10 Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care: How This Natural Therapy Can Help You and Your Baby

Pregnancy can be one of the most magical and transformative times in a woman’s life, but let’s face it – it can also come with a whole host of aches, pains, and discomforts. From back pain to sciatica to headaches and more, it can feel like your body is going through the ringer.

But fear not, because we’ve got a secret weapon for you: prenatal chiropractic care.

That’s right, mamas – chiropractic care isn’t just for athletes or people with back injuries.

In fact, more and more pregnant women are turning to chiropractic care to help them feel better, more comfortable, and more aligned during their pregnancies.

But what is prenatal chiropractic care, exactly? How does it work, and what can you expect from a session? And perhaps most importantly, is it safe for you and your growing baby?

We’ve got you covered, mama. Today I’m chatting with Today Dr. Amanda Peterson, a prenatal chiropractor to answer all your questions about chiropractic care during pregnancy!

From common misconceptions to specific treatment techniques, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about this powerful and natural way to support your body during this incredible journey. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and get ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about prenatal chiropractic care.

1. Can you explain what prenatal chiropractic care is and how it can benefit pregnant women?

Chiropractic prenatal protocol, or the Webster Technique, is a specific analysis and treatment that focuses on the expectant mother’s pelvis to reduce misalignments (joints not moving as they should). Pelvic misalignments during pregnancy can lead to pain, mal-positioned babies, and dystocia (difficult birth). Reducing pelvic misalignments during pregnancy helps reduce these symptoms.

2. What are some common pregnancy-related conditions that you treat with chiropractic care?

During pregnancy, the main focus is the pelvis as it houses the fetus. As a prenatal chiropractor, I have helped many expectant mothers with lower back and buttocks pain, pubic pain/dysfunction, restless legs, pain in extremities, mal-positioned or breech babies, and sleep disturbances.

3. Can you walk us through a typical prenatal chiropractic session? What can a pregnant woman expect?

In my office, your first visit will begin with a history of you and your symptoms as well as an examination of your spine and pelvis. This allows me to find the source of your discomfort. Chiropractors use different techniques and methods some use their hands to test and feel joint movement, while others utilize tools. No one technique is better than another; it’s simply a matter of preference.

4. What are some common misconceptions about prenatal chiropractic care, and how do you address them with your patients?

Most people think chiropractic treatment is only for pain. While this is often why people seek care, it’s not the only benefit. Reducing misalignments in the spine can also help decrease sleep disturbances, allergies, digestive issues, and even support immune function. Since the spine houses the spinal cord, which is part of the nervous system, alignment impacts the whole body.

5. Can you explain the Webster Technique, and how it can benefit pregnant women?

The Webster Technique is the pregnancy protocol. It focuses specifically on the pelvis to reduce misalignments that can lead to pain, baby mal-position, pubic dysfunction, and dystocia.

6. What qualifications and certifications do you have in prenatal chiropractic care, and how do they make you uniquely qualified to treat pregnant women?

I am Webster Certified and trained through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and have completed their two-year post-doctoral program. While certification alone doesn’t make you an expert, the ICPA provides education that prepares doctors to treat families from conception through childhood. I have personally been focusing on pregnancy, pediatric, and family care for 15 years.

7. Can you offer any advice for pregnant women who may be hesitant about trying chiropractic care during their pregnancy?

I always encourage patients to do their research. Don’t assume one bad story represents everyone’s experience. Many OBs, midwives, and pelvic floor PTs refer to prenatal chiropractors because they know the benefits. If you don’t know where to start, ask for a referral. Friends, co-workers, family members, and even social media mom groups are great resources.

8. How do you work with other healthcare providers to ensure the best care for your pregnant patients?

While a referral or clearance from your OB or midwife isn’t required, many providers still recommend chiropractic care during pregnancy. If there are concerns, they can be communicated directly. I maintain great working relationships with OBs, midwives, doulas, birth educators, and lactation consultants in my area. Communication and collaboration are key to supporting moms well.

9. Can you share any success stories or testimonials from pregnant women you have treated?

I have helped many expectant mothers achieve their birth goals, reduce pain, and feel prepared for labor. Many moms share stories of reduced pain, breech babies turning, and smoother, faster births and recoveries after care.

10. What tips or recommendations do you have for pregnant women to help them maintain good spinal health throughout their pregnancy?

I recommend chiropractic care as your pelvis changes and opens to make room for your growing baby. Beyond care, focus on activities and positions that support pelvic balance such as proper posture, gentle movement, and exercises that encourage pelvic opening.

Conclusion

I hope this post has left you feeling informed, empowered, and excited! Remember, pregnancy is a time to celebrate and honor your incredible body, and chiropractic care is one of the many ways you can support it on this journey. So go forth, mamas, and keep being the amazing, powerful, and beautiful women you are and with a little extra help from your friendly neighborhood chiropractor.

👉 Click here to connect with Dr. Amanda Peterson in Riverside CA
👉 Click here to see more from Inland Empire newborn and maternity photographer Kaitlyn Dawn Photography