Chiropractic Care and Morning Sickness: What the Research Says

Morning Sickness Is Common, and It Is Hard

Pregnancy brings a lot of change, and for many women one of the hardest parts is nausea and morning sickness, most often in the first trimester. Every pregnancy is different, but persistent nausea can leave you tired, discouraged and looking for anything that helps.

As a chiropractor who cares for pregnant patients in The Woodlands, I am often asked whether chiropractic care can help with morning sickness. Here is an honest answer: what the research says, what we can and cannot offer, and where chiropractic care fits alongside your OB-GYN or midwife. You can read more about prenatal chiropractic care here.

Why Pregnancy-Related Nausea Happens

Nausea and vomiting affect most pregnant women at some point. The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to play a part:

Hormonal changes: rising levels of estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are closely linked with nausea.

Slower digestion: pregnancy hormones slow the stomach and gut, which can add to bloating, heartburn and discomfort.

Sensitivity: many women become more sensitive to smells, tiredness and stress, which can make nausea feel worse.

For most women nausea eases as pregnancy goes on. For some it becomes severe. If you cannot keep fluids down, are losing weight or feel faint, call your OB-GYN or midwife right away. Severe vomiting in pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum) needs medical care.

What the Research Says

There is very little research on chiropractic care for morning sickness. A Cochrane review of treatments for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (Matthews and colleagues, 2015) looked at options such as acupressure, ginger, vitamin B6 and medication. It found the evidence for most non-drug options limited and inconsistent, and it did not include trials of chiropractic adjustment.

So we do not claim that adjustments treat morning sickness. Anyone who promises that is going beyond the evidence.

Where Chiropractic Care Fits

What prenatal chiropractic care focuses on is comfort. Pregnancy changes your posture, your center of gravity and the load on your lower back and pelvis. Care aims to ease back and pelvic discomfort, help you move more comfortably and make rest easier. Some women tell us they feel better able to cope when they are less sore, and that matters when you are also dealing with nausea.

At Blue Zone, prenatal visits can include the Webster technique, gentle adjustments of the spine and pelvis, and soft tissue work, all adapted to your stage of pregnancy.

Comfort and Safety at Every Stage

Safety is the first question most expectant moms ask. Prenatal visits use positioning adapted to your pregnancy, such as pregnancy pillows and adjustable tables, so you can lie comfortably without pressure on your belly. We also ask about your pregnancy history and work alongside your OB-GYN or midwife.

Other Reasons Pregnant Women Come In

Most of our prenatal patients come in for back and pelvic discomfort rather than nausea. Common reasons include:

Lower back pain

Pelvic and hip discomfort

Round ligament pain

Trouble getting comfortable at night

When to Consider Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care may be worth considering if:

You have back, hip or pelvic discomfort along with nausea.

You want a drug-free option for aches during pregnancy.

Your OB-GYN or midwife has no concerns about you being seen.

Always talk with your OB-GYN or midwife about nausea and vomiting. Medical care comes first for morning sickness, and chiropractic care is an addition for comfort, not a replacement.

A Whole-Person Approach to Pregnancy

Every pregnancy is unique, and there is no single answer for morning sickness. Small frequent meals, rest, fluids and the guidance of your OB-GYN or midwife come first. If back or pelvic discomfort is adding to a hard first trimester, gentle prenatal chiropractic care may help you feel more comfortable.

Want to talk it through? Schedule a prenatal visit at our office in The Woodlands and tell us what you are dealing with.