Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy in Mataró — Dr. Marc Bony
Pregnancy brings remarkable changes to a woman’s body, but it can also cause significant discomfort. Chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free approach to managing the musculoskeletal challenges that arise during pregnancy, helping you feel more comfortable throughout every trimester.
As the baby grows, the mother’s centre of gravity shifts forward, placing increased stress on the lumbar spine, pelvis and sacroiliac joints. Hormonal changes — particularly the release of relaxin — loosen ligaments, which can lead to pelvic instability, lower back pain, round ligament pain and postural imbalances.
Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with special attention to the spine and pelvis. Chiropractors use gentle manual techniques and specific adjustments to relieve pain, restore alignment and improve overall body function during pregnancy.
How pregnancy affects the spine and pelvis
Biomechanical changes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant biomechanical changes. The growing uterus shifts the centre of gravity forward, increasing the lumbar curve (lordosis) and placing additional strain on the lower back, pelvis and hip joints. These adaptations can lead to lower back pain, sacroiliac dysfunction and pelvic discomfort.
Hormonal factors and ligament laxity
The hormone relaxin, produced during pregnancy, increases the flexibility of ligaments in preparation for delivery. While essential for childbirth, this increased laxity can cause joint instability throughout the body, particularly in the pelvis and sacroiliac joints, contributing to pain and postural imbalances.
Common pregnancy-related complaints
The most common musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy include lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, round ligament pain, mid-back tension and headaches. Conventional approaches typically rely on rest or pain medication, which may not address the underlying mechanical causes and can carry risks during pregnancy.
Chiropractic as a treatment option during pregnancy
Chiropractic offers a natural, non-invasive alternative for managing the discomforts of pregnancy. Rather than simply masking symptoms, chiropractors focus on addressing the underlying mechanical causes. Through gentle chiropractic adjustments and pelvic balancing techniques, the goal is to restore proper alignment and function to the spine and pelvis.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide several key benefits:
Pain relief
Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be effective in relieving lower back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. By restoring proper alignment to the pelvis and lumbar spine, adjustments reduce mechanical stress on joints and surrounding soft tissues, providing drug-free pain relief.
Improved mobility and function
Chiropractic treatments help improve spinal and pelvic mobility. Proper pelvic alignment can reduce stiffness, enhance range of motion and make daily activities more comfortable. A well-aligned pelvis also creates optimal space for the baby to develop and move into the best position for delivery.
Holistic approach
Chiropractic takes a holistic approach to prenatal health. Beyond spinal adjustments, chiropractors evaluate the overall wellbeing of the expectant mother, including lifestyle recommendations, safe therapeutic exercises and nutritional guidance to support a healthy pregnancy.
Chiropractic techniques for pregnancy care
Several specialised chiropractic techniques are used to safely and effectively treat pregnant patients. Some of the most common include:
Webster Technique
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and adjustment designed for pregnant women. It focuses on reducing sacral misalignment and improving pelvic balance, which can help the uterus function more effectively and allow the baby to assume the optimal head-down position.
Gentle pelvic adjustments
Modified low-force adjustments are applied to the pelvis, sacrum and lumbar spine using pregnancy-adapted techniques and cushions. These gentle approaches address sacroiliac dysfunction and pelvic misalignment without any risk to the mother or baby, promoting comfort and stability.
Stretches and therapeutic exercises
Chiropractors recommend specific pregnancy-safe stretches and exercises designed to strengthen the muscles supporting the pelvis and spine, improve flexibility and reduce discomfort throughout each trimester.
Examples of therapeutic stretches and exercises recommended during pregnancy include:
- Pelvic tilts: This gentle exercise helps strengthen the abdominal muscles, reduce lumbar lordosis and alleviate lower back pain. Performed on all fours or lying on your back (during the first trimester), you tilt the pelvis to flatten the lower back.
- Cat-cow stretches: This classic stretch performed on hands and knees alternates between arching and rounding the back, helping to mobilise the spine, relieve tension and maintain spinal flexibility throughout pregnancy.
