Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Some of the most frequently asked questions in the Cape Coral Family Chiropractic office revolve around pregnancy and child birth. At the top of the list is “Can I be adjusted while pregnant?” The answer is most certainly, yes! The American Pregnancy Association, which promotes pregnancy wellness and provides information to new mothers, frequently reviews the research surrounding treatments to mothers, including chiropractic care. To date, they have found that chiropractic care provides a safe and effective way to reduce stress and discomfort during pregnancy, while also allowing for better delivery outcomes for the baby. In other words, the mothers and babies are more comfortable throughout the pregnancy and delivery.

During pregnancy, a number of physiological and hormonal changes take place that can result in mis-alignment of the spine or joints. When this occurs, it can lead to pain or discomfort in the mother as well as restrict and confine the movement of the baby within the uterus. Some of these changes include: increased low back curvature and protruding abdomen, pelvic changes, and changes in posture to adapt. The pelvic changes in particular can have a profound effect on the baby. Rotation in the pelvis can restrict fetal movement, confining the baby to a single location or position. This is called intrauterine constraint. Constriction of the baby’s movement may make it more difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery and may eventually result in the mother needing a c-section if the baby remains in a breech or posterior position.

Webster technique, developed by Larry Webster, D.C., is a specific chiropractic analysis and system of adjustments used to establish balance in a pregnant woman’s pelvis and reduce stress placed on the uterus and supporting ligaments. When the pelvis is balanced, clinical studies have shown that it provides the optimum environment for fetal positioning and delivery.  With optimal baby positioning at time of delivery, studies have shown that mothers have little to no potential for dystocia or “difficult labor”. This means a safer and easier delivery for both mother and baby.

Other potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include reduced labor and delivery time, decreased neck and back pain, decreased potential for cesarean deliveries, and even decreased nausea and “morning sickness”.  

All chiropractors, including those at Cape Coral Family Chiropractic, are trained to work with women who are pregnant, as well as prenatal and postnatal care for mother and baby. Some chiropractors pursue further training and specialization in pregnancy wellness and even will devote their entire clinic to the treatment of pregnant mothers and children. Within our office, Dr. Ashley Kirdahy has received further training in Webster technique and is happy to help mothers during their pregnancy.