Pregnancy brings big changes—physically, hormonally, and structurally. Incorporating prenatal bodywork into your routine, especially massage therapy and chiropractic care, can help relieve tension, support alignment, and prepare your body for labor. In this blog, we’ll explore how prenatal massage and chiropractic adjustments—particularly the Webster Technique—can support you throughout pregnancy.

Prenatal Massage Therapy

Prenatal massage uses techniques that are safe and tailored for pregnancy. It’s designed to ease muscle tension, reduce joint pain, and improve circulation. Massage can relieve common discomforts in the back, hips, and shoulders, and may help reduce swelling. It also promotes relaxation, reduces stress hormones, and supports better sleep, making it a valuable part of your prenatal care toolkit, especially as your body prepares for birth.

Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy & the Webster Technique

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on maintaining spinal and pelvic alignment to support comfort, balance, and mobility. One specialized method in prenatal chiropractic is the Webster Technique—a gentle, non-invasive adjustment used to reduce tension in the pelvis and surrounding ligaments.

Benefits of the Webster Technique may include:

• Easing lower back and pelvic pain
• Improving comfort while walking, sitting, or sleeping
• Creating more space for the baby to move into an optimal position
• Supporting overall pelvic balance before labor

If you’d like to learn more about the Webster Technique, here is a great resource  from Chiro for Moms.

Is Prenatal Bodywork Safe?

When provided by professionals trained in prenatal care, both massage therapy and chiropractic care are generally safe and effective. As always, check in with your midwife or healthcare provider before starting any new form of bodywork, especially if you have specific conditions or concerns.

At Worcester Community Midwifery, we’re in the process of developing Worcester’s first independent birth center—a space intentionally designed to support the full spectrum of pregnancy and birth. If you’d like to learn more about our mission, you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook. If you’d like to support the development of our birth center, you can leave a tax-deductible donation here.