Pregnancy & Postpartum Comfort: How Chiropractic Care Can Help

with insight from seasoned professionals, all part of Vermont Birth Network

Talk with any pregnant parent long enough, and chances are you’ll hear about back pain, pelvic discomfort, or tension in the neck and shoulders.

These symptoms are so common they’ve almost become a cliché — picture the pregnant figure with one hand pressed into the small of the back.

But just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re something you have to simply endure.

“Many ‘normal’ pregnancy aches and pains are not necessarily a given,” assures Elizabeth Horne, DC. “You don't have to suffer just because you're pregnant.” Chiropractic care offers gentle, safe, and effective support to help you feel more comfortable and aligned in your body during pregnancy and beyond.

Why does pregnancy bring about aches and pains anyway?

“As the baby grows, your center of gravity changes and relaxin production increases. It is common for the pelvis to excessively tilt forward, causing pressure on the joints and discs of the mid and low back," explains Vicki.

When muscles tighten to protect stressed joints, that discomfort can quickly become a daily struggle. Chiropractic care can help restore balance.

Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy Back Pain & Other Common Concerns

Low back pain is one of the most frequent issues that has parents calling a chiro for support.

“Between 50–80% of all pregnant women will experience low back pain during pregnancy, and this is the most common concern we see,” says Vicki.

She adds that this pain can have different causes — from SI joint pain and disc issues to muscle spasms or piriformis syndrome — which makes proper diagnosis important for effective care.

For pregnant parents, Dr Chistine Lebiecki notes, chiropractic can also help with fetal position: “Pregnant people will also come due to fetal malposition, as often this is due to imbalance of the pelvis and associated ligaments that chiropractic and the Webster technique can assist with.”

Other challenges show up postpartum. “Postpartum people will often come with concerns around breastfeeding and pain in the upper back and neck due to watching baby feed,” explains Dr. Christine.

Safe Chiropractic Adjustments During Pregnancy

Parents sometimes worry that chiropractic adjustments are too physical or unsafe during pregnancy.

Vermont chiropractors are quick to reassure that the approach is very different for perinatal care.

“We have a special pregnancy pillow that allows Mom to lay face down comfortably while we work,” says Dr. Cherie Wilson.

“Everything we do is very gentle touch — especially in pregnancy — to support the nervous system as well as the changes in ligament laxity. We also look at not just pelvic structural imbalances, but also ligament and soft tissue imbalances which can affect baby’s position in utero.”

Chiropractors who are trained in techniques like the Webster method focus on balancing the pelvis and ligaments, which may support easier labor and birth. Care is always adapted to the individual, with an emphasis on safety, gentleness, and comfort.

Postpartum Chiropractic Care for Recovery and Comfort

The postpartum period — sometimes called the “fourth trimester” — can feel especially challenging.

“It can sometimes feel the hardest part from a physical standpoint, as many women feel their weakest, most tired, and have the demands to care for their new, sweet baby,” says Vicki.

“We understand this, and we match our care to exactly meet your (changing!) needs.”

Postpartum chiropractic care often focuses on recovery: helping the spine, pelvis, and nervous system return to balance after birth.

For some, it eases neck and shoulder tension from feeding or carrying a newborn.

For others, it means restoring strength and alignment to reduce pelvic floor strain or lingering back pain.

Pro tip: Ask if you can bring your baby to your postpartum appointment. Chiropractors trained in pregnancy and postpartum will welcome your baby at your appointment, says Elizabeth Horne, DC.

Chiropractic Benefits Beyond Back Pain

A common misconception is that chiropractic is only about pain — or that it’s too aggressive for pregnancy.

“That it is physical or aggressive and may or may not be safe for pregnancy,” says Dr. Cherie Wilson, “is one misconception I hear. Also that it is for ‘back pain’ and not recognizing that the most important aspect of chiropractic is the effect on the nervous system.”

She explains that chiropractic helps the nervous system down-regulate from stress, creating balance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) systems.

“Chiropractic is one of the most important tools a mom can use for self-care and helping her nervous system integrate and process her environment, as well as helping to grow the healthiest baby possible in her pregnancy,” she says.

Dr. Christine Lebiecki agrees. “Most people arrive at a chiropractor due to pain and discomfort. While this is a valid reason to seek chiropractic, it is such a small part of what it does. Chiropractic helps to balance the brain, nervous system, and the body.

This may lead to less perceived stress, better energy, healthier immune and digestive function, and overall sense of wellbeing.

Studies have shown shorter labor times and improved recovery time, especially if followed up with postpartum care. We help to empower people in their amazing bodies and ability to birth life and heal.”

Vicki adds that prenatal care is both safe and empowering: “I wish pregnant and postpartum parents knew that chiropractic care can address most of the musculoskeletal aches and pains that are inherent with a growing, changing body.

This empowers them to have an active, fit, and vibrant pregnancy! We encourage healthy movement, home exercise routines, rehab, and strengthening in addition to in-office care to optimize energy and support a healthy pregnancy.”

How to Find a Prenatal or Postpartum Chiropractor in Vermont

If you’re considering chiropractic care during pregnancy or postpartum, finding the right provider makes all the difference.

Look for someone who specializes in perinatal care, listens closely to your concerns, and adapts their approach for the unique needs of each stage.

You can explore trusted Vermont chiropractors who support parents in pregnancy and postpartum through the Vermont Birth Network directory.

Connecting with a local provider means you’ll have care that’s not only safe and effective but rooted in the community where you’re raising your family.