Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care

Pregnancy is a beautiful and miraculous thing—there’s no denying it. It’s a season of growth and new life and exciting anticipation. But for many women, pregnancy can also be very difficult. In addition to the stress of protecting your baby and dealing with potential health concerns, pregnant women also have to face overwhelming emotions, drastic bodily changes, and recurring discomfort, pain, and morning sickness. 

The best way to make the most of your time being pregnant and relieve yourself of common pregnancy woes is to seek chiropractic care. Dr. Cary Gentry is a neurologically-based chiropractor in Bozeman who provides natural, safe, and effective care to practice members of all ages and life stages, including those who are expecting. 

How Does Chiropractic Benefit Pregnant Women?

The biggest obvious change during pregnancy is the growing abdomen. But what you may not realize is that the spine actually increases in curvature as well in order to account for the growing belly and the resulting shift in the center of gravity. Additionally, ligaments loosen and the pelvis undergoes substantial changes, all of which can be properly managed and cared for with chiropractic care. 

When a chiropractor adjusts a pregnant woman, she will be able to lie down on a pregnancy-friendly pillow or adjusting table, allowing her belly to be protected during her adjustments. The adjustment will always be gentle, precise, and specific to the individual woman, targeting misalignments and particular areas that need realignment. When the spine is properly aligned and all of the musculoskeletal system is balanced, a woman’s body is more equipped to take on the stresses and pressures of pregnancy, including physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Chiropractic care reduces back pain, minimizes nausea, and can completely eradicate pregnancy-related heartburn. It can help women maintain a healthy blood pressure, as well as relieve indigestion and other digestive struggles. Additionally, it can help reduce nausea that can be so debilitating during pregnancy. It can make more space for baby by opening up the pelvis and allowing him or her to transition to a head-down position earlier in pregnancy. It also helps your body prepare for labor and delivery, often making labor shorter and more productive with less likelihood of interventions, emergency C-sections, or other complications. 

Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?

Because chiropractic care is so gentle, it is incredibly safe during pregnancy. All chiropractors receive training and education on how to care for pregnant women, and many of them are also certified in the Webster Technique, which is a specific adjusting technique that was created to maximize health during pregnancy. Countless studies have taken place to not only ensure the safety of chiropractic care during pregnancy, but also its efficacy and effectiveness. 

If you are pregnant and struggling to maintain health and wellness due to physical pain or emotional stressors, contact Dr. Cary Gentry and his team at Waypoint Chiropractic in Bozeman, MT. Even if you aren’t struggling but are instead loving everything about pregnancy, getting under regular chiropractic care will set you up for the best labor, delivery, and recovery possible. You can also learn more about the numerous benefits chiropractic has to offer children and adults of all ages.

Bernard, M., & Tuchin, P. (2016). Chiropractic Management of Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: A Case Study. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 15(2), 129–133. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4913124/. 

Borggren, C.L. (2007). Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 6(2), 70–74. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647084/. 

Pistolese, R.A. “The Webster Technique: A chiropractic technique with obstetric implications.” Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 25; Issue 6: 1–9. https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(02)00015-5/fulltext