The Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care by Dr. Adrienne McRuvie

Pregnancy is one of the most transformative times in a woman’s life. It’s beautiful, but let’s be honest—it’s not always comfortable. As a chiropractor with over 20 years in the field, I’ve had the privilege of caring for hundreds of women through their pregnancies. Over time, I’ve seen first-hand the ways chiropractic care can help parents-to-be find relief, prepare for labour, and feel more at ease in their changing bodies.

And while personal experience has taught me a lot, the research backs it up too. Organizations like the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) have studied prenatal chiropractic extensively, and their findings align with what I’ve witnessed in my own practice: gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments can make pregnancy not only more comfortable but also healthier.

Why Chiropractic During Pregnancy?

When we think about pregnancy, we often see the obvious baby bump—but behind the scenes, so much is shifting. Hormones like relaxin loosen ligaments, weight distribution changes, and the spine and pelvis adapt to support a growing baby. These changes, and potentially injuries previous to pregnancy, can create imbalances, and that’s where chiropractic comes in.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on balancing the pelvis and spine. A balanced pelvis creates more room for the developing baby and can even contribute to optimal fetal positioning. It is the simplest form of setting up both mom and baby for success.

In my practice, one of the most common reasons expecting mothers seek chiropractic care is for low back or pelvic pain. But I’ve also seen women find relief from sciatica, round ligament pain, headaches, GERD, even sleep disruption. When the spine and pelvis are aligned, the nervous system communicates more effectively, and the body has the ability to function better.

The Webster Technique: A Game-Changer

One of the most well-known chiropractic approaches for pregnancy is the Webster Technique. This technique is designed to reduce sacral misalignment and balance the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues. While it’s not a “baby turning” technique, I’ve seen many women experience better fetal positioning after Webster adjustments because the baby has more space to move freely.

There are more than one instance where mom goes for an ECV or c-section and finds that the baby has turned!   Stories like these aren’t unusual in chiropractic care, and they highlight the power of simply helping the body find balance.

Beyond Pain Relief: Supporting the Birth Process

It’s easy to focus only on pain relief (and let’s face it, reducing pregnancy discomfort is a big win), but chiropractic care can also support the birth process itself. Women under chiropractic care during pregnancy may experience shorter labour times and a reduced need for interventions.

From my highly focused prenatal practice, I’ve seen this pattern repeat itself. Moms who receive regular adjustments (and our referring midwives) often tell me they felt more physically prepared for labour and birth had more ease to it.  (Not to be confused with EASY! ) Their bodies were more resilient, their pelvises better aligned, and their nervous systems calmer. I’ve had women come back after giving birth and say, “I truly believe those adjustments helped me have the birth experience I wanted.”

A Holistic, Gentle Approach

One thing I always emphasize is that prenatal chiropractic care is gentle and safe. The adjustments are modified to support a growing belly, and we use pregnancy pillows or special tables to ensure comfort. Most women are surprised at how relaxing the experience is.

It’s not about “cracking” or forcing the body into place. Instead, it’s about encouraging alignment, reducing stress on the nervous system, and creating space for both mother and baby to thrive.

I’ve also found that prenatal chiropractic often extends into a broader conversation about wellness. Moms ask about posture, movement, breathwork, or stress management. I love these conversations because they remind me that chiropractic care is about the whole person—not just the spine.

Personal Reflections from a Prenatal Practice

When I think back through the years, some of my most meaningful patient relationships have been with expectant mothers. There’s something incredibly rewarding about supporting women during such a vulnerable, exciting, and transitional time in life.

I remember a mom who came to me in her third pregnancy after struggling with pain and long labours with her first two. She started care early in her pregnancy, stayed consistent with adjustments, and later told me her third birth was her most comfortable and empowering. She said, “I wish I had known about this with my first.”  Countless experiences like this continue to fuel my passion for prenatal care.

Over the years, I’ve also learned that chiropractic isn’t just about “fixing” discomfort. It’s about giving women the confidence to trust their bodies. It’s about creating ease in the spine, the pelvis, and the mind. And when moms feel better, the whole family benefits.

Support the Whole Journey

Prenatal chiropractic care is more than just a remedy for back pain—it’s a way to support a woman’s entire pregnancy journey. 

Whether it’s reducing pain, encouraging optimal fetal positioning, supporting labour, or simply helping moms feel more comfortable and connected to their bodies, chiropractic care has a unique role to play.

If you’re expecting, or if you know someone who is, I encourage you to explore prenatal chiropractic care with a trained prenatal chiropractor.   It’s gentle, safe, and designed with you and your baby in mind. And if you’re already under care, keep showing up for those adjustments—you’re doing something powerful for both yourself and your little one.

If you’re interested in prenatal care we’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to call the clinic or book a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs.