Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care helps expectant mothers adjust to the changing postural strain associated with pregnancy, and prepare for the birth process.
During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity shifts forward to the front of her pelvis. This additional weight in front, causes stress to the joints of the pelvis and low back. As the baby grows in size, the added weight causes the curvature of her lower back to increase, placing extra stress on the fragile facet joints on the back side of the spine. Any pre-existing problems in a woman’s spine tend to be exacerbated as the spine and pelvis become overtaxed, often leading to pain and difficulty performing normal daily activities.
Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies. This is especially true during the third trimester when the baby’s body gains the most weight.
Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can relieve and even prevent the pain and discomfort frequently experienced in pregnancy, and creates an environment for an easier, safer delivery. It is one safe and effective way to help the spine and pelvis cope with the rapid increase in physical stress by restoring a state of balance. In fact, most women have found that chiropractic care helped them avoid the use of pain medications during their pregnancy and transition to an easier postpartum experience with their new family
Prenatal Home Care Recommendations
The Webster Technique for Pelvic Balance
The Webster Technique for Pelvic Balance
The Webster Technique for Pelvic Balance
Chiropractic care in pregnancy can help with comfort and preparation for labour and delivery.
More women and birth providers are discovering the many benefits associated with chiropractic care in pregnancy and recognize this area of expertise through Webster Certification.
The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and treatment method. The goal of is to reduce the impacts of joint dysfunction in the pelvis and low back, improving the neuro-biomechanical function in the sacral/pelvic region.
Spinning Babies... What is it?
The Webster Technique for Pelvic Balance
The Webster Technique for Pelvic Balance
Spinning Babies® is a method used by midwives, labour & delivery nurses, bodyworkers and a range of manual therapists that focuses on balancing your body through gentle activities at home. Combined with the chiropractic Webster Technique, it helps to provide the best opportunity for your baby to get ready for birth.
Instead of forcing movement, these exercises gently help the body open up and make space for movement as needed.
Think of your body as a hammock for your baby—if the hammock is twisted or too tight, your baby may have trouble repositioning. Our approach is simple:
- ✅ Release tight muscles that may be restricting movement
- ✅ Support loose areas to provide stability
- ✅ Encourage baby-friendly movements to optimize comfort
Daily Exercises for Pregnancy Comfort and Balance
Daily Exercises for Pregnancy Comfort and Balance
Daily Exercises for Pregnancy Comfort and Balance
Maintaining daily movement and body balance can be beneficial throughout pregnancy. These exercises help improve flexibility, alignment, and relaxation:
1. Pelvic Tilts
- While on hands and knees, do gentle cat-cow movements.
- Breathe in while tilting your pelvis forward (arching your back slightly).
- Breathe out while tucking your pelvis under (rounding your back).
- Repeat for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
- ✔ Improves spinal flexibility ✔ Helps ease back discomfort
2. Crawling on Hands and Knees
- Move forward and backward on hands and knees.
- Keep movements slow and controlled.
- Crawl for 2-5 minutes, 1-2 times a day.
- ✔ Encourages natural pelvic movement ✔ Helps relieve pressure on lower back
3. Figure-8 Hip Movements
- Stand or lean on a surface (like a counter or birth ball).
- Move your hips in a figure-eight pattern.
- Repeat for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
- ✔ Encourages pelvic mobility ✔ Promotes relaxation and balance
4. Rest Smart Postures
- Sit with knees lower than hips (avoid slouching).
- Use a firm birth ball instead of soft chairs.
- Lie on your side with pillows for support when resting.
- ✔ Maintains optimal body alignment ✔ Supports comfort throughout pregnancy
Other Prenatal Resources
Daily Exercises for Pregnancy Comfort and Balance
Daily Exercises for Pregnancy Comfort and Balance
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
by Penny Simkin
An incredibly comprehensive & easy to digest prenatal resource book. The best part - quick reference tables at the end of each chapter!
PHYSICAL FITNESS & MOVEMENT
An exercise program for the end of pregnancy to help with pelvic balancing/preparation for birth