Pregnancy and Chiropractor

Updated on December 02, 2009
M.L. asks from Crystal Lake, IL
24 answers

For the past 2 years, I've seen a chirpractor every week, simply for overall health. I am newly pregnant and am having second thoughts about continuing my adjustments on a weekly basis. Have any of you been adjusted that much during a pregnancy? Should I not go that often? I know it's safe, but I just feel scared about it. What do you think?

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C.S.

answers from Chicago on

I don't see any problem, if the treatment is going well.
It's great to see an expectant mom seeking a holistic approach to be comfortable. Don't quit while you're ahead, this is a good time to extract knowledge from a health practitioner.

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P.V.

answers from Chicago on

I went throughout both of my pregnancys and it was the only thing that helped the back pain. It is very safe if you have a good chiropractor.

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J.T.

answers from Chicago on

I go to a chiropractor regularly and did through my pregnancies along with massage, it helped so much-certainly through the last months!

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P.A.

answers from Chicago on

My chiro adjusted my neck and shoulders during the first trimester then for the remainder of the pregnancy, worked with musucle groups to help keep me comfortable. eventually we determined together that massage therapy was the best option for my final trimester. He was a major part of my post-partum care plan too.

Talk with your doc about it. If he/she expresses no concern at all, I'd recommend finding a new doc. Hopefully she/he will help you make a wellness plan that adapts for your pregnancy

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K.S.

answers from Chicago on

I would say it depends on the Chiropractor. If you have one that adjusts by yanking, pushing and pulling and cracking your neck, NO...My Chiropractor adjusts with an instrument that looks like a big hypodermic needle...but it just clicks on your back/neck/wherever. He also uses warm pads and electric stimulation if you have a "problem" area such as a "kink" in your back or neck. That would be very safe.

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S.M.

answers from Chicago on

I saw a chiropractor a few times early in my first pregnancy. He was not able to accomodate a pregnant belly though and I didn't feel that I needed him in the second half anyway. I was really only on maintenance at when I got pregnant, not regular adjustments. I did check with my OB and she had no objections. This pregnancy, I began seeing a different chiropractor (Webster technique and prenatally experienced) around 20 weeks or so. I was adjusted 3 times a week for several weeks and have continued to be seen 2x a week (I'm almost 39 weeks now). My first baby was a difficult labor (sunnyside up) ending in a CS. I'm trying for a VBAC this time and have had the chiropractor working to keep my pelvis in the best alignment possible and the baby in the proper positioning. I would talk to your OB and your chiro and find a chiro with prenatal experience if necessary. As long as both docs are comfortable with it, I say go for it!

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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

ABSOLUTELY continue your adjustments. You'll be free of many of the 'normal' pregnancy complaints, such as indigestion, sciatica, back aches, etc, and should have a much easier delivery if you keep it up. Talk to your chiro the next time you go and they'll tell you all of the benefits. I did w/all 3 of my kiddos. Also, chiropractic is also WONDERFUL for infants w/reflux instead of medications. All of my kids started adjustments between 3-6 weeks. J.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

I am a physical therapist that works with pregnant women who have complaints of pain during their pregnancy. I don't see a need for "maintenance" adjustments if you are not in any pain. I would also be very careful if you are getting adjusted now, b/c your hormones are very different when you are pregnant and you can tend to be a little hypermobile already. Adjustments could make that worse. I use various soft tissue techniques, muscle energy techniques, exercises, bracing and kinesiotape, all completely safe for pregnant women. If you go for a massage, request to lie on your side for improved comfort. I also do not use electrical stimulation as it has not been tested on pregnant women early in the pregnancy. If it is in the last month, I think it would be safe. I did use TENS during my labor which greatly helped. I hope that info. helps.

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M.J.

answers from Chicago on

you should definitely keep going! I can speak from experience on that one. pregnancy really throws your body balance off and most chiropractors are trained to do adjustments while you are pregnant.

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

I say absolutely see a chiropractor. But also discuss with your chiro if they have pregnancy experience. There are some adjustments they have to do differently or not at all when you're pregnant. They should also have a proper table to accomodate your growing belly. I never had any of the common maladies of back pain, sciatic, etc with my pregnancy as many people do.

I say do it!

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E.M.

answers from Chicago on

Well Adjusted Mother and Child is where I went throughout my entire 2nd pregnancy. We met Dr. Sean Manning after our first daughter was born. He's great for both babes and their mamas (as the practice name implies ;-))!

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C.B.

answers from Chicago on

I was seeing a chiropractor during my preganancy, and glad I did. i suffered terrible headaches for the 2 weeks between the 1st and 2nd trimester, and it helped a lot. Also, the chiro actually was accurate within a week of when the babies (twins) were born (they were 6 weeks early).

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L.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi,

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Be sure to tell your chiropractor that you are expecting. Mine was willing to adjust my upper body/neck but not my lower back. He said that adjusting the lower back could cause a spontaneous abortion.

Blessings,
L.

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B.P.

answers from Chicago on

Absolutely keep going! I work for a Chiro and we see quite a few pregnant women. It is very safe. If you do have any reservations be open with your Chiro and talk with him/her about it.

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K.O.

answers from Chicago on

I did and felt totally fine with it. In fact, when the sciatic pain started to set in as I got bigger, it was a total necessity and relief. I went until I couldn't fit in the chair anymore and he had to tell me to stop! You've been with this person long enough that you surely trust them by now. I personally would be fine with it. Good luck & congratulations on your pregnancy!

K.

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L.L.

answers from Chicago on

Hi there,
The other ladies are right. It is a safe option to continue your adjustments. When I got a massage at 5 weeks along, they did not relax the muscles that supported the uterus during the course of the massage. The belly table was great!

L. L.
Mother of Sarah, 5 and Devin, almost 4

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A.P.

answers from Chicago on

I agree to keep going. My friend/chiropractor definitely suggests it during pregnancy. Not only will you feel better, it will help with the labor process.

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A.G.

answers from Minneapolis on

The chiropractor should have a pregnancy table for you. It's the best thing, especially when you get bigger, for your lower back!!!

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R.R.

answers from Chicago on

It is very safe for both you and the baby and can help with many pregnancy related symptoms. I have many clients (I am a natural childbirth educator) who go throughout their pregnancy for adjustments even in the last weeks. Just make sure your provider is experienced in working with pregnant women.

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D.K.

answers from Chicago on

Continue to get them, it'll help keep your hips level for an easier delivery! It's safe, just talk out your issues with your doc to see what he or she says.

I went all through my last pregnancy and it kept me able to move even when I was huge.

D.

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B.A.

answers from Chicago on

If you are feeling scared, talk to the chiropractor before any further adjustments are done. You will have to react to your gut feelings all through motherhood so why not start now. Perhaps you know in your heart they are not proficient in pregnancy adjustments and could refer you to another or your instinct is telling you something may happen. Either way I would request limited adjustments until you get into the last trimester to avoid complications. I believe chiropractors can get you out of pain but I also don't think it requires as many visits as they have you do as long as you exercise, get plenty of sleep and eat right.

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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

Keep going! It is safe. I did it throughout both of mine.

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

I'm 16 weeks pregnant and have been adjusted twice a week ever since I first tested positive. I love my chiropractor and plan to continue with treatments. She has a table that drops for my belly, which we use during the "soft tissue" massage before the adjustments. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have - just send me a note.

Good luck!
M.

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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with other posters. I went to a chiropractor only during pregnancy, for the Webster technique, to help ensure the baby was in a good position.

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