Questions to Ask About Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

A Guide for Expectant Moms in Floral Park, NY

Pregnancy is an incredible journey! Your body is growing, changing, and adapting every day as it prepares to welcome a new life into the world.

But along with all that excitement, pregnancy can bring some new challenges. Your posture changes, your center of gravity shifts, and your muscles and joints work harder to support your growing baby.

At Inspired Chiropractic in Floral Park, NY, Dr. John McAtamney (Dr. Mac) understands that pregnancy is more than just a physical experience. It’s a time of tremendous change for the entire body, including the nervous system.

If you’re considering chiropractic care during pregnancy, asking the right questions can help you make an informed and comfortable decision.

1. Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

This is often the first question expectant moms ask!

Chiropractic care involves evaluating the spine and musculoskeletal system and, when appropriate, using specific adjustments to address joint movement and function.

Many chiropractors provide care during pregnancy using modified techniques, positioning, and supportive equipment to accommodate a changing body.

Research specifically examining chiropractic safety during pregnancy remains limited, so it’s important to discuss your individual health history, pregnancy complications, and any concerns with both your prenatal healthcare provider and chiropractor.

At Inspired Chiropractic, care is individualized because every pregnancy is unique.

2. Why Does Pregnancy Affect My Spine and Posture?

Think about how much your body changes during pregnancy!

As your baby grows, your center of gravity gradually moves forward. Your body responds by changing how you stand, walk, sit, and move.

These changes can create additional stress on your:

• Lower back
• Pelvis and hips
• Neck and shoulders
• Muscles and supporting joints

Pregnancy hormones also influence the connective tissues that help support your joints.

Your body is doing an amazing job adapting, but sometimes these changes can contribute to discomfort.

Chiropractic care may help manage certain types of pregnancy-related back and pelvic discomfort, although research on its effectiveness is still developing.

3. What Does My Nervous System Have to Do With Pregnancy?

Your nervous system is your body’s amazing communication network!

Your brain and spinal cord work together with nerves throughout your body to help coordinate movement, balance, sensation, and many automatic functions.

During pregnancy, your nervous system helps your body respond to changing physical demands.

At Inspired Chiropractic, we look at the relationship between the spine, movement, and nervous system function.

From a chiropractic perspective, Dr. Mac evaluates spinal movement and areas of possible joint dysfunction, including what chiropractors may describe as vertebral subluxations.

The goal is to support comfortable movement and healthy musculoskeletal function as your body adapts throughout pregnancy.

While chiropractic care focuses on spinal and joint function, it has not been established that adjustments improve fetal development, regulate pregnancy hormones, or prevent pregnancy complications.

4. What Is the Webster Technique?

You may have heard about the Webster Technique when researching prenatal chiropractic care.

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic approach that focuses on evaluating and addressing aspects of pelvic and sacral joint function.

It is commonly used by chiropractors who care for pregnant patients.

One important thing to understand is that the Webster Technique is not a medical procedure for turning a breech baby. There is not sufficient scientific evidence that it changes fetal position or prevents the need for a cesarean delivery.

If your baby is breech or you have concerns about fetal positioning, your obstetric provider can discuss appropriate medical options.

Ask your chiropractor about their training, experience, and whether this technique is appropriate for you.

5. Will Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt My Baby?

A prenatal chiropractic visit should take your comfort and your baby’s safety into consideration.

Chiropractors who care for pregnant patients may use pregnancy pillows, supportive tables, side-lying positions, and modified adjustment techniques.

The approach should be adapted to your stage of pregnancy and individual needs.

Your chiropractor should explain what they plan to do, answer your questions, and obtain your consent before beginning care.

You should always feel comfortable speaking up about any discomfort or concerns.

6. Can Chiropractic Care Help With Pregnancy-Related Back Pain?

Lower back and pelvic discomfort are common during pregnancy.

Some pregnant patients seek chiropractic care to help manage these symptoms and improve their comfort during everyday activities.

Research on chiropractic treatment specifically during pregnancy is limited, and results vary from person to person.

A comprehensive approach may also include appropriate exercises, posture changes, physical therapy, and guidance from your prenatal healthcare team.

Persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated rather than assumed to be a normal part of pregnancy.

7. When Should I Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

There is no single schedule that is right for every expectant mother.

Some women seek chiropractic care early in pregnancy, while others begin when they notice changes in posture, mobility, or comfort.

Before starting care, it’s important to share your medical history, stage of pregnancy, and any complications or restrictions recommended by your prenatal provider.

At Inspired Chiropractic, recommendations are based on your individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule.

8. What Should I Look for in a Prenatal Chiropractor?

Choosing the right chiropractor is an important decision.

Consider asking:

• Do you have experience caring for pregnant women?
• What additional prenatal chiropractic training have you completed?
• How do you modify adjustments during pregnancy?
• How do you determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for me?
• Will you communicate with my obstetrician or midwife if needed?
• What results can I reasonably expect from care?

A good prenatal healthcare experience should include clear communication, individualized attention, and respect for your preferences.

Pregnancy Is About More Than Just Getting Through Nine Months!

At Inspired Chiropractic, we believe pregnancy deserves to be celebrated.

Your body is accomplishing something extraordinary, and you deserve to feel supported throughout the journey.

Our chiropractic philosophy emphasizes the importance of the spine, nervous system, and your body’s remarkable ability to adapt to life’s changes.

We strive to provide a welcoming, family-centered environment where expectant mothers can ask questions, learn about their bodies, and make informed decisions about their care.

Because at Inspired Chiropractic, we believe health is more than just how you feel. It’s also about how well your body functions and adapts!

Let’s Make Your Pregnancy Journey an Inspired One!

Are you expecting a little one and wondering whether chiropractic care might be right for you?

Dr. Mac welcomes the opportunity to answer your questions and discuss how individualized chiropractic care may fit into your prenatal wellness plan.

Inspired Chiropractic
Dr. John McAtamney, DC
114 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 112
Floral Park, NY 11001

Website: www.drmcatamney.com

Supporting Moms, Babies, and Families Through Every Stage of Life!

Educational note: Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not a substitute for obstetric or midwifery care. Seek prompt medical attention for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, visual changes, decreased fetal movement, or other concerning symptoms.