Pregnancy Chiropractic Care

Yes. Pregnancy chiropractic care is safe throughout all three trimesters when performed by a practitioner with specific prenatal training. Dr. Brooks uses pregnancy-specific techniques and positioning that ensure no pressure is placed on the abdomen at any point. The adjustments used during pregnancy are gentle and low-force. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive option that is well-suited to pregnancy, when many expectant mothers prefer to avoid medication wherever possible.

You can start at any stage of pregnancy — first trimester, second, or third. Starting early means we can support pelvic balance and spinal alignment from the beginning, which may help prevent many common pregnancy discomforts from developing in the first place. That said, many patients first come to us in the second or third trimester when discomforts become more noticeable, and care is just as beneficial at those stages. Postpartum care is also available to support recovery after delivery.

The most common reasons expectant mothers visit Cayucos Chiropractic during pregnancy include lower back pain and pelvic pain, sciatica and radiating leg pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, round ligament pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction, carpal tunnel symptoms, headaches and neck tension, morning sickness and nausea, sleep difficulties, and postural changes as the centre of gravity shifts. Many patients notice significant improvement in comfort levels with regular care throughout their pregnancy.

This is one of the most common questions we receive. Pelvic misalignment during pregnancy can restrict the space available for the baby to move and settle into the ideal head-down position for birth. By restoring proper pelvic balance and alignment, chiropractic care may create better conditions for optimal fetal positioning. The approach used at Cayucos Chiropractic targets the pelvis specifically to address these imbalances. While we cannot guarantee that a baby in a breech or posterior position will turn, many patients have found that pelvic balancing care contributes to favourable positioning as labour approaches.

All techniques used during pregnancy are specifically adapted for expectant mothers. Adjustments are low-force and gentle, with careful positioning throughout. The focus is primarily on the pelvis, sacrum, and lumbar spine, though we address other areas of discomfort as needed. No contraindicated procedures are used at any stage of pregnancy.

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, affecting the majority of expectant mothers to some degree. As the baby grows and the centre of gravity shifts, the lumbar spine takes on significantly more load, and the pelvis widens under hormonal influence. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve the pressure and misalignment that drive this pain. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within a few sessions, with consistent care keeping things manageable throughout the pregnancy.

This depends on your symptoms, stage of pregnancy, and health goals. For patients dealing with significant discomfort, more frequent visits in the early stages of care — perhaps once or twice a week — followed by tapering to monthly maintenance are common. For patients primarily focused on wellness and prevention, monthly or every-few-weeks visits may be sufficient throughout. Dr. Brooks will discuss the appropriate frequency for your situation after your initial assessment.

Yes. Postpartum care is an important and often overlooked aspect of recovery. Delivery places significant physical demands on the pelvis, sacrum, and spine. Nursing a newborn adds its own postural challenges. Dr. Brooks provides postpartum care to support the body's recovery, address nursing-related strain, help restore core function, and manage the physical demands of caring for a newborn. You are welcome to come in as soon as you feel ready after delivery.

No referral is required. You can contact us directly to book a prenatal appointment. If your OB or midwife has any concerns about your specific situation, we are happy to communicate with them and work collaboratively as part of your overall care team. Most healthcare providers are supportive of prenatal chiropractic care as a complementary, drug-free approach to managing pregnancy discomforts.

Yes. We welcome expectant mothers from Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cambria, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, and across the Central Coast. Our clinic is located in Cayucos and all care takes place here — we do not offer home visits. We understand that getting around becomes more of a consideration as pregnancy progresses, and we are happy to work around appointment times that suit you. Call or text us at (805) 457-5808 to book or to ask any questions before committing to an appointment.