Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained practitioner. Studies show that gentle chiropractic care can reduce back and pelvic pain by 50-70%, improve mobility, and support optimal fetal positioning. At Nord Ro Clinic, we use gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques including the Webster Technique to support your body's natural changes.

Can acupuncture help with pregnancy nausea?

Yes, research shows that acupuncture can effectively reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Studies published by the World Health Organization and in peer-reviewed journals confirm acupuncture's benefits for morning sickness, pelvic pain, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being during pregnancy.

Do you provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ families?

Absolutely. At Nord Ro Clinic, we celebrate all family structures including single parents by choice, queer couples using donor conception or reciprocal IVF, trans men and non-binary people navigating pregnancy, co-parents, and polyamorous families. Your pronouns, your body, and your family structure are all honored and celebrated in our care.

When should I start prenatal chiropractic care?

You can start chiropractic care at any point during pregnancy, and even before conception as part of fertility support. Many people find it helpful to begin in the first or second trimester to address discomfort early and establish pelvic balance before the third trimester. Care can continue safely throughout pregnancy and into postpartum recovery.

How can chiropractic and acupuncture help postpartum?

Postpartum chiropractic care helps restore spinal alignment after months of postural changes, relieves tension from feeding and baby-wearing, and supports pelvic floor recovery. Acupuncture promotes tissue healing, hormonal balance, healthy lactation, increased energy, and can ease postpartum mood changes and anxiety. Together, they support your body's natural healing process.

Do you support chest/breastfeeding patients?

Yes, we support all feeding choices and use inclusive language. Whether you're chest/breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or combination feeding, we provide care that honors your choices. Acupuncture can support healthy lactation and milk supply for those who chest/breastfeed, and chiropractic can relieve upper back and neck tension from feeding positions.

Are your services covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic and acupuncture care, including prenatal and postpartum treatments. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend calling your insurance company to verify your benefits. Contact Nord Ro Clinic at 773-886-0960 to discuss your insurance coverage and payment options.

Can trans men and non-binary people receive prenatal care at Nord Ro?

Absolutely. Nord Ro Clinic provides trauma-informed, affirming care for trans men and non-binary people navigating pregnancy. We use your correct pronouns, respect your identity, and create a safe space where you can receive evidence-based prenatal and postpartum care without judgment or misgendering.

Nurturing the Sacred Passage

Q: What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic approach specific to pregnancy that helps balance the pelvis, creating an optimal environment for your baby to move into an ideal position for birth. This technique focuses on pelvic alignment and can support shorter labor times and easier births.

Q: What special offer do you have for new prenatal patients?

When you mention this blog post at your first visit, you'll receive a free ear seed treatment. Additionally, if you bring or refer a friend or chosen family member, you both get a free add-on service. We also offer free 20-minute video consultations for those who want to learn more before booking.

sebastian96044
3 days ago
5 min read

How Evidence-Based Chiropractic and Acupuncture Care Honor You and Your Body from Fertility, through Pregnancy to Birth and Post-Partum.

In the quiet spaces between heartbeats, something stirs. A new life begins to grow, expanding into possibility. Pregnancy is more than just biology—it is transformation, a passage that connects us to ancient rhythms of birth and becoming.

Too often, this process is described only as hard, painful, or overwhelming. And yes, pregnancy can bring its share of challenges. But it can also be beautiful, empowering, and deeply affirming. At Nord Ro Clinic, we believe every queer and trans family deserves care that honors this truth—and supports you through every step.

Your Body’s Wisdom

Luckily, you don’t have to find any instruction manuals online or decipher what to do next with any vaguely Swedish-looking drawings (this is not IKEA). Your body is already equipped with everything it needs for this extraordinary journey. From the moment of conception, your body begins an intricate dance of adaptation. Your ribcage expands, your pelvis softens, your posture shifts—all preparing for birth. These changes aren’t signs of breaking down; they’re evidence of your body’s brilliance.

Still, it’s common to experience discomfort. Studies show that 50–70% of pregnant people experience back pain during pregnancy (ACOG, 2020). This doesn’t mean you’re fragile. It means your body is working hard—and deserves support. While common, however, you are not forced to just “grin & bear it”. Chiropractic and Acupuncture work together beautifully to help ease this transition and transformative process.

You are not fragile. You are not broken. You are powerful beyond measure, carrying within you the strength of every person who has walked this path before.

Here’s how we can help.

How Chiropractic Helps

During Pregnancy

Gentle chiropractic care focuses on pelvic balance, spinal motion and alignment, and nervous system function. Research has found that chiropractic care can:

Reduce back and pelvic pain (Stuber & Smith, 2008) (Walker et al., 2010)
Improve overall comfort and mobility (Khorsan et al., 2009)
Support optimal fetal positioning and shorter labor times

The Webster Technique, a chiropractic approach specific to pregnancy, helps balance the pelvis—creating space and an optimal environment for your baby to move into an ideal position for birth.

