Pregnancy Care
at First Chiropractic

Chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle and optimal uterine function. It prepares the body to be strong, supple, and as balanced as possible to carry the pregnancy.

Chiropractic care may result in easier pregnancy including increased comfort during the third trimester and delivery and reduced need for pain medication. Altered weight-bearing and movement patterns during pregnancy can place additional pressure on the muscles, ligaments, joints, discs and bones of a woman’s spine and can uncover regions that are not working well. 50% of women experience significant levels of back or pelvic pain during their pregnancy, leading many of them to resort to pain relief such as paracetamol. But research shows that chiropractic care may help to relieve these symptoms in up to 85% of pregnant women^1,2. In one study, 17 pregnant women under chiropractic care reported an original pain score of 5.9. After chiropractic care, they reported a pain score of 1.5³. Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. Webster Technique is a specialised chiropractic technique used to restore normal function of the pelvis so the baby can get into the ideal position for birth.

Adjusting women throughout pregnancy is a rewarding part of our work, because a healthier pregnancy means easier labour and delivery, and a better transition for the baby into this life. Women experience on average a 24% reduction in the length of labour time with chiropractic care during pregnancy and that rises to a 33% reduction for those mothers who have given birth before⁴. By altering the biomechanics and neuromuscular control of the pelvis chiropractic, enables the muscles to become more relaxed and joints more mobile, which helps them to expand more freely during labour and settle more easily afterwards. This improves the ease of delivery, creating less stress and pressure for both the mother and baby. It also means there is less likelihood or need to use interventions such as forceps or cesarean section, which can impact upon both mother and newborn child. C-sections have become increasingly common over the last few decades, and now account for as many as one in four births. While they are a necessary and safe option in some high-risk or complicated cases, studies show that natural and drug-free births are safer and healthier in both the short and long term.

Even natural births can stress a baby’s spine. Breastfeeding problems can arise if the baby has a subluxation and is unable to comfortably turn its head to one side. Relax. We use special approaches to make our adjustments safe and comfortable for you and your child.