- Piriformis and hip stretches: These stretches help relieve tension in the hip and gluteal muscles, which can become tight during pregnancy due to the shift in the centre of gravity, helping to ease lower back and pelvic discomfort.
It is important to perform these stretches and exercises under the guidance of a chiropractor to ensure they are done safely and appropriately for each stage of pregnancy.
The chiropractor’s role in prenatal care
The chiropractor plays a fundamental role in supporting a healthy pregnancy. Using expertise in anatomy and biomechanics, the chiropractor performs a thorough assessment and develops an individualised treatment plan adapted to each trimester and the specific needs of the expectant mother.
In addition to spinal and pelvic adjustments, the chiropractor provides lifestyle recommendations, nutritional guidance and personalised therapeutic exercises. This comprehensive approach addresses both the symptoms and their underlying mechanical causes, promoting comfort throughout pregnancy and potentially contributing to an easier labour and faster postpartum recovery.
Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is widely considered safe throughout pregnancy when performed by a qualified, licensed chiropractor trained in prenatal techniques. Chiropractors who specialise in pregnancy care use modified tables and gentle adjustment methods that avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen.
The American Pregnancy Association recognises chiropractic as a safe and effective therapy during pregnancy. There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care during an uncomplicated pregnancy. However, women with high-risk pregnancies should consult their obstetrician before beginning any new treatment.
Tips for choosing a chiropractor during pregnancy
When looking for a chiropractor for prenatal care, consider these important factors to ensure a positive and safe experience:
- Verify the chiropractor’s qualifications and certifications: Ensure they are properly licensed and, ideally, trained in the Webster Technique or other prenatal-specific methods.
- Research patient reviews and recommendations: Look for online reviews from other pregnant patients and ask for referrals from your midwife, obstetrician or trusted friends.
- Communicate with the chiropractor: Ask about their experience treating pregnant women, the techniques they use and how they adapt treatment for each trimester.
- Check for pregnancy-adapted equipment: A chiropractor who regularly treats pregnant patients should have modified tables or cushions that accommodate a growing belly.
- Feel comfortable and confident: The relationship between patient and chiropractor is important. You should feel heard, respected and at ease during every visit.
Remember that choosing a chiropractor is a personal decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Research on chiropractic care during pregnancy
Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been the subject of numerous studies and growing clinical interest. While further research is always welcomed, current evidence supports its safety and effectiveness for managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal complaints.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that 75% of pregnant patients receiving chiropractic care reported clinically significant improvements in pain levels. Another study in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies demonstrated that the Webster Technique was associated with a high rate of breech resolution, supporting its use in optimising fetal positioning.
Research also suggests that women who receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy may experience shorter labour times and reduced need for pain interventions during delivery. However, each pregnancy is unique and individual results may vary.
Patient experiences with chiropractic during pregnancy
Many patients have reported positive experiences with chiropractic care during pregnancy. From significant pain relief to improved mobility and easier deliveries, here is what some of our patients have shared.
During my pregnancy I had terrible lower back pain. Chiropractic care allowed me to get through the final months with much more comfort. On top of that, the delivery was much easier than I had expected.
— Patricia
Dr. Marc Bony accompanied me throughout my entire pregnancy with gentle adjustments. He helped me with back pain and the sciatica I developed in the third trimester. Absolutely recommended.
— Verónica
I discovered chiropractic during my second pregnancy and the difference was enormous. Less pain, better posture and a much faster postpartum recovery. I wish I had done it the first time around.
— Alicia
Conclusion
Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain can significantly affect your quality of life, but chiropractic care provides a safe, effective and drug-free approach to managing it. Through gentle adjustments, pelvic balancing techniques and lifestyle recommendations, chiropractors address the underlying causes of discomfort and support the body’s natural adaptation to pregnancy.
Choosing a qualified and experienced chiropractor, following their recommendations and maintaining open communication are essential for the best results. If you are experiencing discomfort during pregnancy, consider chiropractic care as a viable treatment option that can help you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and prepare your body for a smoother delivery.
