Pregnancy is a beautiful, transformative time—but it can also come with a lot of physical discomfort. That is where chiropractic care comes in to support mom to be during pregnancy.
I didn’t see a chiropractor during my pregnancies, and looking back, I wish I had. After struggling with pain and discomfort, but fear and misinformation kept me from exploring this option. That’s when I learned that chiropractic care supports pregnancy in many ways. That’s why I sat down with a prenatal chiropractor to help answer the questions I wish I had asked.
Dr. Kate is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. Dr. Kate is the owner of Flourish Wellness Practice in Allison Park, PA (located just north of Pittsburgh, PA) and she was kind enough to answer all of my questions.
Q: What is prenatal chiropractic care, and how can chiropractic care support mom to be during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care supports a mama to be during her entire pregnancy.
Prenatal chiropractic care supports a mama throughout her pregnancy by helping the body adapt to physical changes. It relieves pain from sciatica, round ligament issues, low back tension, and more by keeping the pelvis and spine aligned.
It also supports the nervous system, which controls everything in the body—including your baby’s development. Keeping it strong and balanced can improve function and may even help reduce labor time.
Q: What pregnancy-related issues do you treat most often?
We often treat sciatica, low and mid-back pain, round ligament pain, and pubic symphysis pain. Some patients even find relief from pelvic floor discomfort. We also use specific techniques to help gently encourage breech babies to turn before birth.
Q: What happens during a prenatal chiropractic session?
We always begin with a full evaluation and health history. We also use gentle, radiation-free scans to assess muscle tension, inflammation, and nervous system function.
Adjustments are about 15 minutes and tailored to your comfort. Special pregnancy tables support your belly, and we adjust the full spine—not just the hips—because everything is connected.
Q: Do you use an activator or traditional adjustment techniques?
Both! We use drop tables, the activator tool (aka the “clicker”), and side-posture adjustments depending on your needs and comfort level. Everything is gentle, safe, and adjusted to your trimester and body.
Q: Is prenatal chiropractic care safe?
Yes—when done responsibly by a trained professional. We start with an evaluation to rule out risks and always tailor care to your specific needs.
Because pregnancy naturally increases ligament laxity, we use less force. Techniques are gentle and focused. Choosing a chiropractor experienced in prenatal care is key.
Q: Are there specific certifications for prenatal chiropractic care?
Yes. Many chiropractors pursue extra training focused on pregnancy. These programs dive deeper into how to adjust safely and effectively during all stages of pregnancy.
Q: How can pregnant women support spinal health at home?
Keep moving! As long as your provider gives the green light, gentle movement like daily walks makes a big difference. Stretching, especially the piriformis muscle, and staying hydrated are also simple ways to support comfort and alignment.
Q: What inspired you to become a chiropractor?
It started with my mom. As a young mom of three, she developed severe pain and weakness from her work as a hairdresser. After months of tests and no answers, a chiropractor changed her life.
That experience opened the door to chiropractic care for our whole family. It helped my siblings and me with everything from ear infections to growing pains. Today, I love supporting mamas and their families through all stages of life.
Q: How often should a pregnant woman get adjusted?
For wellness, every other week is common. In the third trimester, weekly visits are often recommended. If you’re experiencing discomfort or working to reposition a breech baby, more frequent care may be helpful for a short period.
Q: How soon after birth can you return to care?
It depends on your birth. After a vaginal delivery, some mamas return within 1–2 weeks. After a c-section, most wait 4–6 weeks until their incision has healed.
Bonus Q: How does chiropractic care benefit newborns?
Birth is physically demanding for babies too! Chiropractic care can relieve tension from the birth process and support the nervous system during rapid development.
Benefits may include better latch and breastfeeding, improved sleep, reduced gas and colic, healthier digestion, and balanced head positioning. Baby adjustments are extremely gentle—just light fingertip pressure.
Getting adjusted early helps set the foundation for proper growth and development. Some babies are even adjusted within hours of birth!
Well, mama, now you know all about the magic of prenatal chiropractic care! We hope this post has given you some ideas about how to make your pregnancy a little more comfortable and supported. Remember, it’s totally normal to experience aches and pains during this time, but it’s also totally okay to ask for help. So if you’re feeling like you need some extra support, why not give chiropractic care a try? You never know – it just might be the thing that makes all the difference. Happy pregnancy, mama! I hope this blog has answered some of your questions about how chiropractic care can support pregnancy.
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