Is Chiropractic Care Safe While I’m Pregnant?

By Kelsi Belz, DC, CACCP

Prenatal Chiropractic Care: Safe, Gentle, and Effective

“If you’re expecting in Denver, you’ve probably heard people say, ‘It’s almost time!’ That’s exactly what we hear from our patients in the third trimester. Here at Washington Park Chiropractic, we love helping Denver moms-to-be stay comfortable and supported throughout pregnancy. We proudly have a strong interest in prenatal care here in Denver, and as members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and with Webster Technique certification, our doctors are trained to safely and comfortably care for pregnant patients at every stage.

Our office is equipped with pregnancy-friendly tables and supportive belly-down pillows that accommodate growing bellies of all sizes. During care, we may use the Webster Technique, soft tissue therapy, and gentle spinal adjustments (with modified force when needed). These techniques are safe and effective for common pregnancy-related musculoskeletal complaints such as low back pain, or simply to promote overall wellness and prepare for a smoother labor and delivery.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, chiropractic adjustments are considered safe throughout a normal pregnancy. Our doctors always take into account any conditions that would make care inappropriate, such as vaginal bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, sudden pelvic pain, placenta previa, placenta abruption, ruptured membranes, or preeclampsia. With a thorough history and exam, we can identify when referral is necessary.

Importantly, there is no significant evidence of contraindications or adverse effects of chiropractic care during a healthy pregnancy. In fact, decades of research within both the chiropractic and osteopathic professions support the safety and benefits of manual therapy during pregnancy and labor.

What Makes Prenatal Adjustments Different?

Comfort and safety for both mom and baby are always the top priority. The more relaxed the patient, the less force required for an effective adjustment.

Here’s how we adapt care during pregnancy:

• Special positioning and equipment: Pregnancy pillows and drop-table features create space for the abdomen during prone adjustments.

• Modified side-lying adjustments: Techniques are adapted to avoid abdominal pressure while addressing the lumbar spine and pelvis.

• Gentle movements: Increased levels of the hormone relaxin create natural ligament laxity, so adjustments require very little force.

These modifications allow us to address pelvic and spinal joint fixations while keeping the experience safe, comfortable, and effective.

What to Expect from a Treatment Plan

• Symptomatic patients (experiencing back pain, hip pain, or other complaints): 1–2 visits per week until symptoms resolve.

• Wellness care (patients without symptoms): 2 visits per month until 34 weeks, then weekly until delivery.

• Webster Technique for optimal fetal positioning: Daily for a week, as needed.

The Research Supports It

• A survey by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners found that about two-thirds of chiropractors provide care to pregnant patients.

• Studies of nurse-midwives (Allaire 2000; Bayles 2007) showed that 50% referred pregnant patients with musculoskeletal complaints, nausea, or vomiting to chiropractors.

• A case series by Lisi (2006) reported that 94% of pregnant patients with low back pain experienced significant improvement with chiropractic care, with no adverse effects.

• Murphy et al. (2009) found that 73% of pregnant women with low back pain experienced meaningful improvements in disability, and 82% reported reduced pain. Nearly three-quarters rated their improvement as “excellent” or “good.”

Our Commitment to You

At Washington Park Chiropractic, your comfort, safety, and preferences always guide your care. Whether you are in your first trimester or just weeks away from delivery, chiropractic care can be a powerful tool to support your body through pregnancy and prepare you for labor.

From easing discomfort to encouraging optimal positioning for baby, we are here to help you every step of the way. When you are ready to say, “It’s time!”, the WPC family will be cheering you on.

References

Allaire, A. D., Moos, M. K., & Wells, S. R. (2000). Complementary and alternative medicine in pregnancy: a survey of North Carolina certified nurse-midwives. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 95(1), 19-23.

Bayles, B. P. (2007). Herbal and other complementary medicine use by Texas midwives. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 52(5), 473-478.

Borggren, C. L. (2007). Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 6(2), 70-74.

Lisi, A. J. (2006). Chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain of pregnancy: a retrospective case series. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 51(1), e7-e10.

Murphy, D. R., Hurwitz, E. L., & McGovern, E. E. (2009). Outcome of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain treated according to a diagnosis-based decision rule: a prospective observational cohort study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(8), 616-624.

Ramasubramaniam, S., Muliira, R. S., Seshan, V., Noronha, J., & Raman, S. (2012). Chiropractic care in women's health: a midwifery perspective. African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, 6(2), 98-101.

Stuber, K. J., & Smith, D. L. (2008). Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review of the evidence. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 31(6), 447-454.

Situated in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, Washington Park Chiropractic is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our team of experienced chiropractors and therapists work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs. We understand the active lifestyle of our Denver community and strive to help our patients return to their favorite activities pain-free. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or someone dealing with chronic pain, our goal is to support your journey to optimal health.