Prenatal care is an important part of pregnancy, as it ensures that both mother and baby are healthy throughout the nine months. A Chiropractor can help you maintain your health during this time through adjustments, massage therapy, and other general wellness treatments. But if you are still wondering, is it safe to see a chiropractor when pregnant?

Yes, You can see a Chiropractor when pregnant. In fact, it’s recommended. Chiropractic care is safe and effective during pregnancy. Here are some benefits you could gain from visiting your chiropractor while pregnant.

1. Relief from Back Pain and Sciatica

Back pain is one of the most common complaints from women during pregnancy. The weight gain associated with pregnancy puts pressure on your spine and joints, causing stiffness and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign your spine, reducing pressure on the nerves that run through it. This reduces pain in your lower back and hips so you can move more freely in your day-to-day activities.

2. Better Posture for Easier Labor and Delivery

During pregnancy, it's important to maintain good posture so that your body aligns properly while carrying extra weight. Proper alignment can reduce stress on your joints during labor and delivery by avoiding unnecessary strain on your muscles and ligaments. It also helps improve circulation in the baby by keeping blood flowing freely through the pelvic area, which allows them to get all the nutrients they need throughout development.

An experienced chiropractor can evaluate your posture, teach you proper alignment techniques, recommend exercises that will strengthen weak muscles, and provide an adjustment when needed to keep everything aligned properly throughout the nine months of pregnancy until the birth day arrives.

3. Improved Sleep and Stress Management

Many women suffer back pain or other aches that interfere with sleep during pregnancy. Chiropractic care can help relieve these symptoms by aligning the spine and improving blood and oxygen flow to the body's muscles, ligaments, and joints. Improved sleep for mom means a more uncomplicated pregnancy for her, plus it will make her more rested, energetic, and alert for labor and delivery.

4. Increased Energy Levels

You might think that seeing a chiropractor would leave you tired after treatment because it involves having your body manually manipulated by another person. However, research shows that spinal manipulation boosts energy levels. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics found that a high percentage of subjects who received chiropractic adjustments reported increased energy levels after treatment compared to those who did not.

Chiropractic adjustments increase blood flow to the uterus, which helps provide more nutrients to the mother's developing baby and her own body. This increased blood flow also increases energy levels for mom during this busy time.

5. Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Chiropractic adjustments reduce inflammation by increasing joint mobility to allow the joints to move freely without restriction or pressure on soft tissues, which can cause pain and inflammation. They also increase blood flow, which helps to deliver nutrients and remove waste from tissues and cells, which can help prevent tissue breakdown. 

It's essential for women in all stages of their pregnancy to avoid any activity that may cause trauma to the body, including heavy lifting or straining movements like coughing. Chiropractic care can help relieve pain caused by these activities and help maintain the healthy movement of joints throughout your pregnancy.

6. Improves Digestion

Chiropractic adjustments support normal digestion by improving nervous system function through increased motion in joints, muscles, and ligaments. When nerves function correctly, they signal the digestive system to release enzymes, hormones, and other nutrients needed for digestion. This can help prevent indigestion and constipation during pregnancy.

7. Reduced Risk of Preterm Birth or Low Birth Weight

Women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy have a reduced risk of preterm birth or low birth weight babies. This is likely because chiropractic adjustments help relieve stress on the spine, relaxing muscles and improving circulation throughout the body. Chiropractic adjustments also help release tight muscles around joints, which may improve mobility while reducing discomfort during labor.

8. Better Breastfeeding Success

Breastfeeding is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your baby's health, and it's also one of the most challenging tasks for most new moms. Chiropractic care can help make breastfeeding easier by reducing pain and discomfort. In addition, this makes it easier for mothers to position their babies correctly while feeding, which promotes healthy breastfeeding habits.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy FAQs

How can chiropractic help me during my pregnancy?

Chiropractic care is safe and effective during pregnancy. Prenatal chiropractic helps to reduce back pain, decrease stress on the joints and spine, improve posture, improve sleep by reducing snoring, reduce headaches and migraines, and improve bladder function.

Will my baby be affected if I get adjusted?

No. The baby is well protected in the womb, and chiropractors are trained to adjust pregnant women without adverse effects on the mother or child.

Can I get adjusted if I am breastfeeding?

Yes. Breastfeeding moms can receive adjustments just like any other patient. There are no restrictions on receiving adjustments while nursing your baby. 

How long should I wait to call the chiropractor after I have had a fall?

You should call your chiropractor as soon as possible. We recommend you contact within 24 hours of any fall, even if you don't feel any pain or discomfort. If you have not been seen by a medical doctor yet, we recommend that you do so before seeing a chiropractor.

Let an Experienced Katy Chiropractor Help You

When you're pregnant, a lot of things change. Your body is undergoing a considerable transformation, and taking special care of yourself is important. This includes all aspects of your health and wellness, including your spine and nervous system.

At HD Performance Chiropractic, we are dedicated to walking the pregnancy journey with you, ensuring you have an enjoyable pregnancy, safe delivery, and fast recovery from labor. Book an appointment today or contact us if you have any questions.