Your body is doing something absolutely incredible right now. Growing a human being is no small feat, and with all the amazing changes happening, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or worried about what’s ahead.
Maybe you’re dealing with that nagging lower back pain that seems to get worse each week. Perhaps you’ve heard friends talk about long, difficult labors and you’re wondering if there’s anything you can do to prepare. You’re not alone in these concerns, and there’s something that might help more than you realize.
Key Takeaway: Prenatal chiropractic care isn’t just about managing aches and pains during pregnancy—though it certainly helps with that too. It’s about supporting your body’s natural wisdom and helping create the best possible environment for both you and your baby throughout this journey.
Proudly serving families in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, and throughout Broward County, FL.
How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy
Your body is remarkably designed to adapt to pregnancy, but these changes can sometimes create challenges. Understanding what’s happening can help you feel more confident about seeking the support you need.
Physical Changes That Affect Your Spine
As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward. Your body compensates by changing your posture, which can create tension in your spine and surrounding muscles.
- Your ribcage expands to make room for your growing uterus
- The curve in your lower back becomes more pronounced
- Your pelvis tilts and widens to prepare for birth
- Hormones like relaxin soften your ligaments and joints
How These Changes Affect Your Nervous System
Your nervous system controls everything in your body—from your breathing and heartbeat to your body’s ability to adapt to pregnancy changes. When your spine is under stress, it can interfere with how well your nervous system functions.
Think of it like a garden hose with a kink in it. The water (nerve signals) can still flow, but not as efficiently as it should. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help remove those “kinks” so your body can function at its best.
Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Many expecting mothers find that regular chiropractic care helps them feel more comfortable and confident throughout their pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, while every woman’s experience is unique, research suggests several potential benefits.
Relief from Common Pregnancy Discomforts
Pregnancy brings its share of physical challenges, but you don’t have to just “tough it out.” Many women notice improvement in:
- Lower back and pelvic pain
- Sciatica and leg pain
- Round ligament pain
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Headaches
Better Sleep and Energy
Did You Know? When your body is more comfortable and your nervous system is functioning better, many women find they sleep more soundly. Better sleep means more energy during the day—something every expecting mom needs.
One of our patients, Sarah, shared that after starting care in her second trimester, she was finally able to sleep through the night without constantly shifting positions to find comfort.
Ready to take the next step?
Call us at (754) 203-5907 or book your visit online.
The Webster Technique: Supporting Optimal Baby Positioning
You might have heard about the Webster Technique if you’ve been researching prenatal chiropractic care. This specialized approach focuses on balancing the muscles and ligaments in your pelvis to create the best possible environment for your baby.
What Makes the Webster Technique Special
The Webster Technique isn’t about manually turning your baby—that’s not what chiropractors do. Instead, it’s about removing tension and imbalances in your pelvis that might make it harder for your baby to move into the best position naturally.
This gentle technique involves specific adjustments and soft tissue work that many women find deeply relaxing. It’s completely safe and designed specifically for pregnant women.
When to Consider the Webster Technique
While the Webster Technique can be beneficial throughout pregnancy, it’s often recommended when:
- Your baby is in a breech or transverse position
- You’re experiencing pelvic pain or discomfort
- You want to optimize pelvic alignment for birth
- Your healthcare provider suggests it as part of your care plan
Safety First: What to Expect During Prenatal Chiropractic Care
If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, you might feel nervous about whether it’s safe during pregnancy. These concerns are completely understandable—you want to do everything possible to protect your growing baby.
Specialized Training and Techniques
Chiropractors who work with pregnant women receive specialized training in prenatal care. They understand exactly how your body changes during pregnancy and how to adapt their techniques accordingly.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that adjustments used during pregnancy are much gentler than what you might imagine. There’s no forceful twisting or positioning that would be uncomfortable for you or your baby.
Special Equipment for Your Comfort
Our office, like many that focus on prenatal care, has special tables and cushions designed specifically for pregnant women. These allow you to lie comfortably on your stomach even in later pregnancy, with your belly safely supported.
