Prenatal Chiropractic
Chiropractic care during pregnancy not only can help you to stay more comfortable, but can also help to facilitate your birth. Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the length of time a woman labors. First time moms averaged a 24% shorter labor, while mothers who have already given birth experienced a 39% reduction in the average labor length, compared to controls. Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing back labor. Additionally, regular chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the C-section rate.
Regular chiropractic adjustments can safely continue up until the time of birth.
Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their pain. Due to the center of gravity changing and the added weight, pregnancy can cause lower back irritation and spinal irritation. Chiropractic care can help alleviate these symptoms.
Postnatal Chiropractic Care
New moms will find that chiropractic care after delivery can help to correct abnormal curves and chronic conditions that are due to hormonal changes and laxity of ligaments. As the hormones balance and the ligaments tighten, chiropractic care can help decrease pain and discomfort.
Also, with a new baby, some moms experience fatigue and pain in their upper back, neck and lower back from nursing and lifting. Dr. Merriel can teach you proper or alternative positions and specific exercises that will help alleviate discomfort while core muscles return to their prenatal state.
Webster Breech Technique
The Webster Technique, developed by Dr. Larry Webster in 1978, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), is a specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers. It is a chiropractic technique designed to relieve the causes of intrauterine constraint. This technique has been highly successful in relieving intrauterine constraint and helping to convert breech presentations to cephalic presentation for more than 20 years.
What is intrauterine constraint? Intrauterine constraint is defined as any forces external to the developing fetus that obstructs the normal movement of the fetus. Intrauterine constraint can prevent the developing fetus from attaining a head down position.
Performance of the Webster Technique involves analysis of the relationship of the bones of the pelvis, and correction of aberrant biomechanics through the use of a light force chiropractic adjustment of the sacrum (Step 1). It also involves analysis and relief of specific abdominal muscle tension or spasm (Step 2). Both steps are intended to relieve the musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine constraint that may lead to cesarean section delivery.
Webster Technique Cont.
It is important to stress that the Webster Technique is not to be misconstrued as the practice of obstetrics. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic technique intended to relieve a specific musculoskeletal condition, and is well within Dr. Merriel scope of practice. At no time does Dr. Merriel attempt to change the position of the fetus as is done in external cephalic version (ECV). Untrained individuals should not attempt the Webster Technique.
In addition, the Webster Technique should not be confused with other unproven or unsafe “chiropractic breech turning” techniques.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue that 82% of doctors using the Webster Technique reported success. Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique in the 8th month of pregnancy
How is a breech presentation diagnosed?
A few weeks prior to the due date, a health care provider may place his/her hands on the mother’s lower abdomen to locate the baby’s head, back, and buttocks. If they think the baby is in a breech position, an ultrasound may be used to confirm. Special x-rays can also determine the baby’s position and measure the pelvis to determine if a vaginal delivery of a breech baby may be attempted.
Can a breech presentation be changed?
The best time to try to turn a breech baby is between 32-37 weeks of pregnancy There are many different types of methods to use and all have different levels of success.
Prenatal Care Patient Case Studies
Chiropractic Care During Labor
Patient Info: A scientist at the University of Pennsylvania. She was very medically minded but willing to try anything. Her husband came with her to the visit. Her first delivery had taken over 10 hours of labor. This was her second pregnancy.
Symptoms: The patient contacted us on an emergency basis, asking if we could see the patient. At the time of the call, she had already been in labor for about 16 hours. She was in a lot of discomfort and exhausted.
Treatment: Dr. Merriel performed the Webster technique. The visit took place on a Friday evening. He asked her to get back to him after the weekend to let him know how the delivery went.
Outcome: When Dr. Merriel called her on Monday, she told him that as she was leaving the office, her water broke. She went right to the hospital and had the baby within an hour. Her previous labor had lasted over 10 hours. This time, it was done within an hour of leaving the office. She was extremely happy.
Managing Lower Back Pain Through the Final Weeks of Pregnancy
Patient Info: A pregnant woman who was close to her delivery date at the time of treatment.
Symptoms: She came in with a lot of lower back aching and pain. During pregnancy, ligaments become a lot more relaxed to make room for the baby. Her pelvis was shifting back and forth, making it uncomfortable to stand or sit for long periods.
Diagnosis: Dr. Jordan went through the same basic workup she uses for all patients, modified based on how far along the patient was in her pregnancy.
Treatment: Dr. Jordan has been treating her once a week for about 12 weeks. She modified the patient’s position on the table so she is not face down. The adjustments help move the pelvis back where it needs to be. Dr. Jordan also modified how she sits at work. The patient now sits on a large yoga ball instead of a chair.
Outcome: The adjustments are lasting almost the whole week. She starts to have pain come back the night before she comes in for her next adjustment. Considering how close she is to her due date, she is doing really well. At this stage, the goal is managing pain until she delivers, and the care has been helpful in doing that.
