Pregnancy Chiropractor for Pregnant Moms in West Des Moines, IA

Starting chiropractic care early in your pregnancy is one of the best decisions you can make. It allows us to identify potential concerns and begin gentle, drug-free treatments that ease pregnancy-related discomfort before it escalates.

Many women begin to feel lower back or pelvic pain as early as the fifth month—some even within the first month. These aches are the result of the rapid hormonal and structural changes your body goes through to support your growing baby.

As your belly expands, your posture naturally shifts. This often increases the curve in your lower spine, placing added pressure on your muscles—particularly the psoas—which can shorten and lead to even more discomfort.

Toward the end of pregnancy, your body releases relaxin, a hormone that loosens pelvic joints to prepare for labor. While this is a vital process, it can also lead to fluctuation and discomfort in the sacroiliac joints. The good news? Chiropractic care offers natural solutions that help reduce pain without relying on medications that could affect your baby.

Because your musculoskeletal system is undergoing major changes, chiropractic support can make a world of difference. At Truth Family Chiropractic, our experienced doctors are trained to support women throughout every stage of pregnancy—helping them stay comfortable, mobile, and prepared for a smooth delivery. We’re here to identify concerns early and offer natural care solutions that support a healthy pregnancy from beginning to end.

How We Help Pregnant Women in West Des Moines, IA

Personalized Consultation & Exam

Whether you’re in your first trimester or nearing delivery, we begin with a thorough consultation to understand your unique experience. We’ll review your health history and talk through any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Next, we conduct a full chiropractic assessment to evaluate your movement, posture, and spinal alignment. We check for subluxations—misalignments in the spine—that can affect your nervous system and create complications during pregnancy. Addressing these early supports a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and delivery.

Targeted Chiropractic Adjustments

Pregnancy puts a lot of tension on your spine. The relaxin hormone increases the risk of spinal misalignments, which can lead to pain in the pelvis, neck, back, and other areas. Our chiropractors provide safe, specific adjustments tailored to pregnant women to help relieve discomfort and improve function without medication.

The Webster Technique

One of the most effective techniques we use is the Webster Technique, which gently realigns the sacrum and balances tension in the surrounding ligaments. When these areas are in proper alignment, the uterus experiences less tension—encouraging your baby to move into the optimal position for delivery.

Custom Exercise Guidance

Staying active during pregnancy is highly beneficial when done right. We’ll help you maintain strength, reduce discomfort, and support better posture with a custom movement plan tailored to your needs. Stronger muscles around your pelvis and spine help you stay more stable as your body changes.

Nutritional Support

If your current diet isn’t meeting all your pregnancy needs, we’ll help fill in the gaps. Supplementation—especially with key nutrients like folic acid—can make a big difference in supporting both you and your baby’s health. Our team can help guide you through simple, effective nutritional changes to keep you feeling your best.

Common Causes of Pregnancy Pain We Treat in West Des Moines

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most frequent complaints during pregnancy. It’s often triggered by extra weight and posture shifts, but it can also be worsened by separated abdominal muscles and the effects of relaxin on spinal ligaments.

Pelvic Pain

Hormonal shifts and physical changes cause joint instability in the pelvis, especially in preparation for delivery. Conditions like constipation, UTIs, cysts, and Braxton Hicks contractions can add to the discomfort—but chiropractic care helps reduce these issues naturally.

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

This condition occurs when relaxin softens the joint connecting the two pubic bones, leading to pain as the baby grows. SPD can limit your mobility and quality of life—but with proper chiropractic care, you can stay active and minimize the discomfort.

Headaches

Pregnancy headaches can come from hormonal changes, stress, dehydration, posture issues, or high blood pressure. Whether you’re in the first trimester or the third, natural care such as massage, exercise, and chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate the pain.

Sciatica

If you’re feeling sharp or shooting pain down your legs, it could be sciatica—a condition caused by pressure on the sciatica nerve. This is common in pregnancy due to spinal curvature changes and extra weight. Chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy can safely relieve pressure and restore comfort.

Pregnancy Chiropractic FAQs

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Yes—chiropractic treatment is both safe and beneficial for pregnant women. It helps relieve pressure and discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being during a time of rapid body changes.

When should I start seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy?

Ideally, before you begin experiencing pain. Many women benefit from care early in pregnancy, even before symptoms appear. This proactive approach helps maintain alignment and comfort throughout all three trimesters.

Can chiropractic adjustments cause a miscarriage?

No. Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy are gentle and non-invasive. They are specifically tailored to support a healthy pregnancy and are considered safe by many healthcare professionals.

What are some natural ways to ease back pain during pregnancy?

Gentle stretching, chiropractic care, massage, and even acupuncture can all offer drug-free relief. Our chiropractors can help recommend the best combination for your situation.

Is pelvic pain common while pregnant?

Yes, and it’s usually related to the body preparing for birth. However, just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Chiropractic care helps reduce pelvic pain naturally so you can focus on enjoying your pregnancy.