Prenatal Chiropractic Care: What to Know

Back pain is common in pregnancy, and many expectant mothers ask whether chiropractic care is an option. The honest answer is that it may help some people, the research is limited, and your obstetric provider should be part of the decision.

What the evidence says

A systematic review of chiropractic care for adults with pregnancy-related low back and pelvic girdle pain found that only one acceptable-quality systematic review had examined chiropractic care for pregnancy-related low back pain. That review included six studies. The authors rated the evidence for chiropractic care as "inconclusive, favorable strength," and the included studies were of moderate to low quality. Adverse events were not reported in that article.

Plain reading: the signal is favorable but not conclusive. Anyone telling you it is proven is going beyond what this review shows.

Safety

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says that reports of serious adverse events from spinal manipulation during pregnancy are very rare, but that research is limited. It advises pregnant patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their health care provider.

Other things that help

The NHS (a UK source) advice on back pain in pregnancy includes bending your knees and keeping your back straight when lifting, keeping your back supported when sitting, using a mattress that supports you properly, getting enough rest, and gentle exercise to strengthen the abdominal muscles. It also mentions classes with a qualified instructor and referral to an obstetric physiotherapist.

When to get urgent help

The NHS says to contact your doctor or midwife urgently if you have back pain and are in your second or third trimester (it could be a sign of early labor), have a fever, vaginal bleeding or pain when you pee, or have pain in one or both sides under your ribs. It says to get emergency help if you lose feeling in one or both legs, your bottom or your genitals. In the US, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Next step

If you are pregnant and have questions, call 484.455.4664 or book online. Keep It Kinetic Chiropractic is at 3254 W Ridge Pike, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA 19464.