Pregnancy is a transformative journey, bringing both excitement and physical challenges. As the body adapts to accommodate a growing baby, expectant mothers often experience discomfort, postural changes, and musculoskeletal strain. Research suggests that chiropractic care may help alleviate pregnancy-related discomfort, support optimal foetal positioning, and even contribute to a shorter labour and smoother birth.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Pregnancy
Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on improving spinal and pelvic alignment, reducing nerve interference, and supporting overall biomechanics. As hormonal changes cause ligament laxity and postural shifts, these adjustments can help maintain balance and reduce strain on the body.
1. Improving Pelvic Balance and Foetal Positioning
A well-aligned pelvis creates an optimal environment for the baby to move into the correct position for birth. Misalignments in the pelvis can contribute to intrauterine constraint, restricting foetal movement and increasing the likelihood of breech or posterior positioning.
The Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment, has been widely used to help balance the pelvis and surrounding ligaments.
A retrospective study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (Pistolese, 2002) found an 82% success rate in resolving breech presentations when the Webster Technique was applied.
Another study suggests that regular chiropractic care may help reduce the incidence of caesarean section by encouraging optimal foetal positioning (Lisi, 2006).
2. Reducing Labour Time and Birth Complications
Pelvic misalignments can contribute to prolonged labour and difficult deliveries due to poor foetal positioning. Research suggests that women receiving chiropractic care throughout pregnancy experience shorter labour times.
A study by Fallon (1991) found that first-time mothers who received chiropractic care had a 24% reduction in labour time, while experienced mothers saw a 39% reduction.
Additional research published in Clinical Chiropractic (Fallon, 2008) reinforces these findings, suggesting that proper spinal and pelvic alignment enhances uterine function, making labour and delivery more efficient.
3. Alleviating Pregnancy-Related Discomfort
Lower back pain, pelvic pain, and ligament discomfort are common during pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments address spinal misalignments and restore mobility, helping to relieve these discomforts.
A study published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (2014) found that 75% of pregnant women who received chiropractic care reported significant pain relief (Borggren, 2007).
4. Enhancing Overall Wellbeing
Beyond physical benefits, chiropractic care supports nervous system function, which can improve:
✔ Sleep quality – by reducing discomfort and tension
✔ Digestion – by supporting proper nervous system function
✔ Emotional wellbeing – by minimising physical stress on the body
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! Chiropractic care is safe when provided by a trained chiropractor experienced in prenatal care. Adjustments are gentle, tailored to pregnant women, and do not involve forceful spinal manipulations. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, and effective way to support pregnancy, promoting optimal foetal positioning and reducing labour complications. With increasing scientific support, many expectant mothers are turning to chiropractic care as a vital part of their prenatal health plan.
If you’re pregnant and looking for a natural way to stay comfortable and prepare for birth, consider consulting a chiropractor trained in prenatal care.
References:
• Pistolese, R. A. (2002). The Webster Technique: A Chiropractic Adjustment to Facilitate Optimal Foetal Positioning. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
• Lisi, A. J. (2006). Chiropractic and pregnancy: A narrative review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.
• Fallon, J. (1991). Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour: A Comprehensive Study. Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic Congress.
• Fallon, J. (2008). Chiropractic and Pregnancy: A Review of Current Research. Clinical Chiropractic.
• Borggren, C. L. (2007). Chiropractic evaluation and management of the pregnant patient: An update from recent literature. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies.