From the practice
Is Chiropractic During Pregnancy Safe? What the Research Says
By Dr. Hannah Conry ·
The Question Nearly Every Expecting Mom Asks
If you are pregnant and considering chiropractic care, safety is probably the first thing on your mind. You are protective of the life growing inside you, and anything that involves your spine and pelvis deserves careful thought before you say yes.
So let us address the question directly: is chiropractic during pregnancy safe?
According to the available research and the clinical guidelines of major health organizations, the answer is yes. When performed by a trained and experienced provider, chiropractic care during pregnancy is considered safe for both mother and baby. But the details matter, and you deserve more than a one-word answer. Here is what the evidence actually shows.
What the Research Says About Safety
Multiple studies have examined chiropractic during pregnancy and found it to be a low-risk intervention with meaningful benefits.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics surveyed over 100 chiropractors treating pregnant patients and found no serious adverse events reported. Minor, temporary soreness after an adjustment was the most common side effect, the same as what non-pregnant patients occasionally experience.
A 2012 retrospective case series published in Chiropractic and Manual Therapies reviewed 115 pregnant patients receiving chiropractic care and found clinically significant improvements in pain and function with no adverse outcomes for mother or baby.
What Professional Organizations Say
The American Pregnancy Association recognizes chiropractic care as safe during pregnancy and notes that there are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) has trained thousands of practitioners in pregnancy-specific techniques and maintains an active body of research supporting the safety and effectiveness of this care.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) acknowledges that many pregnant women use complementary therapies including chiropractic and that these therapies may be beneficial for managing musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy.
How Adjustments Are Modified for Pregnant Bodies
One reason chiropractic during pregnancy carries such a strong safety profile is that qualified practitioners make significant modifications to accommodate the pregnant body. This is not the same adjustment you might receive outside of pregnancy.
Equipment Modifications
Prenatal chiropractors use specialized equipment designed for pregnant patients. This includes pregnancy pillows and bolsters that allow you to lie face-down comfortably, even with a full-term belly, as well as drop-piece tables that reduce the amount of force needed for an effective adjustment. Some practitioners also use adjustable benches that accommodate the changing shape of your body throughout each trimester.
Technique Modifications
The techniques themselves are adapted as well. Many prenatal chiropractors use lighter force during pregnancy, relying on gentle, specific adjustments rather than high-velocity manipulations. The Webster Technique, which is the gold standard for prenatal chiropractic, uses a precise and low-force approach to assess and correct sacral misalignment and associated soft tissue tension in the pelvis.
Practitioners trained in applied kinesiology may also use muscle testing to identify areas of imbalance without relying solely on manual pressure, adding another layer of specificity and gentleness to the process.
Positioning Modifications
You will never be asked to lie flat on your stomach on a standard table. Depending on the stage of your pregnancy and the technique being used, you may be adjusted while lying on your side, in a supported face-down position using pregnancy-specific cushions, or in a seated position. Your comfort and safety dictate the approach at every visit.
Addressing Common Fears
Even with strong evidence supporting chiropractic during pregnancy, it is natural to have lingering concerns. Let us walk through the most common ones.
"Will the adjustment hurt my baby?"
No. Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy do not involve any direct contact with or pressure on the abdomen. The focus is on the spine, pelvis, and surrounding soft tissues. Your baby is well-protected by amniotic fluid, the uterine wall, and your abdominal muscles. There is no mechanism by which a properly performed chiropractic adjustment would harm your baby.
"Is it safe in the first trimester?"
Yes. There is no evidence that chiropractic care increases the risk of miscarriage or any other first-trimester complication. In fact, early chiropractic care can help your body adapt to the hormonal and structural changes of early pregnancy, supporting your nervous system at a time when it is managing an enormous amount of new information.
"What about the cracking sounds? Are those safe?"
The popping or cracking sounds you sometimes hear during an adjustment are caused by small gas bubbles releasing within the joint capsule. This is called cavitation and it is completely harmless. It is the same phenomenon as cracking your knuckles. Not every adjustment produces this sound, and many prenatal techniques are gentle enough that you may not hear it at all.
"My OB has not mentioned chiropractic. Does that mean they do not approve?"
Not necessarily. Many OBs and midwives are supportive of chiropractic during pregnancy but may not bring it up proactively. If you are curious, ask your provider directly. Most will support your decision, especially if your chiropractor is trained in prenatal care and willing to communicate with your birth team. A growing number of OBs in the Rogue Valley actively refer their patients for prenatal chiropractic care.
The Benefits Supported by Research
Beyond safety, the research also points to meaningful benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy. Understanding these can help you weigh whether this care is right for you.
Pain Reduction
A 2018 systematic review published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic care was associated with significant reductions in low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Given that an estimated 50 to 80 percent of pregnant women experience back pain, this is a substantial benefit.
Improved Pelvic Alignment
Proper pelvic alignment supports your baby's ability to move into an optimal position for birth. The Webster Technique, specifically, has been the subject of multiple case studies showing high success rates in helping babies move from breech to vertex (head-down) position when pelvic balance is restored.
Shorter Labor Times
A frequently cited study by Dr. Joan Fallon found that first-time mothers who received chiropractic care experienced a 25 percent reduction in average labor time, while experienced mothers saw a 31 percent reduction. While more research is needed to confirm these specific figures, the principle is well-supported: a balanced pelvis and a well-functioning nervous system contribute to more efficient labor.
Reduced Need for Pain Intervention
Some research suggests that women who receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy are less likely to require pain medication during labor. While this is not a guarantee, it aligns with the broader goal of supporting your body's natural ability to manage the birth process.
When Chiropractic During Pregnancy May Not Be Appropriate
While chiropractic care is safe for the vast majority of pregnant women, there are certain conditions that require caution or may be contraindicated. These include vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, ectopic pregnancy, and moderate to severe toxemia. A qualified prenatal chiropractor will screen for these conditions and coordinate with your medical provider before beginning care.
If you have any high-risk pregnancy complications, always discuss new therapies with your OB or midwife first. A responsible chiropractor will welcome that conversation and may even initiate it.
Choosing a Provider You Can Trust
The safety of chiropractic during pregnancy depends in large part on the skill and training of the provider. Look for a chiropractor who is Webster certified through the ICPA, who works with pregnant patients regularly, and who communicates openly with your other providers.
At Thriving Family Chiropractic in Ashland, Oregon, Dr. Hannah Conry brings Webster and PAK certification, specialized training in applied kinesiology, and daily experience working with expecting moms throughout the Rogue Valley. Her approach is gentle, evidence-informed, and built around your comfort and confidence at every stage.
If you have been wondering whether chiropractic during pregnancy is the right choice for you, we invite you to book a visit through our Jane App scheduling page. Come with your questions. We are here to answer every one of them.