarily because their body is being "fixed", but because moving comfortably becomes easier.
When Should You Start Seeing a Chiropractor?
There isn't necessarily a magic week of pregnancy when you should begin. Some women start care when they experience discomfort. Others choose to see a chiropractor early in pregnancy to help them navigate the physical changes ahead.
Your needs will also change throughout pregnancy.
What feels appropriate at 12 weeks may be completely different at 32 weeks,
which is why pregnancy care should be individualised rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
What About The Third Trimester?
As your due date approaches, comfort and mobility can become even more important.
Your growing baby and changing body can make it harder to find comfortable positions, sleep well and move freely.
A pregnancy-trained chiropractor can help you navigate these changes with techniques and positioning
designed specifically for this stage of pregnancy.
Some chiropractors also incorporate additional approaches that focus on maternal movement
and pelvic balance, depending on their training.
The goal isn't to "force" your body into a particular position.
It's about supporting your body as it continues to change.
Chiropractic Care Should Be About More Than Adjustments
Pregnancy is about preparing for a huge physical and emotional transition.
That's why good pregnancy chiropractic care should involve more than simply getting on a table and receiving an adjustment.
It may include conversations about:
● Movement and exercise
● Comfortable sleeping positions
● Posture and everyday activities
● Pelvic and spinal mobility
● Preparing for the physical demands of birth
● Managing common pregnancy aches and pains
● When to seek additional healthcare
You should feel listened to, supported and confident in the care you're receiving.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy? The Bottom Line
So, is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
For many healthy pregnancies,
appropriately adapted chiropractic care provided by a qualified and experienced chiropractor can be a safe option for managing musculoskeletal discomfort.
The key is finding someone who understands pregnancy and knows how to adapt their care as your body changes.
Because pregnancy isn't something your body needs to "get through".
It's something your body is designed to adapt to, and supported care can help you feel more comfortable along the way.
Thinking About Chiropractic Care During Your Pregnancy?
If you're pregnant and experiencing back, pelvic, hip or general musculoskeletal discomfort,
we'd love to help you understand whether pregnancy-specific chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
Call to book on (08) 7222 8702 or Book an appointment online with our pregnancy chiropractors in Adelaide and
take the next step towards feeling more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
