The Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Evidence-Based Support

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that may bring about physical discomforts and challenges for expectant mothers. Thankfully, Chiropractic care offers a natural and safe solution to alleviate pregnancy-related pain and promote overall well-being during this transformative time. We have witnessed first hand the benefits that Chiropractic can provide at all stages of pregnancy and beyond which is why Dr. Gabrielle Gray and Dr. Theresa Osmer have pursued furthering their postgraduate Chiropractic education in this field. Benefits of Chiropractic Care during pregnancy include:

Relieving Pregnancy-Related Pain

One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back pain. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing lower back pain in pregnant women. The study concluded that chiropractic adjustments resulted in a significant decrease in pain intensity and improved the overall quality of life for expectant mothers.

Reference: Peterson CK, Mühlemann D, Humphreys BK. Outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment: a prospective cohort study with short term, medium term and 1 year follow-up. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014;37(6):424-432. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.05.003

Promoting Optimal Fetal Positioning

The Webster Technique, the specific technique for pregnancy that Dr. Gray and Dr. Osmer are certified in, has gained popularity in promoting optimal fetal positioning. A case series published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health in 2018 showed that the Webster Technique was associated with a higher likelihood of cephalic (head-down) presentation. Proper fetal positioning can facilitate a smoother and safer delivery.

Reference: Alcantara J, Anderson R. The Webster Technique: A Case Series of 114 Pregnant Patients with Intrauterine Constraint. J Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. 2018;4:172-177.

Reducing Nausea and Morning Sickness

While more research is needed on the direct impact of chiropractic care on nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy, some studies have suggested potential benefits. A review published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine highlighted that chiropractic adjustments may positively influence the autonomic nervous system (the part of our nervous system that controls involuntary function such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, etc), which could have implications for managing pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea.

Reference: Holgren MR, Hondras MA, Myrer JW, et al. Catecholamine responses to stress in women undergoing chiropractic treatment for pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain: a pilot study of heart rate variability. J Chiropr Med. 2008;7(3):95-101. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2008.04.003

Improving Sleep Quality

The improved sleep quality experienced by pregnant women after chiropractic care can be attributed to reduced pain and enhanced comfort. According to a systematic review published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, chiropractic interventions were associated with reduced pain and disability, which, in turn, could lead to improved sleep during pregnancy.

Reference: George JW, Skaggs CD, Thompson PA, Nelson DM, Gavard JA, Gross GA. A randomized controlled trial comparing a multimodal intervention and standard obstetrics care for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013;208(4):295.e1-7. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2012.10.869

One of our favorite aspects of working with women during this time in their life is to be a sounding board, to be supportive of your decision, and also to help you make decisions by gathering as much information as possible for you to consider. Whenever dealing with your health, just remember that education is empowerment. Do your research, ask questions to your healthcare providers, and make your decisions based upon what is right for you and your family!

There is never a time that is too late to start receiving Chiropractic care during pregnancy, but we do see better outcomes the earlier you start so that we can get a good baseline of your musculoskeletal system before the growth during Pregnancy alters your posture. You can book with Dr. Gabrielle or Dr. Theresa using the button below! If you are not local to Grand Rapids and want to find a Prenatal trained Chiropractor, you can search HERE.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy offers evidence-based benefits that can significantly improve the well-being of expectant mothers. Supported by research and case studies, chiropractic care has demonstrated its effectiveness in relieving pregnancy-related pain, promoting optimal fetal positioning, and potentially addressing symptoms like nausea. Additionally, the improved sleep quality and preparation for a safer delivery make chiropractic care a valuable resource for pregnant women seeking non-invasive and natural solutions. When approached with proper care and attention, Chiropractic can undoubtedly contribute to a more comfortable and fulfilling pregnancy experience.