We also use techniques that can be performed while you’re sitting or lying on your side if that’s more comfortable for you.
When to Start Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Many women wonder if there’s a “best” time to start chiropractic care during pregnancy. The truth is, it’s beneficial at any stage, but different trimesters bring different opportunities.
First Trimester Benefits
Starting care early can help your body adapt to pregnancy changes more easily. Many women find it helps with nausea and fatigue, though every pregnancy is different.
Second Trimester Advantages
This is often when women start experiencing back pain and other physical discomforts. It’s also a great time to establish care before your belly gets larger and movement becomes more challenging.
Third Trimester Preparation
The final trimester is when the Webster Technique becomes especially valuable. It’s also when regular adjustments can help maintain pelvic alignment as your body prepares for labor.
Ready to take the next step?
Call us at (754) 203-5907 or book your visit online.
Preparing Your Body for Birth
Birth is one of the most physically demanding experiences your body will ever go through. Just like you might prepare for a marathon or other athletic event, preparing your body for labor makes sense.
Creating Optimal Pelvic Alignment
Quick Tip: When your pelvis is properly aligned, it creates the most space possible for your baby to move through during labor. This can potentially lead to shorter, more comfortable births.
Think of your pelvis as a doorway. You want that doorway to be as open and unobstructed as possible when it’s time for your baby to come through.
Supporting Your Body’s Natural Birth Process
Your body knows how to give birth—women have been doing it successfully for thousands of years. Research from the ICPA shows that prenatal chiropractic care simply helps remove any interference that might make the process more difficult than it needs to be.
Many families in Cooper City and throughout Broward County and Pembroke Pines have found that regular prenatal chiropractic care helps them feel more confident and prepared for their birth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when performed by a chiropractor trained in prenatal care, chiropractic treatment is considered safe throughout pregnancy. The techniques used are gentle and specifically adapted for expecting mothers. Always inform your chiropractor about your pregnancy and any concerns you may have.
How often should I see a chiropractor during pregnancy?
The frequency varies depending on your individual needs and comfort level. Some women benefit from weekly visits, especially in the third trimester, while others may need care less frequently. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a care plan that feels right for your situation.
Can chiropractic care help if my baby is breech?
The Webster Technique is specifically designed to address pelvic imbalances that may contribute to less-than-optimal fetal positioning. While chiropractors don’t manually turn babies, many women find that this gentle technique helps create better conditions for their baby to move naturally.
Should I continue chiropractic care after birth?
Many women find postpartum chiropractic care helpful as their body recovers from birth and adapts to new activities like breastfeeding and carrying their baby. The physical demands of new parenthood can create their own stresses on your spine and nervous system.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
Most chiropractors, including our practice, don’t require a referral. However, it’s always a good idea to let your prenatal care provider know about any treatments you’re receiving. Many obstetricians and midwives are supportive of chiropractic care as part of a comprehensive approach to pregnancy wellness.
Does insurance cover neurologically-focused chiropractic care?
Because we are neurologically-focused rather than a typical back-pain chiropractor, most major medical insurance plans do not cover what we do. Our approach is more specialized and more intensive than what insurance was designed for. However, we accept HSA and FSA — which many families have and don’t realize they can use for this. We also offer family discounts and flexible options to make care affordable. We always find a way for families who are committed to their child’s health.
Your Next Step Toward a More Comfortable Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a journey, and like any journey, it’s easier when you have the right support along the way. You don’t have to endure discomfort or worry about whether your body is prepared for birth—there are gentle, safe ways to help.
At Alive & Free Chiropractic, we understand the unique needs of expecting mothers. Dr. Cody Capeloto has helped many families in Weston and surrounding areas feel more comfortable and confident throughout their pregnancy journey.
If you’re curious about how prenatal chiropractic care might help you, we’d love to answer your questions and discuss whether it’s right for your situation. Every pregnancy is different, and your care should be tailored to your specific needs and comfort level.
Ready to learn more? Call us at (754) 203-5907 or use our convenient online booking to schedule your consultation. Your body is doing amazing work right now—let’s help it do that work as comfortably as possible.