Pregnancy is one of the most miraculous journeys a human body can undergo. It is a time of excitement, planning, and anticipation. However, as any mother-to-be will tell you, that “pregnancy glow” often comes with a side effect: physical discomfort.
As your baby grows, your body undergoes massive changes. Your center of gravity shifts, your posture adapts, and your hormones loosen your joints. This can lead to aches and pains that make the nine-month wait feel much longer. At Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, we support women through every trimester. We often hear concerns from moms who want relief but worry about the safety of the baby.
To put your mind at ease, we have answered the most frequently asked questions regarding chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Is it safe to visit a chiropractor while pregnant?
This is the number one question we receive, and the answer is yes. Chiropractic care is widely considered safe and effective for pregnant women when performed by a trained professional.
Chiropractors are trained to understand the unique physiological changes of pregnancy. At Wirth Chiropractic, we do not use the same techniques on a pregnant woman that we would on a linebacker. We utilize gentle, modified adjustments that respect your changing body. According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, making it a safe, drug-free option for managing pain.
Why does my back hurt so much during pregnancy?
It isn’t just the weight of the baby; it is simple physics and chemistry. As your baby grows, your uterus expands, shifting your center of gravity forward. To compensate, your lower spine curves more (lordosis), placing significant stress on the vertebral joints and muscles of the lower back.
Simultaneously, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. As the name suggests, this hormone relaxes ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth. However, it also loosens ligaments in your spine, leading to instability. This combination often results in low back pain and pelvic discomfort that can make walking, sitting, or sleeping difficult.
What is the Webster Technique, and do you use it?
If you have been researching pregnancy care, you have likely heard of the Webster Technique. This is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that focuses on the sacrum (the tailbone) and the pelvic ligaments.
When the pelvis is misaligned, it can pull on the ligaments supporting the uterus. This creates tension known as “intrauterine constraint.” While chiropractors do not turn breech babies, balancing the pelvis using the Webster Technique creates the optimal amount of space in the pelvis. This allows the baby to move more freely and naturally settle into the best position for birth.
Can chiropractic help with more than just back pain?
Absolutely. While back pain is the most common complaint, a misaligned spine can contribute to various other pregnancy symptoms. By restoring proper nervous system function through prenatal chiropractic care, many of our patients report relief from:
- Sciatica: Sharp shooting pains down the leg caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Round Ligament Pain: Sharp pains in the lower belly or groin area.
- Heartburn and Nausea: Improved nerve alignment can sometimes aid digestion.
- Sleep Quality: Less physical discomfort leads to more restful sleep, which is vital for both mom and baby.
How are adjustments performed with a baby bump?
We ensure you are comfortable every step of the way. We utilize special adjustment tables with sections that drop away, leaving plenty of room for your growing belly so you can lie face down safely. If that is not comfortable, we can perform adjustments while you are lying on your side or sitting up. We avoid any unneeded pressure on the abdomen.
When should I start chiropractic care?
You do not need to wait until you are in pain to visit us. Many women begin care in the first trimester to keep their body balanced as it changes. However, it is never too late. Whether you are eight weeks or thirty-eight weeks along, we can help you find relief.
The Wirth Chiropractic Promise
At Wirth Chiropractic, we believe your pregnancy should be a time of joy, not a time of endurance. By keeping your spine and pelvis aligned, we aim to help you have a more comfortable pregnancy and, hopefully, an easier labor and delivery.
If you are looking for a way to manage pregnancy discomfort without medication, visit the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to learn more about the research behind prenatal care. Then, give us a call to schedule your evaluation. Let us help you get back to enjoying this special time.
