Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe during pregnancy when a licensed chiropractor assesses you first and adapts treatment to your stage of pregnancy. Many people see a chiropractor for low back pain, pelvic pain, hip pain and sciatica-type pain while pregnant. At Shephard Health in Kensington, Calgary, your first visit is a $67 new patient exam and treatment, and we direct bill most major insurance providers.
Pregnant and sore? Start with a $67 new patient visit
Full assessment, gentle treatment adapted to your pregnancy, and a clear plan. Same-day appointments are often available, and we direct bill your benefits. Book online.
For most healthy pregnancies, yes. Research on chiropractic and manual therapy in pregnancy reports that serious side effects are rare, and mild soreness for a day or so is the most common reaction. What keeps care safe is the assessment before treatment: your chiropractor asks about your pregnancy, your health history and any warning signs, and changes the plan to suit you.
Tell your doctor or midwife that you are seeing a chiropractor, and tell your chiropractor about anything your doctor or midwife has flagged.
Yes. There is no rule against chiropractic care in the first trimester. Positions early in pregnancy are close to normal. The main change is a careful history and gentler techniques where needed.
Care continues in the third trimester, with more changes to positioning. Your chiropractor uses side-lying and seated positions and avoids pressure on your belly. Many people find the third trimester is when they want care most, as the baby’s weight puts more load on the low back and pelvis.
Treatment usually combines gentle adjustments or mobilization, soft tissue work, and simple exercises and daily habit changes you can use at home. For home tips, read our guide to pregnancy back pain relief.
Our chiropractors modify their techniques to suit each patient’s size, stage of life and health. If you have questions before booking, call us at (403) 543-7499. More on what to expect at your first visit.
Talk to your doctor or midwife before chiropractic care, and get medical care first, if you have:
These are not chiropractic problems. If any of them happen, contact your care provider or go to emergency.
There is no separate licence for pregnancy care in Alberta. Every chiropractor must be registered with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta, and any registered chiropractor can treat pregnant patients. Some take extra courses in pregnancy care. What matters most is that your chiropractor takes a full history, adapts positions and techniques, and works alongside your doctor or midwife. It is fine to ask how often they treat pregnant patients.
Many people keep coming after the baby arrives. Feeding, carrying a car seat, lifting and broken sleep all load the back, neck and wrists. Postpartum care focuses on the low back, pelvis and upper back, plus exercises to rebuild strength. Read the benefits of chiropractic care after pregnancy.
Most extended health plans cover chiropractic care, including during pregnancy, up to your plan’s limits. You do not need a referral from your doctor or midwife to see a chiropractor in Alberta. Shephard Health direct bills most major insurance providers, so you pay only what your plan does not cover, and there are no forms to send in. See insurance and direct billing.
For many people it helps with back and pelvic pain and makes daily life easier. It works best with home exercises and good sleep positions.
Often, yes. Gentle treatment of the pelvis and hips, plus advice on how to move, can reduce pelvic girdle pain.
Yes. Hip and buttock pain often comes from tight muscles and changes in how the pelvis moves, which respond well to soft tissue work and exercise.
Not unless you are comfortable and the table supports it. Most prenatal treatment is side-lying or seated.
No. You can book directly. Let your doctor or midwife know you are seeing a chiropractor.
The new patient exam and treatment is $67, and we direct bill most major insurance providers.
Same Day Appointments Available
We Direct Bill!
