Pregnancy & Gonstead Chiropractic: Your Questions Answered

Q: Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Absolutely. In fact, Gonstead chiropractic is one of the safest and most effective ways to manage pregnancy-related pain. The Gonstead Technique uses no twisting or rotational forces—making it ideal for pregnant bodies. Dr. Lawson has years of experience caring for pregnant women, and her adjustments are gentle, specific, and tailored to your changing body. Many pregnant patients report that regular Gonstead care is the only thing that keeps them comfortable throughout pregnancy.

Q: Why Does Pregnancy Cause Back Pain?

Your body is working overtime. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward. To compensate, you arch your lower back, placing enormous stress on your lumbar spine. Your growing belly also pulls on your thoracic spine and creates postural imbalances. Additionally, pregnancy hormones (especially relaxin) loosen your ligaments to prepare for labor. This ligament laxity, combined with weight gain and postural changes, creates the perfect storm for back pain. The result? Most pregnant women experience significant back pain, especially in the second and third trimesters.

Q: How Does Gonstead Chiropractic Help With Pregnancy Back Pain?

By addressing the root cause: spinal misalignment. As your body changes, subluxations develop. A vertebra shifts out of place due to postural stress, weight distribution changes, or hormonal effects on ligaments. These misalignments create nerve interference and muscle tension—which manifests as back pain. Gonstead chiropractic identifies these specific subluxations and corrects them, restoring spinal alignment and relieving the pressure causing your pain. Unlike general pain management or medication, Gonstead addresses the actual problem. Many pregnant patients report dramatic pain relief after just a few adjustments—allowing them to stay active, sleep better, and enjoy their pregnancy.

Q: What About Pelvic Alignment? How Does That Affect Labor?

Pelvic alignment is critical for labor. Your pelvis is the birth canal. If it's misaligned, the opening is restricted. This means: - Longer, more difficult labor - Increased pain during contractions - Higher likelihood of interventions (epidural, induction, cesarean) - Slower recovery postpartum Gonstead chiropractic ensures your pelvis is properly aligned before labor begins. This optimization: ✓ Creates optimal pelvic opening for baby to descend✓ Reduces labor time and pain✓ Decreases the need for medical interventions✓ Supports natural labor and delivery✓ Promotes faster postpartum recovery Dr. Lawson specializes in pelvic alignment for pregnant women—one of the most important things you can do to prepare for labor.

Q: What Exactly Does a Pelvic Alignment Adjustment Feel Like?

Gentle and specific. The adjustment targets the sacroiliac joints and pelvic bones with precision. You'll feel pressure and movement, but no pain. Many women describe it as a relief—they actually feel their pelvis settle into place. Because Dr. Lawson uses the Gonstead method, the adjustment is calculated and exact. No guessing. No unnecessary force. Just a targeted correction that restores proper pelvic alignment.

Q: How Often Should I Get Adjusted During Pregnancy?

This varies based on your individual needs. Some women benefit from weekly adjustments throughout pregnancy, especially in the third trimester when pain is typically worst. Others do well with adjustments every two weeks. During your first visit, Dr. Lawson will evaluate your spine and pelvis and recommend a schedule tailored to your specific needs and comfort level. Many pregnant patients find that regular adjustments keep them virtually pain-free throughout pregnancy.

Q: Can I Get X-Rays While Pregnant?

Only if necessary—and when appropriate. X-ray imaging is sometimes needed to fully assess spinal alignment and pelvic positioning. If X-rays are recommended, they're sourced through a trusted imaging partner and are completely safe during pregnancy (they're local, low-radiation, and directed at your spine—not your baby). However, Dr. Lawson uses thorough physical examination techniques first. X-rays are only ordered when they'll provide critical information for your care plan.

Q: What About the Relaxin Hormone? Won't Loose Ligaments Make Adjustments Risky?

Not with Gonstead. Yes, relaxin loosens your ligaments in preparation for labor—but this doesn't make chiropractic adjustments risky. In fact, it makes them safer. Because your ligaments are already loose, Dr. Lawson uses slightly less force than normal adjustments. The Gonstead method's precision means she's targeting exact vertebrae with calculated force—never overextending or taking advantage of the loosened ligaments. The result is a gentle, safe adjustment that works with your pregnancy physiology, not against it.