Birth Preparation

When your pelvis is balanced and mobile, labor can progress more efficiently. Your baby has the space they need to navigate the birth canal, and your body can work with its natural birthing wisdom.

How Acupuncture Supports You

Acupuncture has supported pregnant people for centuries, and modern science affirms its benefits. Studies show it can:

Reduce nausea and vomiting (Smith et al., 2002; WHO, 2003)
Ease pelvic and back pain (Elden et al., 2005)
Decrease anxiety and improve emotional well-being (da Silva et al., 2015)

As birth approaches, acupuncture may also help with natural labor preparation by promoting cervical ripening, encouraging relaxation, and reducing stress.

Postpartum: The Sacred Passage of Return

Birth is not the ending—it’s another transformation. The postpartum period is a season of repair, recovery, and redefinition. Your body begins the tender work of healing while you learn to care for your newborn and yourself.

Whether you are chest/breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or combination feeding… whether you are co-parenting, single parenting by choice, or building your own village… this time is equally sacred and equally demanding.

Chiropractic care postpartum can help:

Restore proper spinal alignment and balance after months of postural changes
Relieve upper back and neck tension from feeding or baby-wearing
Support pelvic floor recovery and stability
Ease the physical demands of carrying and caring for your baby

Acupuncture postpartum can help:

Promote tissue healing and hormonal balance
Support healthy lactation and milk supply (for those who chest/breastfeed)
Reduce fatigue and boost energy during sleep-deprived weeks
Ease postpartum mood changes and anxiety (da Silva et al., 2015)

In this tender season, every cell is part of your healing. Every gentle treatment, every deep breath is a reminder: you are not alone, your body remembers how to recover.

Integration: The Best of Both Worlds

Together, chiropractic and acupuncture create a holistic approach that addresses both structure and energy, mechanics and emotions. You receive care that not only relieves symptoms but honors your whole self—your identity, your family, your journey.

📊 Research Shows:

- 50-70% of pregnant people experience back pain

- Chiropractic care reduces pregnancy-related pain significantly

- Acupuncture decreases nausea in 80% of cases

- Webster Technique supports optimal fetal positioning

- Postpartum acupuncture improves mood and energy

Why Families Choose Nord Ro

At Nord Ro Clinic, your story matters. We understand the unique joys and challenges queer and trans families face in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Our care is:

Affirming: Your pronouns, your body, your family structure—all celebrated.
Trauma-informed: We meet you with gentleness and understanding.
Evidence-based: Every recommendation is backed by research and experience.

You don’t have to navigate this passage alone, and you don’t have to accept discomfort as inevitable. Gentle, affirming care is here, accessible, and available.

Whether you’re:

A single parent by choice, building your family on your own terms
A queer couple who used donor conception, reciprocal IVF, or other fertility treatments
A trans man or non-binary person navigating pregnancy
Co-parents creating a family structure that works for you
A polyamorous family welcoming a new member
Anyone whose family doesn’t fit the traditional mold

You belong here.

Pregnancy reshapes us slowly, surely, beautifully—like a river carving stone. And postpartum reminds us: even wild rivers can return to stillness.

Ready to Begin?

Your body remembers how to heal, how to grow, how to birth, and how to recover. Let’s honor your sacred passage—together. Serving Chicago's diverse communities from our Lakeview location, Nord Ro Clinic welcomes LGBTQ+ families from across the North Side, including Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Uptown, Rogers Park, and beyond. Our convenient location near public transit makes prenatal and postpartum care accessible throughout your pregnancy journey.

If you’re ready to feel supported, celebrated, and cared for in this extraordinary season, book your visit today on our website www.nordro.clinic. Mention this blog post, and you will get a free ear seed treatment. Additionally, if you bring or refer a friend or chosen family member, you both get a free add-on service! Still on the fence? We offer a free 20-minute video consultation! We’re also available for any questions via phone or text at 773-886-0960.

Sources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020). Back pain during pregnancy.
da Silva, J.B., et al. (2015). Acupuncture for anxiety and depression in pregnancy and postpartum. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-010938
Elden, H., et al. (2005). Acupuncture for pelvic pain in pregnancy. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38397.507014.E0
Khorsan, R., et al. (2009). Integrative therapies for low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005427.pub2
Peterson, C.K., Mühlemann, D., & Humphreys, B.K. (2014). Outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment: a prospective cohort study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 22, 15. DOI: 10.1186/2045-709X-22-15
Smith, C., et al. (2002). Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Cochrane Review. DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-536X.2002.00229.x
Stuber, K., & Smith, D. (2008). Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
Walker, B.F., French, S.D., Grant, W., & Green, S. (2010). Combined chiropractic interventions for low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD005427. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005427.pub2
World Health Organization (WHO). (2003). Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials.