Chiropractic for the Pregnant Woman

There are no contraindications to Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy.

All Chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Investing in the fertility and pregnancy wellness of women who are pregnant or trying to conceive is a routine care for most Chiropractors.

We use tables that are adjustable for comfort of the pregnant woman’s body and our Gonstead system of Chiropractic is a specific technique that is gentle and avoids any pressure on the abdomen.

During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby.

The following changes can result in a misaligned spine or joints.

• Protruding abdomen
• Increased back curve
• pelvic problems due to incorrect joint movement during hormonal changes prior to birth

Postural adaptations

Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain Chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned, it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint.

A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. Breech and posterior positions can interfere with the natural ease of labour and lead to interventions such as C-sections.

The nervous system is the master communications system of all the body systems. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively.

The potential benefits of Chiropractic care during pregnancy include,

• Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
• Controlling symptoms of nausea
• Reducing time of labour and delivery
• Relieving back and neck or joint pain
• Perhaps preventing a potential caesarean

The late Larry Webster, D.C, founder of the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association (ICPA) developed a specific Chiropractic analysis and adjustment which enable Chiropractors to establish balance in a pregnant woman’s pelvis and reduce undue stress to her uterus and supporting ligaments.

This balanced state in the pelvis has been clinically shown to allow for optimal foetal positioning. The technique is known as the Webster Technique.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of Chiropractic used the Webster technique.

Further, the results from the study suggest it may be beneficial to perform the Webster technique as soon as the 8th month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech position.

Currently the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association (ICPA) recommend women receive Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimise the room a baby has for development throughout the pregnancy.

With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth, and the crisis and worry associated with breech and posterior presentations may be avoided altogether.

Most importantly, the pregnant woman should seek options that support the body’s natural abilities to function and find a team of providers who are respectful of your choices.