Treatments During Pregnancy in State College

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

This is the first question most expectant mothers ask — and the answer is yes. Prenatal chiropractic care, when performed by a chiropractor experienced in treating pregnant patients, is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to managing the physical changes and discomforts of pregnancy. Dr. Casteel uses gentle, modified techniques specifically designed to accommodate the pregnant body at every stage.

Adjustments during pregnancy avoid any pressure on the abdomen and use positioning and specialized techniques that protect both mother and baby. Many obstetric providers actively encourage expectant patients to explore prenatal chiropractic care as a complement to their standard prenatal care — particularly for managing musculoskeletal pain without medication.

As with any care during pregnancy, if you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific complications, please consult with your OB or midwife before beginning chiropractic treatment. Dr. Casteel is happy to coordinate with your other healthcare providers as needed.

Why Pregnant Women Seek Chiropractic Care

The physical changes of pregnancy are profound. By the third trimester, the uterus and baby create significant forward load on the lumbar spine, altering posture and increasing stress on the sacroiliac joints, hips, and lower back. Hormonal changes that relax the ligaments (particularly relaxin) also reduce spinal stability and make the pelvis more vulnerable to misalignment.

Common pregnancy-related complaints that respond well to chiropractic care include:

• Low back pain — One of the most prevalent complaints of pregnancy, often linked to lumbar lordosis and sacroiliac joint stress
• Pelvic pain and instability — Including symphysis pubis dysfunction and sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Sciatic nerve pain — Pressure on the sciatic nerve from pelvic misalignment or muscle tension. Learn more on our Sciatica page.
• Neck pain and headaches — From postural changes and increased thoracic kyphosis during pregnancy
• Round ligament pain — Sharp or aching pain from the stretching ligaments that support the uterus
• Nausea and discomfort in the first trimester — Some expectant mothers find relief from nausea through specific chiropractic approaches

Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy offers a range of benefits for both mother and baby:

• Significant relief from back, hip, and pelvic pain without the use of medication
• Improved pelvic balance and alignment, which may support optimal fetal positioning for delivery
• Enhanced posture and spinal support as the body adapts to pregnancy weight distribution
• Reduced nausea in early pregnancy for some patients
• Better sleep quality by reducing nighttime pain and discomfort
• A healthier, more mobile body entering labor — which many patients associate with smoother delivery experiences
• Faster postpartum recovery by maintaining spinal alignment and joint health throughout the pregnancy

The Webster Technique and Pelvic Alignment

One of the most well-known chiropractic approaches used during pregnancy is the Webster Technique — a specific sacral analysis and adjustment designed to reduce sacroiliac joint dysfunction and improve pelvic balance. When the pelvis is properly aligned, there is more room for the baby to move and settle into an optimal position for birth. Dr. Casteel will determine during your evaluation which techniques are most appropriate for your individual needs and stage of pregnancy.

Chiropractic Care at Every Stage of Pregnancy

Many patients begin prenatal chiropractic care in the first trimester as a proactive measure — getting ahead of the postural changes and discomforts that develop as pregnancy progresses. Others seek care in the second or third trimester when specific symptoms become more pronounced. Either approach is valid, and Dr. Casteel will customize your care plan to meet you wherever you are in your pregnancy journey.

Postpartum care is also available at Casteel Chiropractic to help new mothers recover from the physical demands of labor and delivery, re-establish healthy spinal alignment, and address postural strain from nursing and infant care. Whether you’re looking for support throughout your pregnancy or transitioning into postpartum recovery, we’re here for every step of the journey.

For a complete picture of our family wellness approach, explore our Pediatric Chiropractic Care page — because great chiropractic care starts even before birth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy