Beyond the Bump: Securing Top-Tier Prenatal Chiropractic Support

Why Professional Prenatal Chiropractic Care Matters for Expecting Mothers

Professional prenatal chiropractic care is specialized healthcare focused on maintaining spinal alignment and pelvic balance during pregnancy. It uses gentle, safe adjustments designed specifically for expectant mothers. Here's what you need to know:

What It Addresses:

• Back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica

• Postural changes and spinal misalignments

• Pelvic balance for optimal fetal positioning

• Labor preparation and postpartum recovery

Key Benefits:

• 75% of pregnant patients report pain relief

• 25-31% shorter labor times on average

• 82% success rate for breech positioning resolution

• A drug-free approach to pain management

Pregnancy brings remarkable changes. The added weight, shifting posture, and hormonal changes can stress your spine and joints. While about 50% of pregnant women experience back pain, many providers dismiss it as unavoidable. However, research shows chiropractic care may offer significant benefits, not just for pain relief, but for supporting a more comfortable pregnancy and contributing to a smoother delivery process.

Hi! I'm Dr. Michelle Andrews, founder of ChiroHer in Oklahoma City. I'm Webster Technique certified and have spent years providing professional prenatal chiropractic care to expecting mothers. My approach uses gentle, evidence-based techniques to support your comfort and your baby's optimal positioning.

What is Prenatal Chiropractic Care?

Prenatal chiropractic care is a specialized treatment for pregnant individuals, focusing on the unique physiological changes of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Unlike general chiropractic, it employs gentle techniques and modifications for the safety of both mother and baby. We use specialized tables with adjustable sections to avoid pressure on the abdomen. The goal is to maintain spinal alignment and pelvic balance, which helps support nervous system function for overall well-being during pregnancy. For more details on what we do, visit our page on what a prenatal chiropractor does.

The Primary Benefits of Seeking Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

The benefits of seeking professional prenatal chiropractic care are extensive. Studies show that 75% of pregnant patients who received chiropractic care found relief from pain.

Here are some key benefits:

• Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments may help alleviate back, neck, hip, or joint pain, providing a drug-free alternative.

• Supports Nervous System Function: A properly aligned spine is important for nervous system function, which is vital for your body's systems during pregnancy.

• Shorter Labor Times: Research indicates women receiving chiropractic care often have shorter labor times, with a 25% reduction for first-time mothers and 31% for others.

• May Reduce the Need for Interventions: Promoting pelvic balance and optimal fetal positioning may help reduce the likelihood of medical interventions during labor.

• Supports Optimal Fetal Positioning: The goal is to help create room for your baby to move into the best position for birth.

• Aids in Postpartum Recovery: Care can extend beyond delivery, supporting your body's recovery by realigning the spine.

These benefits may contribute to a more comfortable pregnancy and a smoother delivery experience. Learn more about the specific benefits of prenatal chiropractic care.

The Holistic Approach of Professional Prenatal Chiropractic Care

At ChiroHer in Oklahoma City, my approach to professional prenatal chiropractic care is to support your body's natural ability to adapt. Instead of only treating symptoms, I look at your pelvic alignment, posture, and how your body is preparing for labor.

A cornerstone of my practice is the Webster Technique, which is designed for pregnancy. This gentle adjustment helps establish balance in your pelvis, creating an optimal environment for your baby to move into the ideal birth position. It's about addressing restrictions so your body can function more optimally. You can explore more about our comprehensive prenatal chiropractic services.

Easing Common Pregnancy Pains and Discomforts

Pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but it may not be something you have to endure without support. Hormonal shifts, extra weight, and a changing center of gravity contribute to common aches and pains.

• Back Pain: Experienced by about 50% of pregnant women, back pain is a frequent complaint. Gentle adjustments may help realign your spine and reduce strain. Studies show 75% of pregnant patients find pain relief with chiropractic care. Learn more about how chiropractic helps alleviate back pain during pregnancy.

• Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Hormones can loosen pelvic joints, causing instability and pain. I focus on stabilizing these joints and the surrounding muscles for potential relief.

• Sciatica: This shooting leg pain can result from increased pressure on the sciatic nerve. Correcting misalignments in the lower spine and pelvis may help relieve this pressure. Read more about pregnancy and sciatica nerve pain on our blog.

• Other Discomforts: Care may also help with round ligament pain, postural strain from a growing belly, and even nausea by improving nervous system function.

Optimizing for a Smoother Labor and Delivery

A balanced pelvis and aligned spine are not just for comfort; they can help set the stage for a smoother birth. When the pelvis is misaligned, it can create intrauterine constraint, making it harder for your baby to get into the optimal head-down position. The Webster Technique specifically addresses this by restoring pelvic balance.

The results are impressive, with an 82% success rate in helping babies move out of a breech position. Research also shows that women who receive regular chiropractic care often experience shorter labor times: 25% shorter for first-time mothers and 31% shorter for others. By promoting optimal fetal positioning, chiropractic care may also help reduce the need for interventions during labor. Find out more about the benefits of chiropractic and pregnancy with the Webster Technique and what you can do when your baby is presenting breech.

Is Prenatal Chiropractic Care Safe? Techniques and Contraindications

Safety is the top concern. When performed by a trained prenatal chiropractor, care is widely considered safe. Adjustments are very gentle, using light pressure. Our clinic has specialized tables with sections that drop away, so no pressure is ever placed on your abdomen.

Research suggests that chiropractic treatment during pregnancy can be a safe and effective approach to treat common musculoskeletal symptoms. You can read more in this scientific research on safety and efficacy of pregnancy chiropractic.

However, there are contraindications, and I screen for them at every visit. These include:

• Vaginal bleeding

• Ruptured amniotic membranes

• Premature labor

• Placenta previa or placental abruption

• Ectopic pregnancy

• Severe toxemia (preeclampsia)

I work closely with your obstetrician or midwife to promote coordinated care. Your safety and your baby's wellbeing are my top priorities. For more details, check out our article on chiropractic during pregnancy.

Your Guide to Starting and Finding Care

Starting professional prenatal chiropractic care is an empowering step. At ChiroHer, we help expectant mothers in Oklahoma City, Yukon, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Del City, Mustang, and Moore find relief and confidence. Finding the right provider is key to getting the most from your care.

What to Look for in a Prenatal Chiropractor

Not all chiropractors have specialized training in pregnancy care. Here’s what to look for:

• Specialized Certification: Look for training from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association or a Webster Certification for fetal positioning. I am Webster Technique certified and have dedicated my practice to supporting women.

• Experience: A chiropractor who regularly treats pregnant patients will understand the nuances of each trimester and have specialized equipment, like tables with drop-away sections for your belly. Learn more about what makes a prenatal certified chiropractor qualified.

• Communication and Reviews: Choose a provider who listens and explains things clearly. Patient reviews from other expectant mothers can offer valuable insight.

• Welcoming Environment: The clinic should feel safe and supportive. For more guidance, check out our prenatal chiropractor near me guide.

Your Professional Prenatal Chiropractic Care Plan

There's no wrong time to start care. Many women begin in the first trimester to establish a foundation for pelvic alignment, but you can find relief even if you start in the second or third trimester.

Your first appointment will be a conversation and a gentle examination. We'll discuss your health history and goals to create a personalized plan. Learn more about what to expect at a prenatal chiropractor appointment.

Visit frequency varies. It might be monthly at first, then weekly as you approach your due date. We also provide postpartum care to help your body recover after delivery. Postpartum adjustments are intended to realign your spine and pelvis, supporting your body as it recovers.

We're here to support you at ChiroHer in Oklahoma City, Yukon, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Del City, Mustang, and Moore. Schedule your consultation today to discuss how professional prenatal chiropractic care can support you.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.