Chiropractic spinal and pelvic adjustments can reduce or resolve pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, hip pain, sciatica, and heartburn. Chiropractic helps with optimal fetal positioning by helping the pelvis to be symmetrical. This in turn helps the uterus to be more symmetrical. Adjustments can help the baby to fit the brim better to engage in time to help stimulate cervical ripening. Adjustments also make the pelvis more flexible so that pelvic joints move more easily in labor.
Dr. Jeanne Ohm sends this description of Chiropractic techniques for optimal fetal positioning and easier birthing:
Chiropractic in Pregnancy
A chiropractic adjustment called the Webster technique is a specific sacral adjustment to help facilitate the mother’s pelvic alignment and nerve system function. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments, reduces torsion to the uterus and offers a greater potential for optimal fetal positioning. Originally used for breech presentations and then posterior presentations, current research is revealing the benefits of receiving the Webster technique throughout pregnancy for the prevention of dystocia. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association offers chiropractors advanced classes on care in pregnancy, including the Webster technique. Providers certified in this technique are listed on the ICPA website here: www.icpa4kids.org.
OK — two weeks ago, after baby was turning breech to head-down daily for two weeks, I had a Chiropractor appointment. Baby was head up at the appointment. …. Baby turned head down that night and has stayed that way ever since! I’m still doing side-lying release daily, as well as daily inversions and body positioning techniques. So thank you SO MUCH!!!!!!! –Beth L.
A chiropractor can do the same, or similar, chiropractic techniques to help reposition a posterior, breech or
Chiropractic in Pregnancy
transverse baby. Variations will reflect the chiropractor’s findings with individual women that they have helped in their experience.
Dr. Carol Phillips, DC, recommends addressing the skeletal system through adjustments, but equally addressing the fascia (with myofascial release) and the cranial rhythm (with gentle craniosacral therapy). She teaches everyone who works with pregnant and birthing women techniques that have been effective in her experience (and now in mine).
Dr. Phillips’ Dynamic Body Balancing classes give the necessary information for broad application by any bodyworker. Beginners are welcome. Chiropractors who attend will get additional instructions for when to apply particular adjustments, but the series can be taken by anyone dedicated to serving pregnant women in this way.
Chiropractic in Pregnancy
Ask the Chiropractor about adjustments of:
The sacrum, both vertically (SI joints) and horizontally (for a buckled sacrum)
The symphysis pubis
The neck (Logan Basic is so helpful)
Neck adjustments do improve pelvic alignment, especially if accompanied by myofascial release. Not all Chiropractors are trained in Myofascial Release (see more on Myofascial Release below).