Q: When Should I Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

As early as possible. Ideally, start in your first trimester so Dr. Lawson can address existing subluxations and establish proper alignment before your belly grows significantly. However, it's never too late. Women start Gonstead care in their second or third trimester and experience immediate pain relief and improved alignment. If you're already experiencing pregnancy back pain, don't wait. The sooner you start, the more comfortable you'll be.

Q: Does Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Actually Make Labor Easier?

Yes. Research and patient experience consistently show that women who receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy experience: - Shorter labor duration - Less pain during labor - Fewer medical interventions (induction, epidural, cesarean) - Faster recovery postpartum - Better baby positioning for easier delivery A properly aligned spine and pelvis create the optimal environment for labor. Your baby can position better. Your body can work more efficiently. Labor unfolds more naturally.

Catherine Hayford

Sep 4

5 min read

Pregnancy changes your body in profound ways. Your center of gravity shifts. Your ligaments loosen. Your spine bears new weight and stress. For many pregnant women, this means significant back pain, pelvic discomfort, and concerns about labor. Gonstead chiropractic is specifically designed to support pregnant women through these changes—keeping your spine aligned, your pelvis balanced, and your body prepared for labor. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often. Pregnancy & Gonstead Chiropractic is a must for any mother.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Absolutely. In fact, Gonstead chiropractic is one of the safest and most effective ways to manage pregnancy-related pain. The Gonstead Technique uses no twisting or rotational forces—making it ideal for pregnant bodies.

Dr. Lawson has years of experience caring for pregnant women, and her adjustments are gentle, specific, and tailored to your changing body. Many pregnant patients report that regular Gonstead care is the only thing that keeps them comfortable throughout pregnancy.

Why Does Pregnancy Cause Back Pain?

Your body is working overtime. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward. To compensate, you arch your lower back, placing enormous stress on your lumbar spine. Your growing belly also pulls on your thoracic spine and creates postural imbalances.

Additionally, pregnancy hormones (especially relaxin) loosen your ligaments to prepare for labor. This ligament laxity, combined with weight gain and postural changes, creates the perfect storm for back pain.

The result? Most pregnant women experience significant back pain, especially in the second and third trimesters.

How Does Gonstead Chiropractic Help With Pregnancy Back Pain?

By addressing the root cause: spinal misalignment.

As your body changes, subluxations develop. A vertebra shifts out of place due to postural stress, weight distribution changes, or hormonal effects on ligaments. These misalignments create nerve interference and muscle tension—which manifests as back pain.

Gonstead chiropractic identifies these specific subluxations and corrects them, restoring spinal alignment and relieving the pressure causing your pain. Unlike general pain management or medication, Gonstead addresses the actual problem.

Many pregnant patients report dramatic pain relief after just a few adjustments—allowing them to stay active, sleep better, and enjoy their pregnancy.

What About Pelvic Alignment? How Does That Affect Labor?

Pelvic alignment is critical for labor. Your pelvis is the birth canal. If it's misaligned, the opening is restricted. This means:

Longer, more difficult labor
Increased pain during contractions
Higher likelihood of interventions (epidural, induction, cesarean)
Slower recovery postpartum

Gonstead chiropractic ensures your pelvis is properly aligned before labor begins. This optimization:

✓ Creates optimal pelvic opening for baby to descend✓ Reduces labor time and pain✓ Decreases the need for medical interventions✓ Supports natural labor and delivery✓ Promotes faster postpartum recovery

Dr. Lawson specializes in pelvic alignment for pregnant women—one of the most important things you can do to prepare for labor.

What Exactly Does a Pelvic Alignment Adjustment Feel Like?

Gentle and specific. The adjustment targets the sacroiliac joints and pelvic bones with precision. You'll feel pressure and movement, but no pain. Many women describe it as a relief—they actually feel their pelvis settle into place.

Because Dr. Lawson uses the Gonstead method, the adjustment is calculated and exact. No guessing. No unnecessary force. Just a targeted correction that restores proper pelvic alignment.

How Often Should I Get Adjusted During Pregnancy?

This varies based on your individual needs. Some women benefit from weekly adjustments throughout pregnancy, especially in the third trimester when pain is typically worst. Others do well with adjustments every two weeks.

