Chiropractic care often sparks strong opinions—some swear by it, while others dismiss it as pseudoscience. In reality, the truth lies somewhere in between, and for many, chiropractic care can play an important role in overall wellness, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.
Recently on the MamasteFit Podcast, Roxanne and I sat down with Dr. Savannah Gardner, a local chiropractor and owner of The Movement Foundry, to unpack what chiropractic care really is, what it isn’t, and how it can support women and families through the perinatal period.
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What Does a Chiropractor Actually Do?
Contrary to the myth of “popping bones back into place,” chiropractic adjustments don’t forcefully realign bones. Instead, chiropractors help joints move through their natural range of motion. By facilitating mobility in areas where movement has become limited—whether from muscular tightness, nervous system issues, or compensation patterns—chiropractic care can restore comfort and function.
As Dr. Savannah explained, chiropractors are musculoskeletal specialists with extensive training in anatomy, physiology, radiology, and manual therapies. Their goal is not just to reduce pain, but also to improve function and support patients in moving better throughout daily life.
Education and Scope of Practice
To become a chiropractor, one must complete an undergraduate degree, followed by a doctorate in chiropractic, and pass multiple board exams. Beyond their foundational training, many pursue further certifications in specialties such as pediatrics or prenatal care. Dr. Savannah, for example, is Webster certified and nearly finished with her perinatal certification, equipping her with tools to support pregnant women and children.
Importantly, scope of practice varies by state, and while chiropractors are highly trained, they are not meant to replace your primary care provider. A quality chiropractor knows when to treat conservatively and when to refer you to another professional.
Why Pregnant Women Seek Chiropractic Care
Pregnancy brings immense physical changes—shifts in posture, ligament laxity, and added strain on the pelvis, back, and hips. Both Roxanne and I found relief from discomforts such as SI joint pain, round ligament pain, and pubic bone pain through chiropractic care.
Adjustments can reduce pain perception, making it easier for patients to do exercises prescribed by physical therapists or fitness trainers. This collaborative care—chiropractic, PT, and movement-based exercise—creates the best outcomes, helping women stay comfortable, active, and better prepared for birth.
Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Infants, too, can benefit from gentle chiropractic adjustments. Birth is a physically demanding process, and sometimes babies experience restrictions that affect feeding or comfort. Roxanne shared how an adjustment helped her newborn latch better after signs of jaw tightness, while I experienced firsthand how an oral adjustment immediately soothed my baby’s crying and improved breastfeeding. These treatments are incredibly gentle—more like light pressure and not the dramatic “cracks” seen online.
Evidence, Experience, and Collaborative Care
While some criticize chiropractic care for lacking extensive research, it’s worth noting that many areas of women’s health are under-researched. Providers like Dr. Savannah emphasize a balanced approach: drawing from existing evidence, professional experience, and patient feedback. She prefers the term “evidence-adjusted” rather than “evidence-based,” since care should integrate literature, clinical expertise, and patient preference.
Most importantly, chiropractic care should never be presented as a cure-all. A trustworthy provider collaborates with other professionals—OBs, midwives, doulas, PTs, and fitness specialists—rather than competing with them. The best outcomes happen when the entire team supports the patient’s goals.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not all chiropractors practice with the same philosophy. Dr. Savannah encourages patients to be cautious of practitioners who:
🚩Claim they can “fix everything” with adjustments alone.
🚩Dismiss all other medical or therapeutic providers.
🚩Use fear tactics to discourage collaboration.
A good chiropractor recognizes limits, supports collaborative care, and values patient autonomy.
Insurance and Accessibility
Chiropractic care is not always fully covered by insurance, but many providers offer superbills so patients can seek reimbursement. Some insurances do cover a set number of adjustments each year, while Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) often apply. It’s worth exploring your options to make care more affordable.
Final Thoughts
Chiropractic care isn’t magic, but it can be a powerful tool in supporting prenatal comfort, postpartum recovery, and infant wellness—when used as part of a collaborative, evidence-informed approach. For Roxanne and I, chiropractic adjustments made a real difference in our pregnancies and for our children – patient experience is just as valuable as research.
The takeaway? Chiropractic care is a supportive option, not a replacement for medical care. When combined with other modalities like PT, fitness, and doula support, it helps build a well-rounded team for pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
If you’re curious about integrating chiropractic care into your perinatal journey, look for a provider with specialized training (such as Webster or pediatric certification), a collaborative mindset, and a respect for your autonomy. And most importantly—trust how your body feels. Relief, comfort, and confidence are valid outcomes worth prioritizing.
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