Gentle Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy

Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining the health of the spinal column, discs, nerves, and bone structure—without the use of drugs or surgery. It involves the gentle adjustment of misaligned joints, particularly in the spine, to reduce nerve stress and promote better overall health throughout the body.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, between 50% and 70% of pregnant women experience lower back pain at some point during pregnancy, often peaking during the third trimester as the baby grows rapidly. As the body adapts to accommodate the developing baby, the center of gravity shifts forward, placing added stress on the lower back and pelvic joints. These physical changes can lead to postural imbalances, increased strain, and discomfort.

Chiropractic care offers a safe, natural way to support these changes. By improving spinal alignment and pelvic balance, chiropractic care can relieve common discomforts, support better mobility, and help prepare the body for a smoother labor and delivery.

At Bios Functional Health, our pregnancy-specific care is personalized to each stage of your journey. We use gentle, targeted techniques that prioritize your comfort, your baby’s safety, and your overall well-being at every visit.

Why Consider Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy? 

Pregnancy involves significant physiological and hormonal changes that create a nurturing environment for the growing baby. However, these natural changes can also affect the alignment of the spine and pelvis.

Common factors that can lead to misalignment during pregnancy include:

• A protruding abdomen and increased back curve
   
• Changes to pelvic structure
   
• Postural adaptations
   

Maintaining proper pelvic balance and spinal alignment is crucial during pregnancy. A misaligned pelvis may reduce the space available for the developing baby, a condition known as intrauterine constraint. This can limit the baby’s ability to move into the best position for birth, potentially leading to breech or posterior positions that complicate labor and may increase the need for interventions such as cesarean sections.

Additionally, the nervous system—responsible for communication between all body systems, including the reproductive system—functions best when the spine is properly aligned. Supporting spinal health during pregnancy helps the entire body work more efficiently, promoting better outcomes for both mother and baby.

How Chiropractic Care May Support Optimal Baby Positioning

The position of a baby in the womb plays a crucial role in how smoothly labor and delivery can progress. When a baby is positioned breech (feet or bottom first) late in pregnancy, it can sometimes lead to more complicated or difficult deliveries.

Dr. Larry Webster, Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), developed a specialized chiropractic technique known as the Webster Technique. This method is designed to gently balance the mother's pelvis and reduce tension on the uterus and supporting ligaments. Achieving this balanced state may help create more space for the baby to move into the ideal head-down position for birth.

According to a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2002), chiropractors using the Webster Technique had an 82% success rate in helping babies turn from breech to vertex (head-down) position.

While breech presentation is considered normal until about the third trimester, establishing pelvic balance earlier—around the eighth month—may encourage optimal positioning as the baby grows and prepares for birth.

At Bios Functional Health, we recommend chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to help maintain proper pelvic alignment and support the best possible environment for both mother and baby. When the pelvis is balanced, there is a greater chance of avoiding breech or posterior positions, leading to easier, safer deliveries.