Pregnancy is one of those seasons that feels equal parts magical and what is my body even doing right now? One minute you’re glowing, the next you’re googling “why does my hip feel like it belongs to someone else.”
Between the back pain, sciatica, headaches, and the general “I can’t get comfortable no matter how I sit, stand, or lie down”… it’s a lot. And while so many moms are told, “Oh, that’s normal,” I’m here to gently say… just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it.
That’s where something a lot of moms don’t even think about comes in: prenatal chiropractic care. Yep, chiropractic care isn’t just for athletes or people who threw their back out lifting something they definitely shouldn’t have.
More and more pregnant moms are turning to it as a natural, supportive way to feel better, move better, and actually enjoy their pregnancy a little more.
And if you’re sitting there thinking, “Wait… is that even safe?”, you’re not alone. So today, I’m bringing in an expert to walk us through it all.
I had the chance to chat with Dr. Matthew Paterna from Shoreline Family Chiropractic & Wellness, located in Milford, Connecticut, and he’s breaking down everything you’ve ever wondered about chiropractic care during pregnancy.
What is prenatal chiropractic care, and how does it help?
Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on keeping the spine, pelvis, and nervous system balanced while your body is going through some pretty rapid changes.
As your baby grows, your body shifts (a lot), and that can create stress in the spine and pelvis.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help:
- Improve pelvic alignment
- Reduce nerve interference
- Support optimal baby positioning
- Decrease tension in surrounding muscles and ligaments
The goal is simple: a more balanced body = less stress = a more comfortable pregnancy.
Common pregnancy discomforts that chiropractic care can help with
If you’ve been dealing with any of these, you’re definitely not alone:
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
- Hip pain
- Pelvic instability
- Round ligament pain
- Neck & shoulder tension
- Headaches
- Postural changes
- Trouble sleeping
These are incredibly common, but again, they’re not something you just have to push through.
What happens during a prenatal chiropractic visit?
If you’ve never been, here’s what you can expect (no scary surprises, promise):
Step 1: History & Evaluation
This includes posture checks, pelvic alignment assessment, and a look at how your nervous system is functioning.
Step 2: Gentle Adjustments
Everything is modified specifically for pregnancy.
Think supportive pillows, specialized tables, and no twisting or aggressive movements.
Step 3: Support Beyond the Table
You’ll also get helpful guidance like:
- Simple exercises
- Positioning tips
- Lifestyle recommendations
And according to Dr. Paterna? Most moms say the same thing:
“I wish I had started sooner.”
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions
“It’s not safe during pregnancy.”
When performed by a trained professional using pregnancy-specific techniques, chiropractic care is considered safe.
“It’s only for pain.”
It’s actually about improving function, alignment, and nervous system health—not just fixing symptoms.
“I’ll just wait until after the baby.”
Pregnancy is when your body needs support the most, not the least.
What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic approach designed specifically for pregnancy.
It focuses on:
- Balancing the pelvis
- Reducing tension in the surrounding ligaments
- Creating optimal space for your baby
Potential benefits include:
- Improved baby positioning
- Less pelvic discomfort
- Easier, more efficient labor and delivery
And no, it’s not about “turning” babies.
It’s about creating the best possible environment for your body (and baby) to function the way it’s designed to.
For the moms who feel a little unsure…
Totally valid. This is your baby, we’re not making casual decisions over here.
Dr. Paterna puts it simply:
- You’re not adding stress, you’re removing it
- Care is gentle, controlled, and tailored to you
- You stay in control the entire time
If you’re curious, start with a consultation. No pressure, no commitment, just information.
A team approach to care
One thing I love? This isn’t about replacing your OB or midwife.
Practices like Shoreline Family Chiropractic often work alongside:
- OB/GYNs
- Midwives
- Doulas
- Physical therapists
It’s all about supporting your body while complementing your overall care.
Real results from real moms
Some of the most common things Dr. Paterna hears from patients:
- “My sciatic pain disappeared.”
- “I could finally sleep again.”
- “This pregnancy felt so much easier.”
- “Labor was smoother than my first.”
- “I just wish I had started sooner.”
(That last one seems to be a theme.)
Simple tips for better spinal health during pregnancy
Even outside the office, small habits can make a big difference:
- Stay consistent with care
- Sleep with support (pillows between your knees are a game-changer)
- Avoid sitting for long stretches
- Keep moving, walking is huge
- Be mindful of posture (yes, even the phone scroll posture)
- Hydrate and stretch regularly
Final thoughts
Pregnancy is already asking a lot from your body; supporting it shouldn’t be an afterthought.
If you’ve been feeling uncomfortable, out of alignment, or just not like yourself, this might be one of those things that truly makes a difference.
A huge thank you to Dr. Matthew Paterna from Shoreline Family Chiropractic & Wellness for sharing his time, knowledge, and expertise with us. You can find them on Instagram or Facebook as well!
And to all the mamas reading this, may your back feel supported, your hips behave, and your sleep (somehow) improve. We’re aiming high here. 😉