Prenatal Chiropractic Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Andy Santos
After over a year of doctor visits and physical therapy, I hit a plateau and was still in a lot of daily pain. Dr. McDonald’s treatment plan, combined with Natalie’s effective massage therapy...
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Bryn DenHeyer
I originally came here to have my infant daughter treated by Dr. Waters for torticollis. He was a miracle worker! I started having pain and asked if he worked on adults- he did! I saw him a few times...
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Divya Kapoor
Best massage place ever!! Melina's neck and back massages are lifesavers, especially after long hours hunched over a computer. She really knows how to target those tight spots to ease tension...
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Nancy Clinkerbeard
Greenlight Chiropractic is fantastic. From the moment you walk in and they know you by name, Jeremy is an awesome manager, facilitator of your visit and needs. Next get time for Natalie to work on you...
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Sabina Uskenova
I really liked it there!! It’s very calm and nice atmosphere that you can trust. Dr, Waters was very patient and explained everything. He didn’t try to sell me a thousand adjustments as you...
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Sylvia Mireles
Hi!!! I just had my last adjustment with Dr. Waters. He has been a gem, his expertise- his sincerity and super genuineness, has been a bright star as part of my overall healing and amazing experience on this...
Read on GoogleBook an Appointment With Your Local Pregnancy Chiropractor
Scheduling your visit with Greenlight Chiropractic & Wellness Lab is simple. You can call our office directly or visit our Contact Us page to connect with the location nearest you and request an appointment.
Our team can help answer questions, guide you through the scheduling process, and help you find a visit time that works best for your schedule.
Prenatal Chiropractic Patient FAQs
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Prenatal chiropractic care is considered safe when provided by a chiropractor trained in pregnancy-specific techniques. Care is gentle, low-force, and adapted to each stage of pregnancy. Techniques avoid pressure on the abdomen and are designed to support spinal and pelvic balance while prioritizing comfort and safety for both mother and baby.
When should prenatal chiropractic care begin?
Prenatal chiropractic care can begin at any stage of pregnancy. Some patients start early to support posture and comfort as the body changes, while others begin later when back, hip, or pelvic discomfort appears. Care is always adjusted based on trimester, symptoms, and individual needs.
Can chiropractic care help with pregnancy-related back pain?
Yes. Pregnancy-related back pain is often linked to posture changes, pelvic imbalance, and increased stress on the spine. Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal and pelvic function, which may help reduce strain and support more comfortable movement during pregnancy.
Does prenatal chiropractic care help with baby positioning?
Prenatal chiropractic care does not manually turn or reposition the baby. Instead, it focuses on optimizing pelvic balance and alignment, which may help create an environment that allows the baby to move and position naturally within the uterus.
What techniques are used in prenatal chiropractic care?0
Prenatal chiropractic care uses specialized techniques designed for pregnancy, including:
Gentle spinal and pelvic adjustments
Pregnancy-safe positioning and support tables
Soft tissue techniques for muscle tension
Pelvic balancing approaches
Postural and movement guidance
All techniques are adapted to the comfort and pregnancy stage.
How often should I see a chiropractor during pregnancy?
Visit frequency varies depending on symptoms, pregnancy stage, and individual response to care. Some patients benefit from periodic visits, while others may require more frequent care during times of increased discomfort. Recommendations are personalized and reviewed regularly.
Do I need imaging or X-rays during pregnancy?
No. Imaging and X-rays are not used during pregnancy for chiropractic care. Diagnosis is based on physical examination, movement assessment, and symptom history, all performed in a pregnancy-safe manner.
Is prenatal chiropractic care painful?
No. Prenatal chiropractic care is designed to be gentle and comfortable. Techniques are modified to avoid discomfort, and care is always adjusted based on how the patient feels during treatment.
What are the back pain treatments during pregnancy?
Back pain during pregnancy is common due to posture changes, ligament relaxation, and increased spinal load. Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on:
Supporting spinal alignment
Reducing mechanical stress
Improving pelvic balance
Encouraging comfortable movement
Providing posture and activity guidance
Care is conservative and supportive throughout pregnancy.
Can chiropractic care support labor preparation?
Prenatal chiropractic care may support labor preparation by improving pelvic mobility and balance. A well-balanced pelvis may support comfort and efficient movement during labor, but chiropractic care does not guarantee labor outcomes.
How do we diagnose pregnancy-related spinal & pelvic issues?
Diagnosis during pregnancy is non-invasive and focused on safety.
Evaluation may include:
Review of pregnancy history and symptoms
Postural assessment
Gentle spinal and pelvic movement evaluation
Muscle balance and flexibility checks
Discussion of daily activities and comfort
No imaging or invasive testing is used.
