Pregnancy Chiropractic Care: Prenatal & Postpartum Support
Supporting the Body Through Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of profound physical, hormonal, and neurological change. At Center for Wellness, we offer gentle, individualized chiropractic care to support the body through every stage of the perinatal journey — from pregnancy through postpartum recovery and early parenthood.
Our approach focuses on supporting spinal and pelvic alignment, optimizing nervous system communication, and reducing mechanical strain as the body adapts to pregnancy, childbirth, and the physical demands of caring for an infant.
Dr. Kimmel provides prenatal chiropractic care and is trained in the Webster Technique, a specialized chiropractic approach used during pregnancy.
Prenatal Chiropractic Care
During pregnancy, changes in posture, center of gravity, and joint mobility place increased stress on the spine and pelvis. Chiropractic care is a non-pharmacologic approach commonly sought for pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly low back pain and pelvic girdle pain.
Research published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine describes chiropractic care during pregnancy as generally safe when provided by trained practitioners using pregnancy-appropriate techniques and positioning. The literature notes that many pregnant individuals seek chiropractic care to address spinal and pelvic discomfort and to support overall musculoskeletal function throughout pregnancy.¹
Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on:
- Supporting spinal and pelvic alignment
- Reducing mechanical strain on joints and soft tissues
- Encouraging balanced movement and posture
- Supporting nervous system regulation
Care is always adapted to each trimester, with emphasis on comfort, safety, and individualized positioning.
The Webster Technique
Dr. Kimmel has additional training in prenatal chiropractic care and utilizes the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment designed for pregnancy.
The Webster Technique focuses on the sacrum and pelvis. During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause ligaments to soften and the body’s center of gravity shifts forward. These changes can create uneven tension in the pelvis and surrounding muscles and ligaments.
The goal of the Webster Technique is to improve pelvic balance and reduce tension in the surrounding soft tissues so the body can adapt more comfortably to pregnancy.
When the pelvis moves and functions well, it supports:
• more comfortable movement
• reduced mechanical strain
• improved mobility
• better adaptation to the physical changes of pregnancy
The technique is gentle and specifically modified for pregnant patients using pregnancy-safe positioning and supportive cushions.
Learn more about the Webster Technique here:
Why Pelvic Balance Matters in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the pelvis is not static — it must continually adapt as the baby grows and changes position. Excess tension in the surrounding muscles or restricted motion in the sacrum can contribute to increased physical stress on the body.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not about “turning the baby” or performing obstetric care. Instead, the goal is to support normal maternal biomechanics so the body can function and adapt as efficiently as possible.
Many patients seek care for pain relief, but others choose prenatal chiropractic care proactively to help their body prepare for the physical demands of labor and delivery.
Postnatal Chiropractic Care
The postpartum period brings new physical demands as the body recovers from pregnancy and childbirth. Common postnatal concerns include low back pain, pelvic discomfort, neck and shoulder tension, and strain related to feeding, carrying, and caring for an infant.
Postnatal chiropractic care aims to support recovery by improving joint mobility, reducing musculoskeletal tension, and addressing postural stress patterns that often develop during early parenthood. Care is individualized and adjusted to each person’s recovery timeline and physical needs.
A Gentle, Evidence-Informed Approach
Chiropractic care during pregnancy and the postpartum period is intended to be supportive and complementary to medical prenatal and pediatric care. Treatment plans are always individualized and based on a thorough history and examination.
Care is modified for each stage of pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and collaboration with obstetric, midwifery, pediatric, and lactation providers is encouraged when indicated.
References
Stuber, K. J., & Smith, D. L. (2008). Chiropractic care of the pregnant patient: A review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 7(1), 5–18.
Holleman, A. C., Nee, J., & Knaap, S. F. (2011). Chiropractic management of breast-feeding difficulties: A case report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(3), 177–183.