While generally considered safe, there are certain considerations that should be kept in mind when combining chiropractic and pregnancy. It is important to find a practitioner who has been trained to work with a pregnant woman's body and can treat her safely. He or she should understand the many physical changes that occur during pregnancy so she can receive the most effective adjustments. Another area of concern that pregnant women may wish to discuss with a chiropractor is if the baby is in a breech position, as chiropractic adjustment may relieve stress in the pelvis, allowing more room for the baby to turn.
One of the main areas of concern about chiropractic and pregnancy is finding someone who knows how to perform adjustments on a pregnant woman correctly. While many chiropractors receive at least basic training on how to work with pregnant women, some may specialize in the area and have extra training in specialties such as the Webster technique, which can be used to align the pelvis. It is important for a pregnant woman seeking treatment to look for someone who is knowledgeable about working with the pregnant body. He or she should be able to do adjustments without putting extra pressure on the woman's abdomen, and have equipment such as a special table that will accommodate her.
It is also important when considering the combination of chiropractic and pregnancy for the practitioner to understand all the ways a woman's body changes during this time. As her abdomen gets bigger, her back will typically curve more and her posture can shift, which can in turn throw the spine out of alignment. It is also common for the pelvis to get misaligned, which can put extra pressure on the uterus and limit the fetus' room for growth and movement. Chiropractors who understand these changes and how to recognize when they may be causing issues can adjust the woman appropriately to reduce pain and nausea, reduce time for labor and delivery, and have a healthier pregnancy overall.
Breech babies can be of particular concern when considering chiropractic and pregnancy. There is evidence that using chiropractic adjustment, particularly the Webster technique, can help balance the pelvis, reducing stress on the uterus and its surrounding ligaments and allowing more room for the baby to move. This in turn can allow a baby in the breech position to turn, which may prevent the need for caesarean delivery.