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Pregnancy care

Prenatal Holistic and Chiropractic Care Benefits

Chiropractic care during pregnancy balances the pelvis, potentially reducing labor complications and shortening times by 24%-39% (Fallon, 1991). Acupuncture, moxibustion and yoga can be used to induce labor naturally (Rabel et al., 2001) and was found to reduce the need for epidural analgesia, and cesarean sections (Maharana et al., 2013).

Enhanced pelvic alignment from chiropractic adjustments decreases the likelihood of breech or posterior positions, facilitating optimal fetal positioning. The Webster Technique has been shown to be effective in resolving breech presentations, with a success rate as high as 92%, particularly when applied regularly before the 36th week (Pistolesi, 2002).

Chiropractic treatments alleviate pregnancy discomforts like back, neck, and pelvic pain, plus headaches and sleep disturbance. Studies such as one by Diakow et al. (1991) report significant relief, with 84% of women experiencing less back pain.

Regular chiropractic care, yoga, acupuncture and lymphatic massage enhance nervous and organ function, support the immune system, and improve circulation. These practices also may help reduce hypertension (Weil et al., 2007) risk, decrease swelling (edema), and enhance detoxification.  Breathing technique helps to relieve the tension around the cervix by opening up the pelvic region, ensuring adequate space for the baby’s growth and movement, supporting optimal fetal development.

Chiropractic, physiotherapy, and yoga improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension, enhancing comfort and allowing pregnant women to maintain activity safely.

Yoga and deep breathing exercises promote relaxation, support emotional well-being, improve sleep and reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy (Babbar et al., 2012). A study by Fiskin and Sahin (2018) suggest that engaging in diaphragmatic breathing exercises can have beneficial impacts on mental well-being and potentially enhance the bond between mother and fetus.

What is Webster Technique? Is it Safe?

The Webster Technique is a specialized, gentle and safe chiropractic method for pregnant women, focusing on adjusting the sacrum to enhance pelvic balance. This reduces tension in the pelvic muscles and ligaments, promoting optimal fetal positioning. Chiropractors must undergo specific training and certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to use this technique, ensuring safe and effective practice. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it can improve pregnancy outcomes, including shorter labor times (Fallon, 1991) and fewer birthing complications (Pistolesi, 2002).

According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:

  • Maintaining A Healthier Pregnancy
  • ControllingSymptoms Of Nausea
  • Reducing The Time Of Labor And Delivery
  • Relieving Back, Neck Or Joint Pain
  • Preventing A Potential Cesarean Delivery

Chiropractic care provides several benefits for infant, including:

  1. Eases Colic and Reflux Symptoms.
  2. Enhances Neurological Development.
  3. Promotes Healthier Sleep.
  4. Facilitated Breastfeeding: Proper alignment of the baby’s neck and jaw can improve latch and suction.
  5. Boosts the Immune System
  6. Supports reaching growth milestones
  7. Reduces Fussiness.

In the realm of pregnancy care, the role of OB-GYNs is indispensable, providing essential guidance and acute care during critical moments. To complement this vital support, chiropractic and holistic therapies offer natural, safe, and integrative approaches designed to optimize health, reduce pain, ensure smoother deliveries, support the baby’s healthy development, and help prevent certain complications. These practices work alongside conventional prenatal care, enhancing the well-being of both mother and child.

Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy Journey for Mother and Baby

Combining chiropractic care with acupuncture, naturopathy, nutritional interventions, and stress management techniques such as deep breathing can be instrumental in addressing infertility and optimizing conditions for conception. Correcting spinal and pelvic alignment through chiropractic care enhances nervous system function, which is essential for hormonal balance and reproductive health. This integrated approach not only increases the likelihood of conception (Budgell & Yee, 2018) but also fosters a supportive environment for a healthy pregnancy.

Hormonal changes impact joints and lead to pelvic instability as the baby grows. Additionally, increased weight and changes in posture often result in common issues like low back pain. Chiropractic care addresses these issues by focusing on spinal and pelvic alignment with the Webster Technique. These safe and gentle adjustments not only alleviate discomfort and restore balance but also facilitate optimal fetal position and a smoother birthing process for both mother and baby (Pistolesi, 2002).

Chiropractic care aids the mother’s recovery by realigning the spine and reducing pain, enhancing health, sleep quality, and resilience in new motherhood. For babies, gentle adjustments alleviate colic and promote better digestion, sleep, immunity, and breastfeeding (Miller et al.), fostering overall development. This approach calms the baby and eases parental stress, smoothing the transition during the early weeks of life.

Pregnancy Chiropractic And Holistic Program At Earthy Center Includes:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments, Using Webster Technique. 
  • Pelvic Strengthening And Stretching. 
  • Naturopathic And Nutritional Consultations.
  • Deep Breathing, Lymphatic Drainage, Yoga, And Acupuncture. 
  • Lactation Education. 
  • Babbar, S., Parks-Savage, A. C., & Chauhan, S. P. (2012). Yoga during pregnancy: a review. American journal of perinatology, 459-464.
  • Diakow, P. R., Gadsby, T. A., Gadsby, J. B., Gleddie, J. G., Leprich, D. J., & Scales, A. M. (1991). Back pain during pregnancy and labor. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 14(2), 116-118.
  • Fallon, J. M. (1991). The effect of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labor: a comprehensive study. Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic. In: Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic: World Federation of Chiropractic, 24-31.
  • Maharana, S., Nagarathna, R., Padmalatha, V., Nagendra, H. R., & Hankey, A. (2013). The effect of integrated yoga on labor outcome: A randomized controlled study. International Journal of Childbirth, 3(3), 165-177.
  • Pistolese, R. A. (2002). The Webster Technique: a chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 25(6), 1-9.
  • Rabl, M., Ahner, R., Bitschnau, M., Zeisler, H., & Husslein, P. (2001). Acupuncture for cervical ripening and induction of labor at term-a randomized controlled trial. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, 113(23-24), 942-946.
  • Budgell, B., & Yee, B. (2018). A scoping review of chiropractic management of female patients with infertility. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 62(2), 117.
  • Miller, J. E., Miller, L., Sulesund, A. K., & Yevtushenko, A. (2009). Contribution of chiropractic therapy to resolving suboptimal breastfeeding: a case series of 114 infants. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 32(8), 670-674.

  • Weil, N., Friger, M., Press, Y., Tal, D., Soffer, T., & Peleg, R. (2007). The effect of acupuncture on blood pressure in hypertensive patients treated in a complementary medicine clinic. Integrative Medicine Insights, 2, 117863370700200001.

  • Fiskin, G., & Sahin, N. H. (2018). Effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise on psychological parameters in gestational diabetes: A randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 23, 50-56.

  • American Pregnancy Association (APA). Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy. Retrieved May 20, 2024, from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy.