5 Reasons to See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is such a uniquely transformative season. For some women, it’s something they’ll deeply miss. For others, it can’t be over soon enough. And for most, the first trimester can feel like a real slog. From nausea to food aversions, fatigue and the challenge of simply feeling comfortable in your own body.

No matter how your pregnancy unfolds, one thing becomes very clear early on: your health matters more than ever. It’s no longer just about you. It’s about you and the tiny human you’re growing (which, when you stop to think about it, is pretty incredible).

One powerful way to support both comfort and overall wellbeing during pregnancy is through chiropractic care. Here are five reasons many pregnant women choose to see a chiropractor during this season.

1. Nervous system regulation. By now, you’ve likely heard the term nervous system regulation—and for good reason. A mother’s ability to adapt to physical, emotional and chemical stress is incredibly important during pregnancy. Research was published in 2021 showing a link between mom’s stress and the health outcomes of the baby. Chiropractic has been shown to improve and change the frontal lobe of the brain, resulting in a reduction of anxiety, depression, fatigue and pain in just four weeks of care. That’s amazing! When mom is well taken care of, baby reaps the benefits (as well as the rest of the family). Getting adjusted helps everyone!

2. Decreased pain. As your body changes, your posture, center of gravity, and joint mechanics all shift. It’s common for pregnant women to experience low back pain, pelvic discomfort, rib pain, and sciatica. Chiropractic care helps restore proper motion to joints and reduce tension in surrounding tissues, which can ease discomfort and help you move more comfortably as your pregnancy progresses. Check out my article on chiropractic, pregnancy and low back pain here.

3. Improved pelvic balance and baby’s position.  A balanced pelvis creates optimal space for baby to move and grow. When there is tension or imbalance in the pelvis and surrounding ligaments, it can affect how the baby positions themselves in utero. Pregnancy-specific chiropractic techniques focus on reducing this tension, encouraging better alignment and mobility, supporting baby’s ability to settle into an ideal position for birth. I specifically utilize Webster technique and Spinning Babies protocols on all of my pregnant patients.

4. Support through physical and mental challenges. Pregnancy is not only physically demanding, it can be emotionally and mentally taxing as well. Hormonal shifts, sleep disruption and life transitions all place added demands on your system. Regular chiropractic care offers consistent support during these changes, helping your body adapt more efficiently and often leaving moms feeling more grounded, calm and resilient.

5. Having a trusted health professional in your corner. Pregnancy can bring up a lot of questions, uncertainty and vulnerability. Sometimes you don’t even realize you have options or alternatives. Having a healthcare provider who understands pregnancy, listens to your concerns and supports your goals can make a big difference. Chiropractors trained in prenatal care are part of your wider care team. I am there to help you feel informed, supported and confident throughout your pregnancy journey. I have lots of resources and connections to help you get through (and hopefully enjoy!) your pregnancy, labor and delivery and head into postpartum feeling confident and able.

Your body was designed to grow, carry and birth a baby, but that doesn’t mean it has to do it alone. Supporting your nervous system through chiropractic care can help you move through pregnancy with more ease, resilience and confidence. When mom is supported, baby benefits and that support often ripples far beyond pregnancy itself.

Dr. Kristen Mitteness is a webster certified chiropractor with a passion for prenatal, postnatal and pediatric care. She's a mom, co-owner of White Horse Family Wellness, avid reader and loves spending time outside.