Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Get Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractor

There are a lot of dos and don’ts for pregnant women. If you’re wondering if chiropractic care is a “do” or a “don’t,” you should know that chiropractic care can be quite beneficial for both the mother and the developing baby. All chiropractors are trained in dealing with pregnancy. Here are some things to know about chiropractic care and pregnancy.

Why Do You Need Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?  

During pregnancy, your spine and joints are under a lot of pressure. The pelvic changes your body makes changes your center of gravity. Your posture may be altered due to the added weight on your body. The baby bump causes your back to become misaligned. Although these conditions are normal during pregnancy, your joints, muscles, and bones are adjusting to the changes.

Chiropractic care helps misalignment through adjustment. Your pelvis shrinks when the bones are not aligned, which reduces the room available for a baby to grow and develop. It can also prevent the baby from moving into the proper position. Chiropractic care allows your baby to have a more natural labor and reduces the risk of invasive procedures. Studies indicate that chiropractic care throughout a pregnancy reduces the amount of time you spend in labor and delivery. Chiropractic care can also help relieve back, neck, and joint pain during pregnancy by supporting joint health and reducing physical stress. Research also indicates that chiropractic care can reduce nausea and maintain a healthier pregnancy.

Prenatal Chiropractors

Some chiropractors specialize in pregnancy. If you cannot find a prenatal chiropractor, you should look for a chiropractor who has specialized equipment that adjusts for a pregnant woman’s body. Your chiropractor can help you find exercises and stretches that are safe for your body during pregnancy. Keeping your muscles and joints limber will reduce pain during and after pregnancy.

Look for these certifications that show a chiropractor is trained in pregnancy wellness:

  • DAACP – ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) highest level of advanced training
  • CACCP – ICPA certification that includes advanced training
  • ICPA member that reflects special interest
  • Webster Certified – specifically trained in pelvic balance to reduce the risk of breech birth

Talk to Your Doctor

Your pregnancy is unique to your body. Before you work with a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Laurel, MD, you should discuss the options with your healthcare provider to know if there are any special conditions with your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may want to learn more about chiropractic care and pregnancy before referring you. By supporting your body’s natural functions through chiropractic work, your pregnancy should be more comfortable and safer for your baby.

Thanks to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into chiropractic treatment during pregnancy.