Question
At 29 weeks pregnant, I am currently seeing a chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy care.  This is actually my first experience with chiropractic care and I am still questioning the safety of adjustments during pregnancy.  I feel my Dr. is very skilled (and she does have an adjustable table with space for growing bellies), but I just wonder what happens to the baby when she puts significant pressure on my spine/back.  I know the baby still has quite a bit of room to move around, so if pressure is placed on my lower or upper abdomen she can move around.  But, as she grows, what happens if she can't move?  The table opening doesn't completely leave my abdomen exposed.  I've researched it a bit online and have only read that chiropractic care in pregnancy is safe, so just looking for an explanation of how the baby actually avoids the pressure or what happens if she doesn't.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Lindsey,

I can understand your concerns.  However, please be assured that your baby is very safe.   Your body was designed to house that child and protect it from environmental forces.  The joint manipulation maneuvers delivered skillfully to a pregnant female do not contort the abdomen or compress the uterus.   If your chiropractor has a flair for treating pregnant women (there is no specialty degree in this), then she should have a table where the belly piece drops away.  Look at the woman lying on the table in the photo on my web site (http://www.drgillman.com/drgillman/pages/services.htm).   She was at 9 months.  So do not be afraid of the chiropractic treatment.  If you are placed in a position that is not comfortable, just make mention of it and change or avoid the position.  Obviously you cannot lay belly-down on a flat surface when you are 8 months pregnant.  You would naturally avoid the position.  The same goes for laying on the chiropractic table.  If your belly is too big for the device she uses to lay you down prone, you'll know it immediately and simply won't tolerate it.  Then your DC will change your position, e.g. bolster up your hips or further drop the belly piece.  I hope this helps.

Dr. G'