Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy? What Colleyville Moms Should Know
For many healthy pregnancies, chiropractic care is a commonly used option for low back and pelvic pain, and the studies published so far have not pointed to serious safety problems. The research is limited, though, so the honest answer is that it depends on you and your pregnancy. Your OB or midwife should be part of that decision.
Why so many expecting moms look into it
In its patient FAQ on back pain during pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) calls backache one of the most common pregnancy problems, especially in the later months. The reasons are mostly mechanical. As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, your abdominal muscles stretch, and the extra weight changes how your spine and pelvis carry load.
Hormones play a part too. Cleveland Clinic’s overview of back pain during pregnancy notes that pregnancy hormones soften ligaments, which can leave joints less stable. Pain can start at any point, but it is more common in the second and third trimesters. Not every ache is the same problem, either. If you are not sure whether yours is in your back, your pelvis or along the sciatic nerve, our post on telling pelvic pain, sciatica and round ligament pain apart walks through the differences.
What the research says, and what it doesn’t
We would rather give you the real picture than a sales pitch.
- Published reviews of chiropractic care for pregnancy-related low back pain have described the evidence as limited, with studies of low to moderate quality.
- A 2014 study published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies followed 115 pregnant patients with low back or pelvic pain who were treated by chiropractors in Switzerland. The researchers reported no serious adverse events. There was no comparison group, so the study cannot prove the care caused the improvement.
- That is encouraging on safety, but it is not the same as strong proof of results.
So no one can honestly promise you an outcome. What we can promise is a careful evaluation and a straight answer if we think chiropractic is not the right fit for you.
Who should check with their OB or midwife first
Some situations call for medical clearance before any chiropractic adjustment. Healthline’s overview of the Webster Technique lists vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, placental abruption and moderate to severe preeclampsia as reasons it may not be appropriate. If any of those apply, or your OB has told you to watch something specific, start with them.
Even if none of that applies, it is a good idea to mention at your next prenatal appointment that you are considering care. A good chiropractor will welcome that conversation.
What to look for in a provider
- Training specific to pregnancy. A chiropractic license covers the general population. Extra training, such as Webster Technique certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), shows a provider has studied the pelvis and the changes of pregnancy.
- An evaluation before any adjustment. History, posture, movement, and a look at what is actually driving your pain.
- A willingness to coordinate or refer. If something looks like it belongs with your OB or another provider, you should hear that plainly.
- Clear communication. You should understand what the care involves, how long it may take, and what it costs before you start.
What a prenatal visit looks like at Radiant
Dr. Cameron Williams is Webster Technique certified. Visits start with listening: your history, what you are feeling, and what you want to get back to doing comfortably. From there we look at posture and movement and, when appropriate, use the CLA INSiGHT scans that are part of our nervous system assessment. They are non-invasive and measure heart rate variability, surface EMG and thermography to give us objective information about how your nervous system is functioning.
Care is adapted to your stage of pregnancy and your comfort, and the plan is built around your goals, not a set number of visits. If we find red flags, or think another provider is the better fit, we refer you.
When to call your OB or midwife instead
These are reasons to get medical care first, not to book a chiropractic visit.
- ACOG advises calling your ob-gyn if back pain is severe or goes on for more than two weeks.
- Back pain with a fever, burning when you urinate, or vaginal bleeding needs care right away.
- Before 37 weeks, a constant low, dull backache, regular belly tightening, pelvic pressure, or fluid leaking can be signs of preterm labor, according to March of Dimes’ guide to the signs of preterm labor. Call your provider right away.
- The CDC’s list of urgent maternal warning signs adds others, including a headache that will not go away, vision changes, a fever of 100.4°F or higher, severe belly pain, and a baby who is moving less than usual.
Self-care that helps either way
ACOG’s suggestions are simple and worth trying whatever else you decide: supportive low-heeled shoes, good posture when sitting and lifting, a support belt or lumbar pillow, heat or cold on sore muscles, walking or water exercise, and sleeping on your side with pillows for support.
Thinking about care during pregnancy?
We are glad to answer questions before you book. If the Webster Technique is what brought you here, our plain-English guide to the Webster Technique explains what it is and what the research says. You can also see how prenatal chiropractic care in Colleyville works at Radiant, and what happens at your first visit.
Sources
- ACOG: Back Pain During Pregnancy
- Cleveland Clinic: Back Pain During Pregnancy
- Peterson et al., 2014, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies: outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment
- Healthline: Webster Technique
- March of Dimes: Signs and symptoms of preterm labor
- CDC: Urgent maternal warning signs
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For questions about your own health or your child’s, talk with your doctor, OB, midwife or pediatrician.
From the team at Radiant Chiropractic, 8090 Precinct Line Rd, Ste 101, Colleyville, TX.
About the Author
Dr. Cameron Williams, DC
Founder of Radiant Chiropractic in Colleyville, TX
Webster Certified (ICPA)CLA INSiGHT Scanning
Dr. Williams found chiropractic in college, after nearly a year of migraines nothing else had touched. He holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker University, and guides every care plan with CLA INSiGHT nervous system scans.
- One-on-one care with Dr. Williams
- Family, prenatal and pediatric care
- Cash-based, no insurance required
- 8090 Precinct Line Rd, Ste 101, Colleyville, TX
Call or text (817) 500-9494
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