Many pregnant individuals wonder about the safety of chiropractic care, often referred to as getting their “back cracked,” during pregnancy. This article explores the safety and important considerations surrounding chiropractic adjustments for expectant mothers.
Understanding Pregnancy-Related Back Discomfort
Pregnancy brings about physiological changes leading to back and pelvic discomfort. Hormonal shifts, particularly increased relaxin, estrogen, and progesterone, loosen ligaments and joints throughout the body, especially in the pelvic area, in preparation for childbirth. While necessary, this increased laxity can contribute to instability and pain.
As the uterus expands and the baby grows, a pregnant individual’s center of gravity shifts forward. This shifts weight distribution, straining the spine and pelvis, often leading to postural adaptations like leaning back, which further increases back strain. This added weight and altered posture can result in various types of pain, including lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica. Up to 86% of women experience musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy.
Safety of Chiropractic Adjustments During Pregnancy
For most healthy pregnancies, chiropractic care is safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. Chiropractors are trained to adapt their techniques to accommodate the pregnant body, ensuring safety and comfort.
Adjustments are modified to avoid putting pressure on the abdomen. This often involves specialized chiropractic tables with cut-outs or movable sections to comfortably accommodate the growing belly, allowing the pregnant person to lie face down. Side-lying positions or specific cushions may also be used for comfort and support.
Instead of high-velocity, forceful adjustments, practitioners employ gentle, low-force techniques. These methods involve light pressure and subtle manipulations, restoring alignment and improving function. The increased release of hormones like relaxin during pregnancy can make adjustments effortless, requiring only gentle movements.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Individuals
Chiropractic care during pregnancy offers several benefits for managing discomfort and supporting the body’s changes. It provides relief from common complaints like lower back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica. By addressing misalignments in the spine and pelvis, chiropractic adjustments alleviate pressure on nerves and reduce muscle tension.
Improved posture and alignment are common outcomes. As the body adapts to pregnancy, maintaining proper spinal and pelvic alignment reduces strain and discomfort, leading to better overall comfort and mobility.
Chiropractic care also contributes to optimizing pelvic alignment, which benefits fetal positioning and can lead to a smoother delivery. A balanced pelvis creates more space for the baby to move into an optimal position for birth, reducing the likelihood of certain complications. Research suggests that regular chiropractic care can help reduce labor and delivery times.
Important Considerations and When to Consult
When considering chiropractic care during pregnancy, selecting a chiropractor experienced in prenatal care is important. Some chiropractors pursue additional training, such as certification in the Webster Technique. This technique focuses on balancing the pelvis and reducing tension in surrounding muscles and ligaments, supporting optimal fetal positioning.
Discuss any pre-existing conditions or pregnancy complications with both your obstetrician and the chiropractor. While chiropractic care is safe, certain conditions like vaginal bleeding, sudden onset of pelvic pain, or pre-eclampsia may indicate it is not appropriate. A thorough history and physical examination by the chiropractor identifies such circumstances, ensuring appropriate care or referral.
Communication between all healthcare providers involved in your pregnancy care is recommended for a coordinated approach. This collaborative effort supports the well-being of both the pregnant individual and the baby.