3 Ways Chiropractic Care Supports a Healthy Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery

Some studies suggest that more than 75% of pregnant women experience pregnancy-related low back pain, pelvic pain, or both, but only about 24% will seek treatment. One study found that in a group of pregnant women with low back pain and/or pelvic pain, 52% improved at 1 week and 85% had improved at 3 months of receiving chiropractic care.

1) Relieves back pain and sciatica

Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. It is due to increased stress on the lumbar spine as the fetus grows and center of gravity shifts forward. Pain is often reported at midline and in the sacroiliac joints, which may become unstable due to ligament laxity caused by hormone changes during pregnancy, an increased mobility that is necessary for childbirth but can cause persistent pain during late pregnancy and postpartum.

These physical changes lead to compensatory patterns, such as muscle tightness and changes in gait and posture. Sciatica is another common complaint that arises from tight gluteal muscles irritating the sciatic nerve.

Addressing joint dysfunction with chiropractic spinal manipulation may help relieve pain, decrease muscle tightness, and improve functional movement. Kinesiology taping is another useful tool that can help relieve pain by creating a supportive brace for the pregnant belly that helps decrease stress on the lower back.

2) Optimizes fetal positioning

Another benefit of the chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy is the potential to optimize fetal positioning as the due date approaches. By decreasing joint dysfunctions and promoting better functional movement, we may help decrease any restrictions that could be hindering the fetus from comfortably getting into the best position possible for birth.

One technique that may be utilized by a certified chiropractor is the Webster Technique, which was developed over 40 years ago by Dr. Larry Webster, DC in order to address sacral subluxation and sacroiliac joint dysfunction to help improve neurobiomechanical function in that region. Many cases have reported that the application of this technique helped decrease pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, round ligament pain, and pelvic muscle tightness throughout pregnancy.

3) Supports proper breathing and core muscle strength

An important part of chiropractic care, not only during pregnancy, involves understanding and learning diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation techniques. This is the first step before working on activation/relaxation of muscles and core strengthening exercises and it's an important skill to practice for labor, delivery, and postpartum.

To facilitate proper breathing technique for any individual, a chiropractic adjustment or mobilizations may be performed to the thoracic spine in order to enable optimal movement of the ribcage as we inhale and exhale during exercise.

Engaging in regular core strengthening exercises before and during pregnancy may help prevent or reduce risk of diastasis recti postpartum, as well as speed up postpartum recovery. For more information about exercise recommendations during pregnancy by the American Pregnancy Association, click here.