Pregnancy is magical but it can also be seriously uncomfortable. From back pain to sciatica, it’s a lot on your body and Dr. Elmira in Costa Mesa will share with us how to easy that pain.
One thing that helped me? Prenatal chiropractic care.
I used it during all 3 of my pregnancies my own and both surrogate journeys. It eased the pressure, helped with aches, and I truly believe it played a role in having smooth, med-free births. When everything’s aligned, labor just felt… easier.
But what exactly is prenatal chiropractic care? Is it safe? What should you expect?
I sat down with a prenatal chiropractor Dr. Elmirato in Costa Mesa to get all the answers. Let’s dive into what this natural support can do for you and your growing baby.
What is prenatal chiropractic care and how can it help during pregnancy?
Prenatal chiropractic care is a gentle and supportive way to help your body adjust to the physical changes that happen during pregnancy. As your baby grows, your spine, pelvis, and ligaments take on extra strain. This can lead to pain, tension, or limited mobility.
Chiropractic care focuses on how those areas are moving and works to improve balance and alignment. I use pregnancy-specific pillows so you can relax completely on the table, and I’m trained in the Webster Technique, a method that focuses on pelvic alignment and easing tension in the ligaments that support your uterus.
When everything is moving well and balanced, moms often feel less back and pelvic discomfort, sleep better, and move more freely. A more balanced pelvis can also help create more space for baby to settle comfortably and prepare for birth.
What pregnancy symptoms or conditions can chiropractic care help with?
Many moms experience aches and pains during pregnancy that they’ve never felt before. Chiropractic care can help relieve common symptoms like lower back pain, pelvic pressure, sacroiliac joint pain, sciatica, and pubic bone discomfort.
It can also ease mid-back and rib pain, neck and shoulder tension, and even headaches caused by muscle tightness or posture changes. Everyday movements like walking, rolling over in bed, or getting in and out of the car can become difficult. Chiropractic care helps your body move better so those daily activities feel easier again.
What happens during a prenatal chiropractic session?
Each visit begins with a conversation in Costa Mesa in my office. We talk about how you’ve been feeling, any new discomforts, your sleep and energy levels, and any updates from your OB or midwife.
After that, I gently assess how your spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles are moving. I watch your posture and how you walk, and check the joints in your hips and back to see where things might be tight or out of balance.
You’ll lie on pregnancy-safe pillows so you’re fully supported. Most moms are able to lie face down comfortably, and we may use side-lying or back positions if needed. The adjustments are gentle and specific. I use techniques designed for pregnancy like the Webster Technique, which helps reduce tension and bring balance to your pelvis.
We’ll finish by going over simple things you can do at home. That might be a stretch, a tip for sleeping more comfortably, or advice on how to move throughout the day with less strain. The goal is for every session to feel calm, supportive, and helpful as your body continues to grow and change.
What are some common misconceptions about chiropractic care during pregnancy?
A lot of people think chiropractic care is rough or intense. They imagine loud cracking or twisting and worry it might be too much for pregnancy.
The truth is prenatal chiropractic care is very different. It’s gentle, calm, and designed specifically for pregnant bodies. I use much lighter techniques and always prioritize comfort and safety. We also use special pillows and tools made just for expecting moms.
Another concern is whether chiropractic care could affect the baby. I always explain that we are not adjusting the baby. We’re working on the mom’s spine, pelvis, and muscles. When those areas are more balanced, it actually creates a better environment for baby to grow and move comfortably.
Once moms experience a session, they usually feel so much more at ease and confident in choosing this kind of care.
What advice would you give a pregnant mom who is unsure about trying chiropractic care?
It is completely normal to feel cautious when you’re pregnant and making decisions about your care. One of the most important things you can do is choose a chiropractor who is experienced in working with pregnant women and has training like the Webster certification.
Start with a consultation. Ask what a typical visit looks like. Talk about your concerns, your history, and your goals. See how the office feels. You should feel safe, informed, and never rushed or pressured.
A great prenatal chiropractor will explain every step, check in with you often, and make sure you feel comfortable with what’s happening. I always remind moms to trust their intuition. If you feel supported and heard, that’s a good sign you’re in the right place.
How do you treat lower back pain in pregnancy?
When a mom comes in with lower back pain, we start by talking through when it began, what makes it worse or better, and what her days look like. Then I assess how her lower back, pelvis, and sacrum are moving, and where her muscles might be overworking or tight.
Care usually includes gentle adjustments to improve movement in the spine and pelvis. I also use the Webster Technique to release tension in the ligaments that support the uterus and pelvis. Soft tissue work around the hips, low back, and glutes can help reduce muscle strain.
We also go over posture and movement strategies that can make a big difference throughout the day. This might include how to sleep more comfortably, how to lift an older child safely, or how to sit at work with better support.
The goal is to ease the pain and also help your body function better as pregnancy continues.
How often should a pregnant woman see a chiropractor? And should she continue after birth?
Every pregnancy is unique, so I always personalize the schedule based on what your body needs. A lot of women begin care in the first or second trimester. During that time, visits every two to four weeks work well.
As the third trimester begins and your body starts to change more quickly, weekly visits are often more helpful. If someone is experiencing intense pain, we might start with more frequent visits and then space them out as they begin to feel better.
After birth, I recommend at least one postpartum session. Caring for a baby, feeding, lifting, and healing all take a toll on your body. Postpartum care can help realign your pelvis, ease upper body tension, and support your recovery as you move into this new season. Some moms continue care for a few months to feel more balanced and supported during the transition.
How does chiropractic care fit with medical care during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is not a replacement for your prenatal medical care. It is designed to work alongside it and provide added support. I always encourage moms to continue all visits with their obstetrician or midwife, including any recommended testing or ultrasounds.
My role as a chiropractor is to help your body move and function better. I often collaborate with other providers like OBs, midwives, pelvic floor therapists, doulas, and acupuncturists in and around Costa Mesa. Each of us brings a different type of support to your experience.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or special health conditions, I always follow your provider’s guidance and make sure care is safe for your situation. Many moms appreciate having a whole team that works together to support their health and comfort.
Well, mama, now you know all about the magic of prenatal chiropractic care! We hope this post has given you some ideas about how to make your pregnancy a little more comfortable and supported. Remember, it’s totally normal to experience aches and pains during this time, but it’s also totally okay to ask for help. So if you’re feeling like you need some extra support, why not give chiropractic care a try? You never know it just might be the thing that makes all the difference. Happy pregnancy, mama!
Click HERE to connect with Dr. Elmira in Costa Mesa at Blooming Chiropractic
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