Chiropractic care during pregnancy reduces pain, increases mobility, lowers the chances of breech presentation, and reduces labor and delivery time. The right chiropractor can substantially improve the experience of pregnancy and childbirth, leading to happier, healthier mothers and children.

By Cara Hillwig, MS, DC and Sarah Bond

I did NOT think I was going to make it when I got hit with sciatic pain while pregnant. I’d been so active up until about 30 weeks. I was then nearly in tears from the pain in my hips and lower back whenever I changed positions from sitting to standing, rolled over in bed, or went for short walks. I tried half a dozen massage therapists, ice, heat, and everything else I could think of, but I was very unhappy until I found a good chiropractor who specialized in treating pregnant women.

During pregnancy, hormonal and mechanical changes can wreak havoc on a woman’s frame. While the hormone relaxin is working to soften ligaments and prepare the pelvis for childbirth, the rapidly growing and forwardly expanding uterus lowers a woman’s center of gravity and lessens the stability provided by her abdominal muscles.

The back bears the brunt of the required support, which leads to posture changes, muscle spasms, and aberrant joint motion. The result is pain. Between 50% and 85% of women have back pain during their pregnancy.

Medical treatment options include ice, heat, and pain/swelling reducers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but these merely address the symptoms and mask the underlying problem.

Chiropractic addresses the source of the pain by restoring motion to specific joints and muscles. It’s safe and provides effective pain relief during pregnancy. In a study of women who received prenatal chiropractic care, 75% stated that they had relief from their pregnancy-related aches and pains after being adjusted (Mantero, 1982). Within the 3rd trimester, getting adjusted can slow or halt the deterioration of back-specific functioning (Licciardone, 2010).

A pregnant woman who is moving and feeling better may also be more likely to exercise. The health benefits of exercising during pregnancy are well documented and lengthy and include decreased pain, improved mood, shorter labor, and improved pregnancy outcomes. Chiropractic in pregnancy has also been associated with decrease breech presentations and a decreased likelihood of requiring a C-section (Pisolese, 2002). Additional pregnancy-related conditions that may be amenable to chiropractic include headaches and discomfort in the neck, mid-back, wrist, hip, leg, or pubic symphysis.

When choosing a chiropractor, there are important considerations to keep in mind. You’ll want someone who has experience working with pregnant women, such as training in specific pregnancy-oriented techniques including, but not limited to, the Webster Technique, which basically reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles, and ligaments. You will also want someone who is willing to work with your midwife, obstetrician, or other health care providers to ensure a continuity of your care. Moreover, I would recommend someone who gets you feeling better in the smallest number of office visits possible. He or she may give you exercises, stretches, and/or other techniques that you can use to relieve your own pain. Not only will doing these save you time and money, the experience will likely be a more empowering one.

I’d never been adjusted before I was crippled by pregnancy-related sciatica and I was amazed at the difference it made. (I could WALK AGAIN and stand up without pain after a few visits!) I continued with adjustments throughout the remainder of my pregnancy, which I believe significantly contributed in my ability to deliver my daughter naturally. Chiropractic care helped me to have a better pregnancy experience and I want more moms to know about it as an option to consider!

About the Authors

Cara Hillwig, MS, DC. Dr. Hillwig specializes in providing natural, evidenced based health care through chiropractic and nutrition counseling. Her Bryn Mawr practice is comprised of women of all ages and in all life stages, including pregnancy and postpartum. For more information, please visit: www.drhillwig.com

Sarah Bond is mom to twelve-month-old K. and two-year-old Hailey (her golden retriever). She started MainLineMoms when her daughter was four-months old and she didn’t have the nerve to pick up mom-friends in the park or grocery store. She enjoys connecting with other moms online and then meeting in person, supporting local businesses and growing with a community for families in the Philly ‘burbs. You can read more about Sarah’s story here.

Join our moms group to meet new friends and to take advantage of MLM’s resources, events and promotions or sign up for our weekly eNewsletter to find out what’s happening in our group and on the Main Line for families!