Curious About Pregnancy Chiropractic Care? What the Latest Research Really Shows!
Pregnancy brings incredible change, but it can also cause new discomforts such as low back and pelvic pain. Many expectant mothers wonder if chiropractic care is safe and effective for relieving these symptoms.
Here’s what up-to-date, peer-reviewed research reveals:
Why musculoskeletal discomfort is so common in Pregnancy…
Over 70% of women will experience low back pain (LBP) or pelvic discomfort during pregnancy due to mechanical and hormonal changes[1]. Hormonal shifts, such as the release of relaxin and changes in spinal and pelvic posture, can destabilise joints and increase muscle tension. These adaptations, while normal, often contribute to pain and difficulty with daily movements[1][2].
What Does Research Say About Chiropractic Care?
Effectiveness: Clinical studies and systematic reviews indicate that chiropractic evaluation and treatment during pregnancy may be a safe, effective means of managing typical musculoskeletal symptoms, like back and pelvic pain[3][4]. One well-cited narrative review found that 75–84% of pregnant women who received chiropractic care reported significant pain relief from back pain[3].
Safety of Chiropractic Adjustments in Pregnancy
Risk Profile: Recent systematic reviews and consensus documents confirm that serious adverse events related to chiropractic spinal manipulation are rare in pregnancy[5][4]. Best-practice guidelines published in 2022 stress adjusting techniques to avoid abdominal pressure and ensuring patient comfort at all stages[4]. Most side effects, when present, are mild and transient (such as short-term muscle soreness)[5].
Standards: Recommendations emphasise practitioner expertise and communication with a patient’s midwife or GP, with contraindications such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, or pre-eclampsia always respected[4].
What Can Pregnant Patients Expect?
Chiropractic care is tailored throughout pregnancy:
Special adjustments and supports are used to accommodate a growing bump
The focus is on spinal and pelvic balance, posture correction, and safe manual therapy
Patients are offered practical advice on movement and self-care to reduce daily discomfort[4][3]
Patient Satisfaction and Outlook
Recent systematic reviews found consistently high patient satisfaction and positive experiences among pregnant women receiving chiropractic care, especially regarding pain reduction and improved function[6].
If you’re pregnant and experiencing back pain, pelvic pain, or related discomforts, speak with your maternity care provider about chiropractic care as a natural option for safe relief supported by clinical evidence. Any care should be individualised to you and in line with current best practice recommendations from peer-reviewed research.
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