Chiropractic can benefit pregnant mothers and their babies in so many ways from the first trimester through the postpartum period. We’ve narrowed it down to 5 benefits of chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy.

• Improved nerve function throughout pregnancy
• Increased comfort for mothers
• Allows baby to move into an optimal position
• Reduces time of labor and delivery.
• Improved postpartum experience

---

Improved nerve function throughout pregnancy

The nervous system is the master system of the body. Nerves don’t just tell us when we’re in pain - they also control every function and movement!

During pregnancy, the nervous system is not only regulating everything that happens in the mom’s body, but it’s helping a developing baby! The body is innately intelligent to perform all these tasks, but the brain and body have to be able to communicate without interference.

Subluxations are when misaligned bones are putting pressure on the nerves that exit the spinal cord, reducing or stopping the flow of communication to the brain. As chiropractors, we identify where those subluxations are, and how they can be corrected with a specific adjustment.

This allows a mother’s body to function well while pregnant, supporting the growth of a strong healthy baby too!

---

Increased Comfort for Mothers

Even if you’ve never experienced it, moms can tell you what aches, pains, annoyances, and discomforts they experienced through those weeks and months of pregnancy.

Common discomforts eased by chiropractic care include:

• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Sciatica
• Round ligament pain
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Upper back/shoulder pain
• Insomnia

This is possible because chiropractic works with your body’s biomechanics and posture to give the baby more room to position itself better. That relieves pressure on your digestive organs for less discomfort.

Because the adjustment relieves nerve pressure, that can relieve pain in the sciatic and round ligaments. Allowing your nerves to function better, means you will feel better overall!

---

Allows For Optimal Position & Posture

During pregnancy, your body creates more Relaxin hormone to allow your ligaments and tissues to relax and stretch. This isn’t selective meaning ALL your joints can shift out of alignment more easily. This can lead to more subluxations and poor posture, which in turn creates more discomfort and dysfunction.

Prenatal adjustments are a gentle, natural way to realign your posture and give the baby more room to play.

Many moms wonder how they can get adjusted as their belly grows. We have special pillows to comfortably cradle your growing baby on the table; we’ve even been able to adjust moms of twins this way!

Along with prenatal chiropractic, we are certified in a special Webster Technique. The point is to allow the pelvic ligaments to be balanced and relaxed. This helps the uterus to be properly aligned so the baby can move and the mom can be comfortable.

We use Webster throughout pregnancy to prevent the baby from getting stuck in a position that isn’t optimal for a natural birth.

---

Reduces Time of Labor & Delivery

As the big day arrives nears, we may adjust our recommendations for the frequency of your adjustments. We want to make sure your pelvis is aligned and optimized for birth.

Many patients report easier fast births with chiropractic care during pregnancy, with fewer complications.

A 2007 article in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine reported that first-time moms who received chiropractic care during pregnancy had on average 25% shorter labor time. Women who had already given birth before had on average 31% shorter labor times!

---

Improved Postpartum Experience

Labor and delivery are intense! Even when everything goes smoothly and naturally, it is a major physical feat! Being adjusted postpartum ensures a mom’s spinal alignment for full nerve function and comfort.

Whether nursing or not, moms often get into uncomfortable positions to feed a baby. Continued chiropractic care protects the neck and upper back.

As we’ve said, chiropractic ensures the nerves aren’t under pressure. The resulting optimal nerve flow is good for your mental health postpartum, as is the relief from discomfort and better, deeper sleep that many patients experience!

---

Local Partners

We’re grateful for a thriving community of wonderful support for you in having a healthy, natural pregnancy.

Full Circle Wellness has Certified Nurse Midwives, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners, and Reiki and Holistic Health Technicians dedicated to supporting women. They also have the first breastmilk depot in southeastern Minnesota.

Olmsted Medical Center’s BirthCenter has Certified Nurse Midwives who offer a wide variety of services and options for pregnant mothers.

Rochester Mom has a wonderful Guide to Pregnancy and Birth Resources including lactation consultants and photographers.

Do you know a pregnant mother who could benefit from this information? Please share this blog post with her!

Ready to get adjusted? Give us a call at (507) 208-4538 for an appointment, or get our new patient special!