Pregnancy is one of the most amazing things the human body can do. Over the course of nine months, your body adapts to support the growth and development of an entirely new human! Muscles lengthen, ligaments soften, posture changes, organs shift, and the nervous system continuously adapts to meet new demands.
While these changes are normal and necessary, they are not always comfortable.
Many pregnant patients experience low back pain, pelvic discomfort, sciatica, rib pain, neck tension, headaches, or difficulty moving through daily activities. Tasks that once felt effortless, like walking, sleeping, exercising, working, or even rolling over in bed, can start to require much more effort.
At Groove Chiropractic in Vancouver, WA, pregnancy care is one of my core specialties. For more than a decade, I have helped pregnant patients navigate the physical changes of pregnancy with confidence and comfort. Through gentle, specific chiropractic care, movement education, and individualized support, my goal is to help you feel your best throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Pregnancy Changes the Body in Incredible Ways
As pregnancy progresses, the body undergoes a series of biomechanical and hormonal changes designed to support a growing baby.
These changes often include:
- Increased ligament laxity due to hormonal influences
- Changes in posture and center of gravity
- Increased stress on the low back and pelvis
- Expansion of the rib cage
- Changes in gait and walking mechanics
- Increased demands on the pelvic floor and core muscles
For some people, these changes occur with minimal discomfort. For others, symptoms can become significant enough to interfere with sleep, exercise, work, or everyday activities.
Common reasons pregnant patients seek chiropractic care include:
- Low back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint discomfort
- Pubic symphysis pain ("lightning crotch")
- Sciatica
- Rib pain
- Round ligament discomfort
- Neck & shoulder tension
- Headaches
- Difficulty exercising comfortably
- To help prepare for optimal labor & delivery
The good news is that chiropractic care can help!
A Gentle and Specific Approach to Pregnancy Care
One of the most common concerns I hear from new patients is:
"Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?"
When performed by a chiropractor trained to work with pregnant patients, chiropractic care is considered safe and effective throughout pregnancy.
At Groove Chiropractic, pregnancy care is never aggressive or forceful. Treatments are carefully modified based on your stage of pregnancy, symptoms, comfort level, and individual needs.
Every treatment plan is customized and may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments &/or joint mobilization
- Pelvic balancing techniques
- Soft tissue therapies
- Therapeutic exercise
- Postural education
- Movement modifications
- Home care recommendations
The goal is not simply symptom relief. The goal is to help your body adapt more efficiently to the changing demands of pregnancy.
Webster Technique Certification
One aspect of my pregnancy care training that many patients specifically seek out is my certification in the Webster Technique.
The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic analysis and adjustment protocol designed to address balance and function within the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues during pregnancy.
Contrary to some misconceptions, the Webster Technique is not intended to turn babies. Instead, it focuses on improving pelvic biomechanics and reducing tension patterns that may contribute to discomfort or restriction within the pregnant body.
The technique involves gentle assessment and treatment of:
- Pelvic alignment
- Sacroiliac joint function
- Supporting ligaments
- Pelvic floor relationships
- Surrounding musculature
By promoting balance within the pelvis, many patients experience improved comfort, mobility, and overall function throughout pregnancy. It can also improve symmetry in the uterus, allowing baby to grow and move in a more natural way. Ideally, this contributes to a better labor and delivery experience for you and baby.
Comfort Matters: Specialized Pillows & Positioning
Growing a baby is hard work. Lying face down on a standard chiropractic table often isn't practical (or comfortable!) for pregnant patients.
That's why Groove Chiropractic utilizes specialized pregnancy positioning equipment, including supportive pregnancy pillows designed to accommodate your changing body.
These cushions help:
- Reduce pressure on abdominal and breast tissues
- Improve treatment comfort
- Support the pelvis and rib cage
- Allow for more relaxed positioning during care
Patients are often pleasantly surprised by how comfortable treatment can be, even in the later stages of pregnancy.
Creating a safe, welcoming, and physically comfortable experience for each patient is an important part of the Groove Chiropractic process.
More Than Symptom Relief
Pregnancy chiropractic care is often associated with back pain relief, but its benefits can extend far beyond managing symptoms.
Many patients seek care because they want to:
- Continue exercising comfortably
- Sleep better
- Improve mobility
- Prepare for labor and delivery
- Maintain an active lifestyle
- Reduce physical stress during pregnancy
As someone who works extensively with athletes, dancers, yogis, and active individuals, I approach pregnancy as another chapter in the body's movement story.
Pregnancy may change how you move, but it doesn't mean movement has to stop.
My role is to help you adapt as your body changes.
A Collaborative Approach to Perinatal Care
No single provider should carry the entire responsibility for your pregnancy care.
I am part of the Rooted Collective, a local group dedicated to dedicated to supporting parents and families through every stage of the perinatal journey. I have built connections with:
- Midwives
- OB-GYNs
- Pelvic floor and other PTs and OTs
- Doulas
- Massage therapists
- Lactation consultants
- Primary care providers
- Speech and language pathologists
- Mental healthcare providers
- Acupuncturists
This team-based approach helps ensure you receive comprehensive support throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
The best outcomes happen when providers communicate and work together toward your goals.
Supporting You Beyond Birth
The postpartum period is often called the "fourth trimester" for good reason.
After birth, the body continues adapting. I see parenting as a whole-body sport with physical challenges, often completely new, that can lead to musculoskeletal and neurologic symptoms.
Many patients continue care after birth to address:
- Postpartum low back pain
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Core rehabilitation
- Pelvic discomfort
- Postural strain from feeding and carrying baby
- Return-to-exercise goals
- Nerve tension in wrists/hands/arms, "Mom thumb"
Your body deserves support after delivery just as much as it deserves support during pregnancy. My advice to is come in as soon as you feel up to it after delivery. Even after Caesarean births and other interventions, treatment can be tailored to you and your body. Babies are always welcome! You don't have to worry about finding childcare to come in for treatment- although, sometimes a little "spa day" at Groove is more relaxing when it's just you 🙂
Experience Matters
With more than ten years of experience caring for pregnant patients, I understand that every pregnancy is different.
Some patients seek care because they have pain. Others want to stay active, prepare for labor, or simply support their body's ability to adapt well throughout pregnancy.
Whatever your goals, you deserve care that is gentle, informed, evidence-guided, and tailored specifically to you.
At Groove Chiropractic, pregnancy care isn't an occasional service. It's one of the pillars of the practice.
Whether you're newly pregnant, preparing for delivery, or navigating the postpartum transition, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
I'd love to help you get your Groove back.
Book here: https://groovechiro.janeapp.com/
Cydney Keller Brinson, DC
Owner & Chiropractor
Groove Chiropractichttps://groovechiro.com/
Serving the athletic, artistic, and growing families of SW Washington & Portland metro.