Chiro doesn't adjust pelvis since I got bigger...normal?

[GuavaGirl]

I've been going to the chiropractor semi regularly since 16 weeks, and since I've gotten farther along he's stopped adjusting my pelvis....which I thought was the most important thing. He did say something like, "You're too far along to get on your side" during the adjustment. (I can physically fit on the table, on my side...I think) So pretty much we do neck, back, and then he does my low low back area using drops (the table makes a loudish clanking sound).

Does this sound right? Do they not want to mess with the pelvic area once you're so far along? It just seems like the area we'd want to make sure is good and ready to go.

[doulawoman]

I guess it depends on the chiro and their specific training. I am 38 w 4 days and my chiro still adjusts my pelvis. And I do lay on my side when she does. Sometimes it is harder as the baby's head is lower, but most of my issues are in my hips, especially with all that relaxin loosening the ligaments you can get out of alignment easily.

[basje]

My personal experince

First off there are a lot of different schools of chiros, I've been going since I was 10 and have experienced a lot of different adjusting techniques. The doctor I see now specializes in pediatric and pregnant women which she did (and continues to do) extra training for.

Those side laying, twisting adjustments aren't something that should be done for all of pregnancy. Just like in yoga class No TWISTING! But your lower back, and pelvis can still be adjusted using the drop, or activator while you lay on your stomach (with special modifications to the table of course). Also while on your back your public bone itself can be adjusted (for me not the most comfortable thing) but rather useful. Something I've never experienced on the table before pregnancy.

I would talk to the doctor about the adjustments if you feel like he is not addressing your low back. It might be that he doesn't have the training to comfortably adjust pregnant women, in which case, he could give you a referral for the remainder of your pregnancy to someone who does.

[etsdtm99]

the chiro i went to when i was pg with DS i started going at 34 weeks and he adjusted my pelvis (and everything else) up until DS was born (41 weeks) .. he had me lay on my side to do some of it, and on my belly (with the middle of the table out) for parts.. he was very gentle , no twisting or anything and no issues..

[Jenica]

Originally Posted by basje

First off there are a lot of different schools of chiros, I've been going since I was 10 and have experienced a lot of different adjusting techniques. The doctor I see now specializes in pediatric and pregnant women which she did (and continues to do) extra training for.

Those side laying, twisting adjustments aren't something that should be done for all of pregnancy. Just like in yoga class No TWISTING! But your lower back, and pelvis can still be adjusted using the drop, or activator while you lay on your stomach (with special modifications to the table of course). Also while on your back your public bone itself can be adjusted (for me not the most comfortable thing) but rather useful. Something I've never experienced on the table before pregnancy.

I would talk to the doctor about the adjustments if you feel like he is not addressing your low back. It might be that he doesn't have the training to comfortably adjust pregnant women, in which case, he could give you a referral for the remainder of your pregnancy to someone who does.

I had never been to a chiro before my 27th week of pregnancy. I found one who specializes in pediatrics and pregnancy also to treat my SPD. I never lay on my side at all and there are no twisting motions. She has me lay on my stomach first with the front part of the table dropped to accommodate my belly she then raises the table under my hips and drops it while adjusting my lower back and tailbone. She adjusts my upper back by just pushing on it. Then I flip to my back and she uses an activator to quickly adjust my pubic bone so I am only on my back for maybe a couple minutes.

Sounds like your chiropractor doesn't know how to treat pregnant women. I would definitely look into finding one who does. If they know the webster technique (used to turn babies) it's a sure sign they are familiar with pregnant women.

[jsh7809]

My experience is very similar to Jenica's - just started with a new chiro (after an unsuccessful one in early early pregnancy) who specializes in pregnancy, child, and family care. I'm 32 weeks and the plan is to go up until I go into labor! I think it's helping (only 3 adjustments so far) with my neck and pelvic issues and it feels great. I lie on my belly with the special belly pillows, she does some upper back adjusting, pelvic adjusting which I am seeing a BIG difference with already, and then I lie on my back for the neck stuff. She is a "Webster chiro"... I am not exactly sure what that means, but basically we talk a lot about not only relieving some of my pregnancy pain and discomfort, particularly in that pelvis, but also getting things in alignment to help the baby have the smoothest pathway OUT possible.
I hope you find someone in your area that can help, because I am a skeptic but am feeling really really positive about my experience with this chiro!

[mirtodd]

His not adjusting you is specific to him, not to the profession.

My DH adjusts right up to delivery (and immediately after if you have a vag delivery). He waits about 2 weeks if it was a cesarean. Babies get adjusted ASAP after birth.

[LovnMyBoys]

My experience was exactly the same as Jenica's. Again with a chiro that had extra training in treating pregnant women.

[yippiehippie]

what do they do when adjusting your pelvis? i've been getting the same, though since i had preterm labor at 29w my chiro has stopped using the drop technique. My pubic bone has really been hurting and i'm wondering what specifically others do? (i loooove my chiropractor and she does specialize in pregnancy, just wondering if there's something i should ask her about)

[PreggieUBA2C]

I have had chiro right up to labour and the newbies have it the day they are born, as did I for my 1st freebirth (she came to my home! ). Both chiros during pg used activators for my pelvis for most of the pg, and for the last bit, for my whole spine. They were all three trained in ped. chiro and pg chiro, all knowing the webster technique and visiting mums and babes in hospital and home following births.

