Is It Safe to Get Chiropractic Adjustments While Pregnant?

Growing a tiny human is a miracle, yes. It’s all glowing skin and gentle kicks. For many moms-to-be, it’s also backaches that won’t quit, hips that feel like they’re shifting hourly, and a pelvis that seems to be plotting against your sleep schedule.

If you’ve found yourself thinking, “There has to be some relief without popping pain meds,” you’re not alone. In fact, more than half of pregnant women, up to 70%, experience significant lower back pain during pregnancy.

Prenatal chiropractic care can be the greatest solution. You might have heard about it from a friend, a doula, or even your OB. But is it really safe to get chiropractic adjustments while pregnant? Let’s break it down gently, just like a good adjustment would.

1) What Is Prenatal Chiropractic Care, and How Is It Different?

Prenatal chiropractic care is a gentle, targeted approach that supports the body through the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy. It’s about comfort, safety, and making space for both you and your baby to thrive.

Certified prenatal chiropractors understand the effects of pregnancy hormones like relaxin, and they use soft, precise techniques to ease tension without putting stress on your body.

One of the most trusted methods is the Webster Technique, a gentle way to align the pelvis and relieve pressure on the surrounding muscles and ligaments, helping you feel more balanced and at ease as your baby grows.

“The ICPA reports an 82% success rate in reducing intrauterine constraint with the Webster Technique.”

Source—International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)

While it’s not a method for “turning breech babies,” it does create an optimal environment for babies to settle into a head-down position naturally. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) trains and certifies practitioners in this technique, and it’s one of the most widely respected forms of prenatal chiropractic care.

2) Is It Safe to Get Chiropractic Adjustments While Pregnant?

Let’s talk about the question that’s probably still circling in your mind right now.  Is it actually safe? It’s totally natural to feel a little unsure about any kind of treatment during pregnancy. Your body is already working overtime, and when it comes to your growing baby, safety is always priority number one.

Yes, prenatal chiropractic care is widely considered safe throughout all stages of pregnancy when performed by a trained, certified professional.

“Prenatal chiropractic care is safe and effective when provided by a trained professional.”
Source—American Chiropractic Association

In fact, many OB-GYNs and midwives refer their patients to prenatal chiropractors to help manage musculoskeletal pain, support posture, and even promote pelvic balance as delivery nears.

However, safety starts with the right provider. Not every chiropractor is trained to work with pregnant patients. 

3) The Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy (Yes, There Are Many)

Honestly, pregnancy can be beautiful and empowering, but it can also be physically overwhelming. Your body is constantly shifting, stretching, and compensating in ways that can leave you feeling sore, off-balance, and exhausted.  Here’s how chiropractic adjustments help your physical and mental well-being: 

• Better pelvic alignment leads to better baby positioning. As your belly grows, your pelvis takes on a lot of responsibility. A misaligned pelvis can limit the space your baby has to move and may even make it harder for them to get into an optimal head-down position before birth. Gentle pelvic adjustments help ease ligament pressure and support better fetal positioning, creating a more favorable environment for birth.

• Less pain and more mobility. Back pain, hip discomfort, and sciatica are some of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Chiropractic care targets these specific areas of tension, helping reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and give you a greater range of motion.  Many moms report better sleep, less waddling (yep, we said it), and a general sense of lightness they didn’t think was possible this late in pregnancy.

• It may even help you in the delivery room. Regular chiropractic care during pregnancy may contribute to a shorter and smoother labor. Better alignment, fewer muscular restrictions, and more pelvic balance may help your body work more efficiently when the big moment arrives.

• Let’s not overlook the mental load of pregnancy. Many moms describe chiropractic care as emotional relief, too. It's a great technique to reconnect with their bodies, to feel heard, supported, and physically cared for in a gentle way. 

4) Why Pelvic Alignment Matters More Than You Think

Your pelvis is the gateway your baby eventually needs to pass through. As your body shifts during pregnancy, it’s easy for the pelvis to fall out of alignment. And when that happens, it can do more than cause discomfort; it can affect your baby’s position.

When space is limited, it means a misaligned pelvis can lead to intrauterine constraint, meaning your baby may have less room to move into a head-down position. This can increase the chance of a breech presentation, which often leads to more medical interventions during birth. In this condition, chiropractic care, specifically the Webster Technique, can help.

“In a 2002 survey of 112 pregnant women receiving Webster care, 92 (82%) experienced resolution of breech presentations.

 Source—jmptonline.org

It doesn’t force the baby to move; it simply helps create more space for them to do what they’re naturally designed to do. It’s about giving your body and your baby the support they deserve.

5) What to Expect at a Prenatal Chiropractic Appointment

Worried about what’s going to happen at your first visit? Don’t be. Here's a clear, comforting breakdown of what you can expect during proper prenatal chiropractic care: 

• It All Starts with a Real Conversation. You won’t be rushed onto a table. Your first visit is a sit-down chat where your chiropractor learns about you. About how far along you are, how you’re feeling, and what’s been bothering you lately. It’s personalized care, not a generic approach.

• Don’t worry about lying flat, because you don’t have to. Chiropractors who work with pregnant patients use special pregnancy tables or soft belly cushions to keep you comfy and safe. Whether you’re on your side or supported with a pillow, your bump will be completely protected.

• The adjustments are gentle and thoughtful. Forget everything you’ve seen on YouTube. Prenatal adjustments aren’t about loud cracks—they’re slow, soft, and tailored to your needs. Most moms describe them as relieving and calming, not intimidating.

• You can go as often (or as little) as you need. Some expecting moms pop in once a month; others find weekly care more helpful as they get closer to delivery. Your chiropractor will recommend a plan that fits your pregnancy and pain level.

6) Situations Where Chiropractic Care Isn’t Advise

While prenatal chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for many, it’s not the right choice for everyone and that’s perfectly okay. Sometimes, the best care is knowing when to pause or hold off.

Here are some important situations where chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy aren’t recommended:

• Placental abruption: This serious condition, where the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall, requires immediate medical attention and rest, so chiropractic care should be avoided.
  

• Vaginal bleeding: Any unexplained bleeding during pregnancy is a red flag and calls for prompt evaluation by your healthcare provider before considering chiropractic treatment.
  

• Ectopic pregnancy: When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, it’s a medical emergency that rules out chiropractic care until resolved.
  

• Moderate to severe preeclampsia: High blood pressure with organ involvement demands close medical supervision and is not a time for chiropractic adjustments.  

7) Hess Spinal and Medical Prenatal Chiropractic Care You Can Trust During Pregnancy

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about what’s okay and what needs attention. The important part is tuning into your body’s signals and giving it the care it deserves before discomfort takes over.

That’s why we encourage you to get evaluated by a licensed prenatal chiropractor, someone who understands the delicate balance of your changing body and can guide you safely through this journey. Early care can make all the difference.

We offer same-day appointments, no upfront fees, and flexible transportation options to ensure your visit is as stress-free as possible.

If you’re ready to feel better and support your body throughout pregnancy, visit hessspinalandmedicalcenters.com or call us at (800) 618-4377. You can also fax us at (813) 514-2725. Let’s work together to make your pregnancy journey smoother, more comfortable, and full of the care you deserve.