Can You Visit a Chiropractor While Pregnant?

Chiropractic care is an excellent option for pregnant women looking to prioritize health and wellness. Read on to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care and find out what you can expect during your first appointment.

Why See a Chiropractor While Pregnant?

There are lots of reasons to meet with a chiropractor as a part of your pregnancy wellness plan. The following are some of the greatest benefits a chiropractor has to offer:

Healthier Pregnancy

As long as you don’t have any contraindications (vaginal bleeding, placenta abruption, etc.), chiropractic adjustments are perfectly safe and can help you to have a healthier overall pregnancy.

Chiropractic care works by removing obstructions in the spinal column. This allows your organs, as well as your immune system, to function optimally. When everything is working the way it’s supposed to, you’ll likely find that you feel stronger, healthier, and more energized throughout your pregnancy.

Reduced Pain

It’s common for women to experience back pain and hip pain while pregnant, particularly during the later stages. Chiropractic care can help to minimize nerve blockages that contribute to this pain.

Chiropractic treatments can also help you to feel more relaxed in general. If your discomfort, coupled with the stress of pregnancy, is keeping you up at night, regular adjustments could be a great option.

Improved Baby Positioning

Ideally, during labor, your baby will be positioned with their head pointing down. If your baby is in a breech position (feet pointing down), this can lead to potential complications during delivery.

Regular chiropractic adjustments can help to ensure the baby has the room needed to move into a head-first position. This, in turn, allows for a safer and easier delivery.

Easier Labor and Delivery

Speaking of easier delivery, chiropractor care can also improve the delivery process in other ways beyond baby positioning.

Your chiropractor can ensure your pelvis, spine, and hips are all well-aligned and make sure all the nerves are functioning optimally. This helps to control your contractions and the dilation of your cervix during labor and can lead to a faster, easier delivery process.

What to Expect from Your First Chiropractic Appointment

Okay, you’re interested in the benefits of chiropractic care. However, you might also be wondering what will happen during your first appointment.

Everyone’s experience at the chiropractor is a bit different, of course. In general, though, you can expect the following:

Check-In and Exam

When you first arrive at the chiropractor’s office, you’ll check-in at the front desk and be asked to fill out some paperwork. From here, you’ll head back to an exam room and met with your chiropractor one-on-one.

During this meeting, they’ll conduct an initial assessment to look at your spinal alignment and address any concerns you might have. They might also take x-rays to see what’s going on internally.

Treatment Plan Overview

Once your chiropractor understands what you’re dealing with and what kind of alignment issues you might be facing, they’ll put together a treatment plan for you. At this time, they’ll go over their plan and give you an idea of what you can expect moving forward.

Remember, it takes several adjustments to see results. Your chiropractor will explain how frequently they want to see you, as well as when you may start to notice some improvements.

Adjustment

At this point, it’ll be time for your adjustment.

Your chiropractor will have you lie down on a table specifically designed for pregnant women. They’ll then provide careful, gentle adjustments on your spine and hips.

You might feel and hear some popping, but you shouldn’t have any pain or discomfort. The chiropractor will check-in with you throughout the process, too, to make sure you’re feeling okay.

How to Choose a Chiropractor

At this point, it’ll be time for your adjustment.

If you want to experience all the perks of pregnancy chiropractic care, you need to work with a qualified, experienced chiropractor. Here are some tips that will help you choose the right person for the job.

Get Permission from Your OB-GYN

Chiropractic care is considered safe for most pregnant women. it’s still a good idea to check with your OB-GYN before making your first appointment, though. They might be able to recommend a good pregnancy chiropractor as well.

Ask About Qualifications and Experience

When you’re looking into potential candidates, always ask about their qualifications and experience. Find out where they went to school, when they graduated, and how long they’ve been practicing. Make sure they have training and experience working with pregnant women, too.

Consider Their Equipment

Ask about the specific equipment the chiropractor has for pregnant women. They should have special tables designed for pregnant women, as you won’t be able to lie facedown on the table, especially during the later stages when your belly starts to grow.