If you're pregnant and thinking about seeing a chiropractor, the first question is usually whether it's safe. For most healthy pregnancies, prenatal chiropractic care is generally considered safe, especially when it comes from a chiropractor trained in pregnancy care.
Below you'll find why prenatal chiropractic care is safe, what makes it different, what to ask any prenatal chiropractor, and what a first visit looks like at The Chiro Mom in Brighton and Loveland, Colorado.
Why Prenatal Chiropractic Care Is Safe During Pregnancy
Prenatal chiropractic care is generally considered safe for most healthy pregnancies, and there are a few reasons why.
Chiropractors are entry-level providers. You can see one without a referral, and chiropractors are trained to assess whether care is appropriate for you. At your first visit, Dr. Ashleigh takes your history, learns about your pregnancy, and does an assessment. If chiropractic care isn't right for you, she will refer you to the right provider.
The care is adapted for pregnancy. Positioning changes as your belly grows, adjustments are gentle, and the Webster technique, which Dr. Ashleigh is certified in, was designed specifically for pregnant women.
Local providers trust the care. Several OBs and midwives refer their patients to The Chiro Mom because they have seen the benefits of the care their patients receive. If you'd like your OB or midwife kept in the loop, Dr. Ashleigh is happy to do that.
What Makes Prenatal Chiropractic Care Different
A chiropractor trained in pregnancy care changes how she works as you grow. Positioning is adapted for your belly, adjustments are gentle, and the focus stays on how your pelvis, spine, and nervous system are adjusting to pregnancy.
Dr. Ashleigh Bertolini is Webster technique certified. That's a pregnancy-specific analysis and adjustment of the sacrum and pelvis, developed by the founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. If you'd like the full picture, our guide to what the Webster technique is covers it in plain language.
What Happens at a First Prenatal Visit
Your first visit at The Chiro Mom begins with a conversation. Dr. Ashleigh asks how far along you are, how your pregnancy has been going, what you're feeling in your body, and who is on your care team. She then does a gentle assessment of your pelvis, spine, and posture before any adjustment.
Everything is explained as you go, and you can ask questions at any point. If something doesn't feel right, say so and ask to pause or change it. Visits are with Dr. Ashleigh herself, and both our Brighton and Loveland offices have a play area if you're bringing your other kids.
Common Worries Moms Bring Up
The most common worry is whether adjustments will feel too forceful during pregnancy. Prenatal adjustments are gentle and adapted to your stage, and you set the pace. If you're nervous, tell Dr. Ashleigh at the start of your visit so she can walk you through each step before it happens.
Another common question is whether you need a referral or your OB's permission first. You don't. You can book directly, and Dr. Ashleigh will assess whether prenatal chiropractic care is a good fit for you at your first visit.
Questions to Ask Any Prenatal Chiropractor
Whoever you choose, these are fair questions to ask before your first appointment:
- What training do you have in pregnancy care?
- Are you Webster technique certified?
- How do you change positioning and technique as my belly grows?
- Do you assess whether chiropractic care is right for me, and refer me out if it isn't?
- What should I expect at each visit, and how often would you suggest coming in?
A good prenatal chiropractor will welcome these questions. If an answer feels vague, that tells you something too.
How Early and How Often?
There is no single schedule that fits every mom. Some moms start early in pregnancy, some come in later, and some wait until they have a specific question. Dr. Ashleigh builds care around your stage of pregnancy and how you're feeling.
You don't need a specific problem to come in. Many moms book because they want their body and nervous system supported while everything is changing.
Support After Baby Arrives
Care doesn't have to stop at delivery. Postpartum is its own season of recovery, and Dr. Ashleigh offers postpartum chiropractic care focused on the wellbeing of your nervous system, so you can better support yourself, your baby, and your family as you settle into life with a newborn. You can bring your baby along to appointments.
Ready to Ask Your Questions?
If you're in Brighton, Reunion, Commerce City, Thornton, Broomfield, Hudson, or Keenesburg, or near our Loveland office in Berthoud, Johnstown, Windsor, Timnath, Fort Collins, Milliken, or Severance, you can learn more about prenatal chiropractic care at The Chiro Mom or book your first visit online at either office. Bring your questions, and we'll take it from there.
