It’s estimated that approximately 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during pregnancy, and 50% to 75% report back pain during labor. As the baby grows, the mother’s center of gravity shifts forward, placing additional stress on the spine, hips, and surrounding muscles. At the same time, hormonal changes, particularly the release of relaxing cause ligaments to loosen in preparation for childbirth. While necessary, this natural softening can lead to joint instability and misalignment, particularly in the pelvis and lower back. Contact our Sacramento CA chiropractic clinic today to learn more.

Common symptoms experienced during pregnancy include:

• Low back pain
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Sciatic nerve pain (often causing shooting pain down one or both legs)
• Postural changes and imbalances
• Difficulty walking or sleeping

---

How Chiropractic Helps During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is customized to meet the unique needs of expectant mothers. Techniques are gentle, non-invasive, and designed to restore alignment, reduce nerve interference, and improve mobility, all without the use of medication. Chiropractic adjustments reduce pressure on irritated nerves and relieve muscle tension, offering a safe and natural alternative to pain medications, which many pregnant women seek to avoid. A well-aligned pelvis provides an optimal space for the baby to move and settle into the ideal position for birth. Misalignments may restrict fetal movement, increasing the chances of breech presentation or prolonged labor. Chiropractic care can:

• Promote optimal fetal positioning
• Reduce intrauterine constraint
• Encourage a more comfortable, efficient labor and delivery

Women who received chiropractic care throughout pregnancy experienced labor that was 24% shorter for first-time moms and 39% shorter for those with previous births.1 While more research is needed, these early findings are promising. As the baby grows, posture shifts dramatically. Regular chiropractic care can help maintain spinal flexibility and alignment, allowing moms-to-be to move, rest, and function with greater ease during the second and third trimesters. A properly aligned spine helps the nervous system work more efficiently, enhancing communication between the brain and body—benefiting both mom and baby.

---

Postpartum Chiropractic Benefits In Sacramento CA

The physical challenges of pregnancy don’t end at delivery. After childbirth, a mother’s body begins the healing process, but lingering joint misalignments and muscular strain from nursing and lifting a newborn can prolong discomfort.

Chiropractic care after delivery can:

• Restore spinal and pelvic alignment
• Reduce lingering back and hip pain
• Improve posture while nursing or carrying the baby
• Boost energy and reduce fatigue
• Support faster postpartum recovery

---

Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, when performed by a trained chiropractor with prenatal experience, chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy. Many practitioners use special pregnancy pillows or adjusting tables that accommodate growing bellies. Some are certified in techniques like the Webster Technique, specifically designed to reduce pelvic tension and support optimal baby positioning.

As with any healthcare decision during pregnancy, it's best to consult with your OB-GYN or midwife before starting chiropractic care.

---

A Holistic Approach to a Healthier Pregnancy

Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean months of back pain, sleepless nights, or limited mobility. Chiropractic care provides a holistic, safe, and supportive option to help mothers feel their best throughout pregnancy, and recover more effectively afterward.

If you or someone you love is expecting, consider making chiropractic care part of a comprehensive prenatal and postpartum wellness plan. It’s about more than just pain relief, it’s about preparing your body for one of life’s most meaningful journeys.

• Fallon J. Chiropractic and pregnancy: a partnership for the future. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr. 1991;1(1):10–15.