During your first visit, Dr. Lawson will evaluate your spine and pelvis and recommend a schedule tailored to your specific needs and comfort level. Many pregnant patients find that regular adjustments keep them virtually pain-free throughout pregnancy.

Can I Get X-Rays While Pregnant?

Only if necessary—and when appropriate. X-ray imaging is sometimes needed to fully assess spinal alignment and pelvic positioning. If X-rays are recommended, they're sourced through a trusted imaging partner and are completely safe during pregnancy (they're local, low-radiation, and directed at your spine—not your baby).

However, Dr. Lawson uses thorough physical examination techniques first. X-rays are only ordered when they'll provide critical information for your care plan.

What About the Relaxin Hormone? Won't Loose Ligaments Make Adjustments Risky?

Not with Gonstead. Yes, relaxin loosens your ligaments in preparation for labor—but this doesn't make chiropractic adjustments risky. In fact, it makes them safer.

Because your ligaments are already loose, Dr. Lawson uses slightly less force than normal adjustments. The Gonstead method's precision means she's targeting exact vertebrae with calculated force—never overextending or taking advantage of the loosened ligaments.

The result is a gentle, safe adjustment that works with your pregnancy physiology, not against it.

When Should I Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

As early as possible. Ideally, start in your first trimester so Dr. Lawson can address existing subluxations and establish proper alignment before your belly grows significantly.

However, it's never too late. Women start Gonstead care in their second or third trimester and experience immediate pain relief and improved alignment.

If you're already experiencing pregnancy back pain, don't wait. The sooner you start, the more comfortable you'll be.

Does Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Actually Make Labor Easier?

Yes. Research and patient experience consistently show that women who receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy experience:

Shorter labor duration
Less pain during labor
Fewer medical interventions (induction, epidural, cesarean)
Faster recovery postpartum
Better baby positioning for easier delivery

A properly aligned spine and pelvis create the optimal environment for labor. Your baby can position better. Your body can work more efficiently. Labor unfolds more naturally.

What About After Baby Arrives? Do I Still Need Adjustments?

Absolutely. Postpartum recovery requires continued chiropractic care. Your body went through massive changes, and your spine and pelvis need support as they return to normal.

Postpartum adjustments:

✓ Address remaining postural imbalances✓ Support ligament tightening (as relaxin decreases)✓ Help with postpartum back pain✓ Support healing and recovery✓ Restore spinal stability for carrying and lifting baby

Many women continue regular Gonstead care postpartum—both for their own health and to support their infant's spinal health.

Is It Okay to Breastfeed? Will Adjustments Affect My Milk?

Chiropractic care doesn't affect breastfeeding or milk supply at all. Adjustments work on your nervous system and spinal alignment—they don't interact with hormones or breastfeeding physiology.

In fact, many nursing mothers find that chiropractic care helps them be more comfortable while breastfeeding (better posture, less neck and shoulder pain).

What If I'm High-Risk? Is Chiropractic Still Safe?

Most high-risk pregnancies can still benefit from Gonstead care. However, Dr. Lawson will discuss your specific situation during your consultation. Some conditions require modified adjustments or coordination with your OB/GYN.

The key is open communication. Bring your pregnancy history, any complications, and your OB's contact information to your first visit. Dr. Lawson will work with your medical team to ensure your care is coordinated and safe.

How Much Does Pregnancy Chiropractic Care Cost?

Talk to Dr. Lawson about pricing. Gonstead care is an investment in your comfort during pregnancy and your health for life. Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care—and pregnancy-related care often qualifies.

During your first consultation, Dr. Lawson can discuss pricing options and insurance coverage so there are no surprises.

Ready to Have a More Comfortable Pregnancy?

Pregnancy doesn't have to mean months of pain, discomfort, and limitation. Gonstead chiropractic can keep you active, comfortable, and prepared for an easier, faster labor.

Dr. Lawson specializes in caring for pregnant women—supporting their bodies through dramatic changes and preparing them for the birth experience they want.

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, now is the time to prioritize spinal health and pelvic alignment.

Lawson Family Chiropractic Center

6760 Thrush Drive, Suite C, Canal Winchester, OH 43110📞 614-834-4444

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 8:30 AM – 2 PM | Closed Wednesday