When I am chatting with an expectant mother, one question I often hear is, "Do you think a chiropractor could help... Is that even safe during pregnancy. Chiropractors kind of scare me."

Nine times out of ten my answer is a resounding: YES! Call that chiropractor yesterday! What are you waiting for?!

There are a lot of opinions on chiropractors, however, my personal experience has lead me to be extremely "pro Chiro". My first experience with chiropractic care was in high school long before ever considering pregnancy. I had chronic back and neck pain and after seeing many specialists, I was finally referred to Chiro care, and it was the only thing that helped. After a 12 week healing program, I felt amazing. From then on, I kept up with well-visit chiropractic care around once a month for a year or so. This chiropractor used various techniques from teaching me special exercises and stretches, to utilizing massage and finally adjustments to help me heal. This particular chiropractor used manual adjustments on me. Fastforward, when I was pregnant with my first-born, I was told he was breech at 39 weeks and scheduled for a CS the following Monday. I was less than thrilled. My midwife suggested trying chiropractic care to help baby have the space to turn. Unfortunately in my situation, I could only get in 2 or 3 visits, and it wasn't enough. However, this chiropractor used a totally different technique on me since I was pregnant. He utilized what is called "Webster Technique". I don't know much about techniques, and honestly can't explain to you what Webster is, but what I do know is it is the go-to adjustment technique for pregnancy. I firmly believe that if I had started chiropractic care earlier, we would have been able to avoid the flip from vertex to breech between 38 and 39 weeks... but I digress. With my second-born son's pregnancy, I began chiropractic care around 16 weeks. The second and third trimesters of that pregnancy were a breeze compared to the first! Despite my increased pelvic pain (thanks, Relaxin!), I was capable and active, and felt wonderful. Every time my pelvis was acting up, my chiropractor was able to "reset" me, and I was back in operating order in no time! I can not imagine suffering the entire pregnancy without that support! This particular chiropractor used an adjuster tool that gently tapped my vertebrae back into place. It was the most comfortable, gentle manipulation I had ever experienced. She also incorporated some massage and use of reflexology in her practice. This time I was able to keep myself in alignment and allow for baby to position himself optimally for a successful VBAC. Now don't get me wrong, I'm aware there were likely many factors at play, but as someone who has been diagnosed with "loose joints" and experiences chronic back and neck pain, constantly falling out of alignment, that is only relieved with chiropractic care, I am sure that Chiro care played a huge role in my positive birth outcome. Fast forward to this pregnancy and I'm getting regular chiropractic care again. This particular chiropractor in New Jersey uses a combination of the methods utilized by my previous chiropractors, and it's great. I always walk away feel totally fresh and new, with much less pregnancy discomfort. Enough about me... you're probably wondering if a chiropractor would be a good idea for you. Unless you have underlying medical conditions that are contraindications to chiropractic care, I would highly suggest finding a Chiropractor if you are experiencing any of the following:

Round Ligament Pain

General Pregnancy Discomfort

Headaches

Symphisis Pubic Dysfunction

Hip pain

Back pain

Neck pain

Trouble sleeping

Breech or Posterior presentations (although these can totally change without Chiro support!) For optimal fetal positioning and improved comfort, find a Webster Certified Chiropractor near you today!

Jaimie is a proud mother and wife, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Birth and Postpartum Doula trained with the Madriella Network. Jaimie resides in South Jersey and would love to support you through your pregnancy, birth, and transition into motherhood. Find out if Jaimie is the right doula for your family, schedule an interview today!

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