Certified Prenatal Chiropractors for a Balanced Pregnancy
Why Specialized Chiropractic Care Matters During Pregnancy
A prenatal certified chiropractor is a healthcare provider with specialized training to safely care for pregnant women using gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques. Here's what you need to know:
Key Qualifications to Look For:
ICPA Certification - Training from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
Webster Technique Certified - Specialized pelvic balancing technique for pregnancy
DACCP/CACCP Credentials - Advanced pediatric and prenatal certifications
Experience with Pregnant Patients - Proven track record caring for expecting mothers
What They Address:
Lower back discomfort and sciatica
Pelvic misalignment and SPD
Round ligament discomfort
Headaches and nausea
Breech presentation (using Webster Technique)
Pregnancy brings incredible changes to your body. Your spine length doubles during the first two years of life, but during pregnancy, your body undergoes rapid shifts that can cause significant discomfort. The hormone relaxin increases joint laxity, your center of gravity shifts forward, and your spinal curves increase dramatically.
These changes often lead to discomfort that many women accept as "just part of pregnancy." But as one prenatal chiropractor notes, "while many accept pain and discomfort as a normal part of pregnancy, it doesn't have to be this way."
Your body wasn't designed to suffer through these nine months. The right care can help you maintain comfort, prepare for labor, and support your baby's optimal positioning.
Hi! I'm Dr. Michelle Andrews, founder of ChiroHer in Oklahoma City, and I'm Webster Technique certified with extensive training as a prenatal certified chiropractor. I've helped hundreds of expecting mothers find relief from pregnancy discomfort while preparing their bodies for labor and delivery.
The Benefits and Techniques of a Prenatal Certified Chiropractor
Working with a prenatal certified chiropractor goes far beyond simply managing discomfort (though we're definitely here for that too!). Our primary focus is supporting your body's incredible ability to adapt during pregnancy while creating the optimal environment for your baby's growth and development.
Think of pregnancy as your body performing one of nature's most amazing feats. Your spine, pelvis, and nervous system are all working overtime to accommodate your growing baby. When everything is properly aligned and functioning well, you feel better, move more comfortably, and your body can do what it does best naturally.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on gentle, precise adjustments that help balance your spine and pelvis. When your pelvis is properly aligned, it reduces stress on your uterus and the ligaments that support it. This balanced foundation can lead to a more comfortable pregnancy and may even contribute to an easier labor experience.
Safety is always our number one priority. I understand that expecting mothers have concerns about any care that might affect their baby. The good news? Prenatal chiropractic care performed by a certified practitioner is widely recognized as safe for both mother and baby. We use specialized pregnancy tables with supportive cutouts and pillows, ensuring you're comfortable throughout your entire visit.
Our adjustments are gentle and specifically adapted for your changing body. We're not using the same techniques we'd use on someone who isn't pregnant. Everything is modified to work with your body's current needs and limitations.
For a deeper look at all the ways prenatal chiropractic care can support your pregnancy, check out our comprehensive guide on the Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care.
Addressing Common Pregnancy Discomforts
Let's be honest. Pregnancy can feel like your body is staging a rebellion sometimes. Between the hormone surges, the shifting center of gravity, and the relaxin hormone making your joints more flexible, it's no wonder so many expecting mothers experience discomfort. But here's what I want you to know: you don't have to just "grin and bear it." Many pregnancy-related aches and discomforts stem from alignment issues that become more pronounced as your body changes. By addressing these underlying causes, we can often provide significant relief.
![Diagram showing common pain points during pregnancy like lower back, sciatica, and round ligament pain. - prenatal certified chiropractor]
Here are some of the common issues we address:
Lower back discomfort: As your belly grows, the natural curve in your lower back increases dramatically, putting extra strain on your muscles and joints. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment and reduce this strain.
Sciatica: This sharp, shooting discomfort down your leg often happens when pressure builds up on the sciatic nerve due to pelvic misalignment or tight muscles. We work to relieve this pressure and restore normal nerve function.
