As a chiropractor who has been treating pregnant women for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how chiropractic care provides significant relief during pregnancy.
Many expectant mothers experience discomfort as their bodies change to accommodate their growing babies.
Today, I’m walking you through exactly what happens at our clinic during a chiropractic adjustment while pregnant.
Watch the full demonstration in the video below, or continue reading for a detailed explanation of each step.
Specialized Equipment for Pregnant Patients
One of the first things you’ll notice in our clinic is that we use specialized equipment designed specifically for pregnant women.
Starting with the pillow we use, you’ll see that there’s actually a hole in here for the belly. So when mom lies on the table her belly will go right into that, which allows her to lay face down comfortably.
This specialized pregnancy pillow is a game-changer for many expectant mothers who haven’t been able to lie comfortably on their stomachs for months.
Our prenatal chiropractors also adjust different parts of the table to ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout the entire process.
Understanding the Adjustment Table
Before beginning any adjustment, I always explain how the tables work, especially for first-time patients who could be caught off-guard or startled by the sounds.
When we do an adjustment in our clinic, we use tables that have a drop. They go up and down, and they actually make a lot of noise, but you’ll notice the movement and see how it benefits the chiropractic adjustment itself.
This drop-table technique is especially beneficial during pregnancy as it allows for effective adjustments with much less force than traditional techniques.
During your chiropractic adjustment, we’ll press certain parts of the table and other times we’ll hold pressure or glide with our fingers.
Initial Assessment: Understanding Your Body’s Needs
Every chiropractic session begins with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what your body needs that day.
A lot of the analysis we do is for the pelvis. During this phase, I check the alignment and mobility of your pelvis, which often shifts during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the increasing weight of your baby.
One simple test involves gently pushing both feet forward to check for equality in movement and resistance.
We push both feet forward and if they’re not equal — as in one goes further or gives more resistance — this starts to give us some information about what’s going on in your pelvis.
Tailbone and Hip Examination
The next area I examine is the tailbone (coccyx) and surrounding structures.
This area can become particularly sensitive during pregnancy as the ligaments loosen in preparation for childbirth.
Following the tailbone assessment, I focus on the hip muscles, which often become tight from compensating for your changing centre of gravity.
For that, usually we hold some pressure, sometimes use the table there as well.
Checking the Pubic Bone and Round Ligament
Two areas that require special attention during pregnancy are your pubic bone and the round ligament.
We always check the pubic bone, which is an area that’s very sensitive in pregnancy. There’s a lot of pressure built on there.
The pubic symphysis joint can become unstable during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that relax the ligaments in preparation for childbirth. Many women suffer with pubic symphysis dysfunction and feel the pain there.
Finally, we check one of the ligaments, the round ligament, and that’s how we check for tension in pregnancy.
The round ligament supports your uterus and stretches as the baby grows. When it becomes too tight, it can cause sharp, pulling pains on one or both sides of the abdomen.
The Adjustment Process
Based on the findings from my assessment, I then perform specific adjustments tailored to your needs. These might include:
- Sacroiliac joint adjustments – to realign the pelvis and reduce pressure
- Pubic symphysis adjustments – to balance the pubic joint and reduce pain
- Hip and lower back adjustments – to improve mobility and reduce muscle tension
- Round ligament technique – to reduce tension and discomfort
As a result, the corrections are made as comfortably as possible – one of the many benefits of an adjustment during pregnancy.
Why These Adjustments Matter During Pregnancy
Maintaining proper pelvic alignment during pregnancy has several benefits:
- Reduces back, hip, and pelvic pain
- Creates more space for your baby to grow and move
- May help baby achieve optimal positioning for birth
- Improves your mobility and comfort in daily activities
What to Expect After Your Adjustment
After your adjustment, you might experience:
- Immediate relief from pain or discomfort
- Improved mobility
- Better sleep quality
- A sense of lightness or ease in movement
Some women also report that their babies become more active after an adjustment, likely because the increased space allows for more movement.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe Throughout Pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe throughout all stages of pregnancy when performed by a qualified prenatal chiropractor.
At Oaktree Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we have certifications in prenatal chiropractic care, including the Webster Technique specifically designed for pregnant women.
Schedule Your Prenatal Chiropractic Assessment
If you’re experiencing discomfort during your pregnancy, or simply want to maintain optimal pelvic alignment for you and your baby, I invite you to book a consultation with us at Oaktree Chiropractic & Acupuncture.
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