I have needed constant work on my pelvis during one of my pgs- like every other day- and regularly otherwise. If a chiro wasn't adjusting everything necessary, then there would be no point in going. The knee bone's connected to the leg bone, right?

[jsh7809]

Originally Posted by yippiehippie

what do they do when adjusting your pelvis? i've been getting the same, though since i had preterm labor at 29w my chiro has stopped using the drop technique. My pubic bone has really been hurting and i'm wondering what specifically others do? (i loooove my chiropractor and she does specialize in pregnancy, just wondering if there's something i should ask her about)

Mine does do the drop table technique, but I haven't had the same concerns that you have. She also does some stretching/ pulling that feels SO good. I'm sure a great chiro with lots of pregnancy experience has non-drop tricks up her sleeve!

[magrat]

I went to the chiro for the first time yesterday (I'm 35 weeks) because my midwife thought I might have torque in my hips. The chiro confirmed the right side of my pelvis was tilted back slightly and causing pain in my sacrum. She had me on my stomach and dropped the table while pushing on my lower back. I have to say, I think it hurts more now. Previously it only hurt when laying on my back propped up, but now it aches a little when I walk and in the night while I was lying on my side. I'm not sure I should go back. Is it supposed to feel better right away? I had zero chiro experience or knowledge before this visit, so I'm not sure what to expect.

[yippiehippie]

Originally Posted by magrat

I went to the chiro for the first time yesterday (I'm 35 weeks) because my midwife thought I might have torque in my hips. The chiro confirmed the right side of my pelvis was tilted back slightly and causing pain in my sacrum. She had me on my stomach and dropped the table while pushing on my lower back. I have to say, I think it hurts more now. Previously it only hurt when laying on my back propped up, but now it aches a little when I walk and in the night while I was lying on my side. I'm not sure I should go back. Is it supposed to feel better right away? I had zero chiro experience or knowledge before this visit, so I'm not sure what to expect.

I think sometimes it does take a while...i've heard many say it took 2 or 3 times before feeling better. I think it's normal to feel worse before better, but my chiro always says to call if that does happen...i'd call the chiro if i were you and give em another shot. If that doesn't work I'd try a different chiro. I've really never heard of one preggo say the chiro didnt help her!

[Jenica]

Originally Posted by magrat

I went to the chiro for the first time yesterday (I'm 35 weeks) because my midwife thought I might have torque in my hips. The chiro confirmed the right side of my pelvis was tilted back slightly and causing pain in my sacrum. She had me on my stomach and dropped the table while pushing on my lower back. I have to say, I think it hurts more now. Previously it only hurt when laying on my back propped up, but now it aches a little when I walk and in the night while I was lying on my side. I'm not sure I should go back. Is it supposed to feel better right away? I had zero chiro experience or knowledge before this visit, so I'm not sure what to expect.

Right after I went the first time I was in a lot more pain than before she adjusted me. I thought she had messed something up but by the next morning I started feeling better and in 2 days all the pain was gone. The pain was from all my muscles and ligaments adjusting to the new correct position of my bones.

[MamaJ2005]

My hubby is a chiro & still adjusts me on my side. I am 39 weeks & 1 day.

[Becken]

I would seek out a new provider - someone who is experienced with preggos, and also who has a gentler approach.

I see a Network Spinal Analysis chiro - it's a very light force, mostly focusing on the myofascia. I have NEVER had such a great chiro experience EVER, and I always really liked the feeling of the "rack 'em and crack 'em" types - it felt like they were doing something!

My chiro is still adjusting my hips and pelvis (I'm 37 weeks), but I've definitely noticed that there is less he can actually effectively do, since there is a head and shoulders spreading everything apart in a very unnatural way!

That said, this has been a remarkably easy, pain-free pregnancy and I'm still so comfortable this far along that I wouldn't mind going for a few more week! lol.

[basje]

Originally Posted by Jenica

I never lay on my side at all and there are no twisting motions. She has me lay on my stomach first with the front part of the table dropped to accommodate my belly she then raises the table under my hips and drops it while adjusting my lower back and tailbone. She adjusts my upper back by just pushing on it. Then I flip to my back and she uses an activator to quickly adjust my pubic bone so I am only on my back for maybe a couple minutes.

Sounds like your chiropractor doesn't know how to treat pregnant women.

Maybe I did a bad job explaining but our treatment sounds exactly the same, although my doctor doesn't usually use the drop table in her style of chiropractic.

[umsami]

Do any of you Mamas have any advice on how to find a chiropractor who has additional training re: pregnant Mamas?

[magrat]

umsami Call around to local homebirth midwives (if you don't have one yourself) or very experienced doulas. My midwife recommended one and when that chiro didn't call back, I found someone on my own. Wasn't too impressed with the care I received, and just got a call tonight from the chiro recommended by my midwife. She had been having technical problems with voicemail or something and didn't get my message until now. Anyway, she talked to me on the phone for 25 minutes even though I wasn't even intending to see her! She gave me so much good advice I made an appointment with her and will cancel the one with the first chiro I saw. So it's definitely worth getting a good recommendation, clearly there is a huge HUGE range in quality of care.

[umsami]

Thanks magrat. I actually have my first appointment with the local homebirth MW on Wednesday...so I'll ask then.

My Dad is an osteopath (D.O.) and sometimes gives me adjustments--but I would love to get them on a regular basis. I have horrible sacral pain with each pregnancy.