Chiropractic care is the third most common form of treatment sought after by pregnant women in the US, behind massage and yoga. 

Physical changes that affect the spine begin during the second trimester of pregnancy. As the uterus expands to accommodate the fetus, the lumbar curve of the spine increases to account for the stomach protrusion.  The pelvis also shifts as the usually tough pelvic ligaments soften in preparation for eventual delivery. In order to counterbalance the extra weight, many pregnant women end up leaning backwards while walking or standing, adding extra pressure to the pelvis, the sacroiliac joint and the ligaments, causing additional pain.  This added weight also affects the knees, ankles and feet. These shifts in the normal position of the back may lead to sciatica and edema (water retention) in the ankles and knees.

Although the sacrum has enough depth to enable fetal carriage, the displaced weight gain of between 25 to 45 lbs greatly increases the stress to the sacroiliac joints.  As the fetus develops during gestation, this added weight is projected forward, which increases lumbar lordosis, placing extra stress on the intervertebral disks and facet joints.  The increase in circulating progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin throughout gestation, especially during the third trimester, leads to pelvic hypermobility and creates a decrease in spinal stabilization.  The weight of the fetus adds pressure to the lumbosacral nerve roots leading to additional pain.

Adjustments to the lumbar spine and the sacroiliac joint help to shift the vertebrae back into alignment which helps relieve lower back pain. Adjustments to these joints may also relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and help patients sleep more soundly at night. Swelling and pain in the knees, ankles and feet may also be reduced with adjustments.  The many changes throughout pregnancy are difficult enough to manage on their own.  Chiropractic care can help make these changes easier by relieving pain.

It has been reported that there may be a relationship between back pain throughout pregnancy and a longer duration of the labor and delivery process.  A retrospective review of statistics reported that women who seek chiropractic care throughout gestation during their first pregnancy have on average a 25% shorter labor time, whereas women who have experienced one or more previous childbirths who seek chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy have on average 31% shorter labor times.  Continued chiropractic care postpartum may also be beneficial in assisting proper restoration of normal spinal biomechanics.

Literature within the osteopathic profession also includes evidence of improved outcomes in labor and delivery for women who receive prenatal osteopathic manipulative treatment. Evidence of the effectiveness of chiropractic prenatal care has been well documented since the early 1900's.  Biomechanical changes as well as stress to the neuromusculoskeletal system are present during and immediately after pregnancy.  Chiropractic evaluation and treatment during this time may be warranted and considered a safe and effective means of treating common musculoskeletal symptoms that many pregnant patients encounter. The published evidence even suggests that regular chiropractic care may improve the probability of a more successful and natural childbirth.