Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy and After Birth
Dr. Andrew Kakishita, DC | Pleasant Grove, UT
Pregnancy changes almost everything about how your body moves and feels. So it is very normal to wonder if chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy, and how soon after giving birth you can be adjusted.
Let’s break it into two parts because they are really two different stages of care.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy
For most women, chiropractic care during pregnancy is considered safe when performed by a trained chiropractor who works with prenatal patients. The body is going through constant change. Hormones are loosening ligaments, the pelvis is shifting, and posture is adjusting to a growing baby.
A simple way to think about it is like a house where the foundation is slowly changing while everything inside is still being used every day. The furniture still has to function, the doors still need to open, but things do not line up the same way they used to.
That is what many pregnant women feel. Their body is working hard, but things feel off.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy usually focuses on helping the spine and pelvis move better and reducing stress on surrounding muscles. Many chiropractors also use pregnancy-specific techniques, including special tables or positions so there is no pressure on the abdomen.
Most women are not coming in because something is “wrong” (though lower back pain, carpal tunnel, swelling, etc are a real thing during pregnancy!). Most times, they are coming in because everyday movement starts to feel harder than it should.
Of course, every pregnancy is different. If someone is considered high-risk or has specific medical concerns, it is always smart to communicate with their OB or midwife first.
After birth, how soon can you get adjusted?
This is where a lot of people are surprised. In many cases, you do not need to wait long at all after giving birth to be evaluated or adjusted.
Some women are seen within days, while others wait a few weeks depending on how they feel and what kind of delivery they had. For example, a natural birth will oftentimes result in faster recovery than a C-section.
Think about what the body just went through. Pregnancy is already a long process, and then delivery itself is physically demanding. After that, you are suddenly lifting, feeding, rocking, and carrying a newborn all day long. That alone can put a lot of stress on the neck, shoulders, and low back.
Common postpartum areas of focus include:
- Low back and pelvic discomfort
- Upper back and neck tension from nursing or bottle feeding
- Postural strain from holding the baby
- General stiffness from lack of sleep and recovery
There is no strict universal rule that says you must wait a certain number of weeks. It really depends on comfort level and how the body is healing.
Why this matters in Pleasant Grove
In Pleasant Grove, a lot of moms are busy, active, and trying to bounce back quickly after pregnancy while still taking care of a newborn. That combination can lead to a lot of lingering discomfort that just gets pushed aside.
Chiropractic care is not about rushing recovery. It is about helping the body move better while it is already healing.
Final thought
Pregnancy and postpartum care is less about a timeline and more about listening to what your body is telling you. If something feels off, stiff, or stuck, that is usually your body asking for a little help. Not sure when you should come in? Give us a call, and we’d be happy to give you some pointers!