Pregnancy chiropractic is gentle chiropractic care adapted for the changes of pregnancy and the postpartum months. It may help ease low back pain, pelvic discomfort and sciatica using pregnancy-safe positioning and gentle techniques. ALVIS Chiropractic offers prenatal and postpartum care at both our Portland clinic on NE Broadway and our Hood River clinic.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew Alvis, D.C. · Last reviewed · Provided by Dr. Jerome Craig (Portland) and Dr. Andrew Alvis (Hood River)
Pregnancy chiropractic care is chiropractic care tailored to the physical changes of pregnancy. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, your posture changes and hormones loosen ligaments around the pelvis. Gentle adjustments, supportive positioning and practical advice may help you stay more comfortable through each trimester and after delivery.
Care is always adapted to your stage of pregnancy and comfort. Your doctor uses positioning and supports designed for pregnant patients so you never need to lie on your belly, and techniques are gentle throughout.
Prenatal chiropractic may help with common musculoskeletal discomforts of pregnancy, such as low back and pelvic pain, sciatica, round ligament and pubic symphysis discomfort, and strain from changing posture. Postpartum care may help as your body recovers and adapts to feeding, lifting and carrying your baby.
Your doctor uses pregnancy-safe positioning, such as side-lying and supportive cushions, and gentle manual or instrument-assisted techniques that avoid pressure on the abdomen. Force is kept light, and care changes as your pregnancy progresses. You can always ask to pause, change position or skip any technique.
Spinal decompression is not used during pregnancy. We coordinate with your OB or midwife, and we'll always recommend you contact them for any pregnancy symptoms such as bleeding, contractions, severe pain or swelling.
Your first visit includes a health and pregnancy history, a gentle exam and a conversation about your symptoms and goals. If care is appropriate, your doctor uses comfortable, pregnancy-safe positions for gentle adjustments and suggests simple stretches, sleep positions and posture tips you can use at home.
There's no set number. It depends on your exam, your symptoms, your stage of pregnancy and how you respond. Some people come in for a specific flare-up, others prefer regular visits through the third trimester. Your doctor will recommend a schedule and adjust it as your pregnancy changes.
Coverage for pregnancy chiropractic depends on your specific plan, your diagnosis and whether the care is considered medically necessary. Our team can check your benefits before you start so there are no surprises. If it isn't covered, we offer self-pay discounts, payment plans and CareCredit at both clinics.
We work with many plans, including PacificSource, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Providence Health Plan, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, as well as Medicaid, workers' compensation and auto/PIP claims. Including but not limited to — please verify your plan with our office. See our insurance and payment page for details.
| Mon | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
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| Tue | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
| Wed | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
| Thu | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
| Fri | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
| Mon | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
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| Tue | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
| Wed | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
| Thu | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
| Fri | 8:30 AM–11:00 AM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
Spinal decompression is offered at our Portland clinic.
Gentle, precise spinal and joint adjustments that may help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Gentle chiropractic care adapted for infants, children and teens.
Ongoing chiropractic check-ups designed to help you stay mobile and keep small issues from growing.
Results vary. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Healthcare disclaimer.
For most people with a healthy pregnancy, gentle chiropractic care from a licensed chiropractor is considered a safe, drug-free option for back and pelvic discomfort. Your doctor uses pregnancy-safe positioning and light techniques and will ask about any guidance from your OB or midwife. Some pregnancy complications may mean care should wait.
You can start at any trimester. Some people come in early for back or pelvic discomfort, others start later as their posture and weight distribution change. Care is adapted to each stage. Let your OB or midwife know you're seeing a chiropractor, and tell your doctor about any complications.
It may. Sciatic-type pain in pregnancy is often related to changes in posture, the pelvis and the muscles around it. Gentle adjustments, positioning and stretches may help ease that pressure for many patients. Your doctor will examine you first, and you should contact your OB or midwife about severe or sudden symptoms.
Yes. Both our Portland and Hood River clinics see postpartum patients. After delivery, many people deal with back, neck, wrist and pelvic strain from feeding, lifting and carrying their baby. Your doctor will consider how you delivered and your recovery, and adapt care to your needs.
No. Spinal decompression is not used during pregnancy. Pregnant patients receive gentle chiropractic care with pregnancy-safe positioning instead. If you had a disc problem before pregnancy, your doctor can discuss options for after delivery and coordinate with your OB or midwife.
Last updated . Educational information, not medical advice; individual results vary. Healthcare disclaimer.
