The Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy and Labour
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but it can bring its share of discomforts, particularly in your back and pelvis. The great news? Chiropractic care can provide relief, enhance your comfort, and even contribute to a smoother labour. Let’s explore how it works and why so many expectant mothers trust it.
Back and Pelvic Pain: A Common Experience
If you’re experiencing back or pelvic pain during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Research from Norway reveals:
Nearly 50% of expectant mothers report moderate to severe pelvic pain.
Half of these women experience pelvic pain syndrome, while others feel discomfort across their lower back and pelvis.
Around 10% endure significant back pain alone (Malmqvist et al., 2012).
This pain often begins early in pregnancy and can disrupt daily life—but chiropractic care can offer effective relief.
Chiropractic Care: Transforming Pregnancy Pain
Chiropractic care focuses on keeping your body balanced and aligned. For pregnant women, this means addressing the spine and pelvis to alleviate pressure and improve overall function.
A study of 115 pregnant women receiving chiropractic care showed promising results:
Over half experienced improvement after just one week.
By one month, 70% reported feeling significantly better, with 85% benefiting after three months.
Even a year later, 88% continued to feel the positive effects (Peterson et al., 2014).
Chiropractic care can help you move more freely, sleep better, and enjoy pregnancy without persistent aches.
Easier Labour? Yes, It’s Possible
Chiropractic care can also contribute to a shorter, less stressful labour. Dr. Joan Fallon’s research found that mothers who received chiropractic care had shorter labour times:
First-time mums: Labour averaged 8 hours with chiropractic care compared to 14 hours without it.
Experienced mums: Labour times were reduced to 4-5 hours with chiropractic care, versus 9 hours without (Fallon, 1993).
Additionally, many women needed less pain relief during labour. One study showed that 84% of mothers who saw a chiropractor experienced less back pain and required fewer interventions (Diakow, 1991).
Targeting Common Pregnancy Aches
Pregnancy places significant strain on your lower back, pelvis and hips as your baby grows. This can lead to sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, often felt as a sharp or dull ache near your tailbone. Research indicates:
10 out of 11 women treated with chiropractic care for SI joint pain experienced full relief (Daly et al., 1991).
Another study found that 75% of pregnant women reported overall pain reduction with chiropractic care (Mantero & Crispini, 1982).
Why Chiropractic Care Works
During pregnancy, hormonal changes relax your ligaments to prepare for childbirth. While necessary, these changes can make your joints and spine more prone to misalignment, causing discomfort.
Chiropractic adjustments restore balance, relieve tension, and support your growing baby. Proper pelvic alignment can also help your baby move into the ideal position for birth, potentially reducing complications.
Enjoy a More Comfortable Pregnancy
Whether you’re dealing with back pain, pelvic discomfort, or simply want to feel your best as you prepare for labour, chiropractic care can make a difference. It’s a safe, natural way to stay comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy.
Take the first step toward feeling better—connect with a qualified chiropractor who specialises in pregnancy care. You deserve to fully enjoy this incredible journey!
References
Malmqvist et al., J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2012
Peterson et al., Chiropr Man Therap, 2014
Fallon, International Chiropractic Association, 1993
Diakow, J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1991
Mantero & Crispini, Chiropractic Interprofessional Research, 1982
Daly et al., Family Practice Research Journal, 1991