Round ligament discomfort: These sudden, sharp sensations in your lower belly or groin are caused by the ligaments supporting your growing uterus. When your pelvis is properly balanced, it reduces the tension on these structures.
Pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD): This condition can make walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of bed uncomfortable. It happens when the joint at the front of your pelvis becomes unstable. Proper pelvic alignment helps reduce stress on this joint and provides much-needed stability.
Headaches: Pregnancy headaches often result from increased tension in your neck and upper back, combined with hormonal changes. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve this tension naturally, without medication.
Nausea: Some patients report improvement in nausea symptoms with chiropractic care. This may be related to improved nervous system function and reduced overall stress on the body.
To learn more about how we specifically address back discomfort during pregnancy, visit How Chiropractic Helps with Back Discomfort During Pregnancy. You can also read about Understanding Pelvic Misalignment and Discomfort in Pregnancy for more detailed information.
The Webster Technique for Optimal Fetal Positioning
![Illustration comparing a constrained uterus due to pelvic misalignment with a balanced pelvis allowing for optimal fetal positioning. - Webster Technique]
The Webster Technique is one of the most specialized and exciting aspects of working with a prenatal certified chiropractor. This specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment focuses on creating balance in the bones, muscles, and ligaments of your pelvis.
Here's why this matters so much for you and your baby: when your pelvis is misaligned, it can create tension in the muscles and ligaments that support your uterus. This tension can lead to what we call "intrauterine constraint," which means less space for your baby to move around comfortably.
Imagine trying to get comfortable in a sleeping bag that's twisted or bunched up. That's similar to what your baby might experience when pelvic tension creates constraint. The Webster Technique works to eliminate this constraint by balancing your pelvis and reducing stress on your uterus and supporting ligaments.
The technique doesn't physically turn your baby. Instead, it creates the optimal environment for your baby to move into the best position naturally. When your pelvis is balanced and there's no undue tension, your baby has the freedom to settle into the head-down position that's ideal for birth.
This is particularly important for breech presentations, where babies are positioned bottom-first or feet-first instead of head-down. About 4% of pregnancies involve a breech presentation, but research shows the Webster Technique has an impressive 82% success rate in helping babies move to the optimal head-down position.
This success rate can significantly reduce the need for external cephalic versions (where doctors manually try to turn the baby) or cesarean sections due to breech positioning.
As a Webster Technique certified practitioner, I've seen how this gentle approach can make a real difference for both mothers and babies. To learn more about this technique, read about the Benefits of Chiropractic and Pregnancy: Webster's Technique. You can also find the technical definition from the ICPA's explanation of the Webster Technique.
When to Start and What to Expect
![A pregnant woman smiling and talking with her female chiropractor in a calm and comfortable treatment room. - prenatal chiropractor consultation]
One of the most common questions I get is "When should I start seeing a prenatal chiropractor?" My answer is usually the earlier, the better! Starting care early in pregnancy allows us to address any existing alignment issues and help your body adapt more smoothly to all the changes ahead.
Early care is like giving your body a head start. We can work on creating a strong, balanced foundation before the bigger physical changes of later pregnancy put additional stress on your system. This proactive approach often prevents problems before they start.
That said, it's never too late to begin care. I've worked with patients who started in their third trimester and still experienced significant improvements in comfort and function. Whether you're 8 weeks or 38 weeks pregnant, there are benefits to be gained.
For visit frequency, I often recommend seeing your prenatal chiropractor about as often as you see your OB-GYN or midwife for maintenance care. This provides consistent support as your body changes throughout pregnancy. If you're dealing with specific pain or discomfort, we might suggest more frequent visits initially to address those issues directly.
Every care plan is personalized to your unique needs and goals. Some patients feel great with monthly visits, while others benefit from weekly care during certain phases of pregnancy.
When you visit our clinic, you'll experience gentle, specific adjustments designed for your pregnant body. We use specialized equipment including pregnancy tables with abdominal cutouts and supportive pillows to keep you comfortable and safe during every adjustment.
Our approach prioritizes clear communication and your comfort above all else. We'll listen to your concerns, explain what we're finding in terms you can understand, and work together to create the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.
To get a better sense of what your appointments will be like, read What to Expect at a Prenatal Chiropractor Appointment.
How to Choose the Right Practitioner for Your Pregnancy
Finding the right healthcare team during pregnancy feels overwhelming sometimes, doesn't it? When it comes to choosing a prenatal certified chiropractor, you want someone who truly understands what your body is going through and has the specialized training to help you safely and effectively.
Think of it as building your dream team for pregnancy and birth. You're not just looking for any chiropractor. You're seeking someone who has dedicated extra time and education to understand the unique needs of expecting mothers like you.
The good news? You have the power to make informed decisions about your care. Let me walk you through what to look for and how to find the right practitioner for your needs.
Key Qualifications for a Prenatal Certified Chiropractor
When you're researching potential chiropractors, certain credentials should immediately catch your attention. These aren't just fancy letters after someone's name. They represent hundreds of hours of specialized training beyond regular chiropractic school.
ICPA certification: This is your first green flag. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association sets the gold standard for pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic care. When a chiropractor has completed their extensive coursework, you know they understand the intricate changes happening in your body throughout each trimester.
Webster Certified designation: This is particularly important. The 82% success rate we mentioned earlier for helping breech babies turn comes from practitioners who have mastered this specific technique through rigorous training and certification with the ICPA.
DACCP or CACCP credentials: These represent the highest level of specialization available. These advanced certifications require hundreds of additional post-doctoral hours focused specifically on prenatal, birth, and pediatric care. It's like the difference between a family doctor and a specialist. Both are valuable, but the specialist has that extra depth of knowledge for your specific situation.
Experience with pregnant patients: This matters tremendously. A chiropractor who regularly cares for expecting mothers will have seen it all, from first-trimester nausea to third-trimester sciatica. They'll know how to modify techniques as your belly grows and understand the subtle changes that happen week by week.
A holistic approach: The best prenatal chiropractors don't just focus on adjustments. They also consider your nutrition, exercise habits, sleep position, and overall wellness. They understand that everything in your body is connected, especially during pregnancy.
Positive reviews: Feedback from other mothers in your community can tell you so much about what it's really like to be a patient. Pay attention to comments about communication style, office environment, and whether other moms felt heard and supported throughout their pregnancies.
Finding Your Local Expert and Taking the Next Step
Starting your search doesn't have to feel daunting. The ICPA makes it simple with their online directory where you can search specifically for Webster Certified practitioners in your area. This ensures you're connecting with chiropractors who have the specialized training you're looking for. You can find a Webster Certified Chiropractor in your area through their searchable database.
Don't underestimate the power of personal recommendations either. Your OB-GYN, midwife, or doula likely knows which chiropractors in your area work well with pregnant patients. Other moms in your childbirth class, mom groups, or even your yoga instructor might have great suggestions too.
Once you've identified a potential practitioner, it's perfectly appropriate to ask questions before committing to care. You might ask about:
Their Webster Technique certification.
Their specific training in prenatal care.
How many pregnant patients they typically care for.
What conditions they commonly address during pregnancy.
Whether they use specialized equipment like pregnancy-friendly adjusting tables.
How they collaborate with your other healthcare providers.
The best prenatal chiropractors work as part of your birth team, communicating with your OB-GYN or midwife when appropriate and supporting your overall birth plan.
Here in Oklahoma City, we're proud to serve expecting mothers throughout the metro area, including Yukon, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Del City, Mustang, and Moore. Our focus on women's health and prenatal care means we understand the unique concerns and questions you might have during this special time.
If you're ready to experience how specialized chiropractic care can support your pregnancy, we'd love to meet you. You can easily book your appointment with our pregnancy chiropractor in OKC and start feeling more comfortable in your changing body.
You deserve to feel your best during pregnancy. The right prenatal chiropractor can help make that happen.
This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for already established medical advice from your healthcare provider.