Pregnancy comes with a lot of aches and pains: lower back pain due to added weight, hip pain from the pressure of the growing uterus, and headaches from hormonal changes, to name a few.
Since certain drugs and treatments can affect the developing baby, expectant mothers are limited in what they can do to help manage this discomfort. Prenatal chiropractic is a holistic, gentle option for expectant mothers experiencing pain. Trained prenatal chiropractors use techniques designed specifically for the unique needs of mothers.
Here are some common FAQs and answers about prenatal chiropractic care to help you learn and decide if it is right for you.
What Is Prenatal Chiropractic Care?
Prenatal chiropractic care is a form of chiropractic treatment specifically designed to support the health and comfort of pregnant people.
It uses gentle, non-invasive adjustments to the spine and pelvis to improve alignment and relieve common pregnancy-related issues, such as back pain, pelvic pain, neck pain, and sciatica (inflammation and pain of the lower back).
Prenatal chiropractors are trained to address the unique needs of pregnant bodies safely. They use pregnancy-safe techniques like the Webster Technique, which is specifically designed to optimize pelvic alignment.
According to research, prenatal chiropractic care is the third-most common form of treatment during pregnancy, behind massage and yoga.
Prenatal chiropractic care limits the need for medication and promotes overall physical comfort during pregnancy. It has been linked to reduced back labor and shorter labor durations: 25% for first-time mothers and 31% for those who have previously given birth.
Unlike other forms of chiropractic care, prenatal chiropractic is generally considered safe with minimal risks. So long as it’s performed by a trained professional, this type of care is recommended for all women seeking safe, non-invasive options to manage pregnancy-related aches and discomfort.
What Are The Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care?
Prenatal chiropractic care can be beneficial throughout all stages of pregnancy. Here are some of the advantages of such treatment:
- Offers pain relief: Prenatal chiropractic care helps alleviate common pregnancy-related discomforts like lower back pain, neck pain, and pelvic pain, to name a few. Pregnancy often causes spinal and pelvic misalignments due to weight gain and musculoskeletal changes. Chiropractic care can restore these misalignments through gentle adjustments.
- Can reduce labor time: On average, the first labor can last from 8 to 18 hours, while subsequent labors can last 8 to 10 hours. Research found that prenatal chiropractic care can reduce labor time by up to 25% for first-time mothers and 30% for women who have previously given birth.
- Reduces nausea: About 70 to 85% of women experience nausea or morning sickness during pregnancy. Prenatal chiropractic care helps reduce nausea and vomiting by improving spinal cord alignment, which in turn enhances nervous system function and hormonal balance.
- Non-invasive and drug-free: During pregnancy, medications and treatments that are usually safe for non-pregnant adults may carry risks for the mother or baby. Since prenatal chiropractic care is gentle and non-invasive, it’s among the safest and most natural ways to manage pregnancy-related pains and discomfort.
- Improves sleep: Chiropractic treatment stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow the heart rate, reduce muscle tension, and promote a more restful sleep.
- Can prevent a cesarean delivery: Techniques like the Webster Technique target pelvic balance and reduce tension in the uterus and surrounding ligaments. This allows the baby to turn into a favorable head-down position, which can reduce the risk of cesarean delivery.
- Can promote faster postpartum recovery: Spinal and pelvic alignment helps the muscles and joints function optimally, reducing discomfort and speeding recovery.
What Can You Expect During a Prenatal Chiropractic Adjustment?
During a prenatal chiropractic appointment, you will be asked questions regarding your medical history, current discomforts, any previous injuries, and pregnancy progress. They’ll then assess your pelvic and spinal alignment to determine which areas need adjustment and establish a personalized care plan specific to your needs and goals.
Once the initial consultation is complete, you’ll be asked to lie face down using specialized chiropractic tables or lie on your side. The chiropractor will begin to gently adjust your spine, pelvis, and related joints using various non-invasive techniques, with a focus on pelvic alignment and spinal health.
Some treatments include gentle massage and light stretching to support your muscles, improve flexibility, and ease tension. Most sessions are relaxing, and many women notice immediate relief from their first visit.
Is Chiropractic During Pregnancy Safe?
Prenatal chiropractic treatment is safe for most women during pregnancy when performed by chiropractors trained specifically in prenatal care. These chiropractors often have one or more of the following certificates:
- CACCP (Certified by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics): Certification offered by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), which signifies chiropractic expertise in infants, children, and pregnant women.
- DACCP (Diplomate in the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics): Awarded to chiropractors who have completed advanced training in pediatric chiropractic care.
- Webster Certified: Completed specialized training in the Webster Technique, which focuses on the chiropractic adjustment of pregnant bodies.
That said, there are certain circumstances where prenatal chiropractic treatment should be postponed or avoided altogether.
Such circumstances include instances of vaginal bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, severe preeclampsia, or placenta previa/placental abruption.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before going through the treatment.
How Often Should a Pregnant Woman Go to The Chiropractor?
Most prenatal chiropractic practitioners recommend one session per month in the first trimester, then once every two or three weeks, depending on the discomfort you’re feeling. A trained prenatal chiropractor should personalize your treatment based on your medical history, the progress of your pregnancy, and the areas where you are experiencing discomfort.
How Much Does a Session With a Prenatal Chiropractor Cost?
The cost of prenatal chiropractic care depends on where you live, the treatment packages, and the length or type of treatment. On average, though, expect to pay between $60 and $200 per session. Some clinics may offer package deals or discounted rates for multiple sessions. Some people may also have insurance coverage for chiropractic. It is best to check with your insurance company prior to booking an appointment to learn if you are covered.
At HealthPro Chiropractic, our prices for prenatal chiropractic services range from $65-$280, depending on the type and session length you choose. We also offer Out-Of-Network Benefits. This means we are happy to print you a Superbill, which you can submit to your insurance company, and they may reimburse you.
Prenatal Chiropractic Houston, TX – HealthPro Chiropractic
At HealthPro Chiropractic, we specialize in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care, as well as acupuncture, massage, laser therapy, red light therapy, nutritional support, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you throughout your pregnancy.
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