Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Manitowoc & Two Rivers, WI: Supporting Healthy Pregnancies

Dr. Travis Lange
Jan 14
5 min read

Prenatal Nervous System Development

Pregnant woman being adjusted by Dr. Nadine Illichmann, using the Webster Technique. — Gentle Pregnancy Adjustment Photo credit: Aiden Strathmann

January is Birth Defects Awareness Month…

January is Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of prenatal health and the factors that contribute to healthy fetal development. While many expectant mothers in Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and throughout Wisconsin focus on nutrition and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, there's another crucial element that deserves attention: the health of mom's nervous system and how it impacts baby's development.

At our Two Rivers chiropractic practice, Dr. Nadine is Webster Certified and passionate about supporting pregnant moms throughout the lakeshore area. If you're searching for prenatal chiropractic care in Manitowoc County or a pregnancy chiropractor near you, let's explore how specialized chiropractic care can play a vital role in prenatal nervous system development and overall pregnancy wellness.

Understanding Prenatal Nervous System Development

A baby's nervous system begins developing incredibly early in pregnancy, as early as the third week after conception. The neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, forms during the first month of pregnancy. This critical development continues throughout the entire pregnancy, with the brain and nervous system growing at an extraordinary rate.

What many expectant mothers don't realize is that their own nervous system health can significantly impact their pregnancy experience and potentially influence optimal conditions for fetal development. When a mother's spine is properly aligned and her nervous system is functioning without interference, her body can better regulate the complex processes involved in supporting a growing baby.

The Mother's Nervous System: The Control Center

Your nervous system controls every function in your body, including:

● Hormone regulation is essential for pregnancy

● Blood flow and nutrient delivery to the placenta

● Muscle function and coordination

● Immune system response

● The ability to adapt to the significant physical changes of pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes dramatic changes. The hormone Relaxin loosens ligaments to prepare for birth, the center of gravity shifts as the belly grows, and the pelvis must accommodate the growing baby. These changes can lead to spinal misalignments (subluxations) that create stress on the nervous system.

“Chiropractic can do so much more during pregnancy than eliminate unnecessary pain. It can also have a deep and lasting impact on the emotional health of the woman.”

— SARAH CLARK

Pregnant woman receiving gentle chiropractic care from Dr. Nadine Illichmann at Bump and Beyond Family Wellness.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Pregnancy

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on maintaining proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, which helps ensure optimal nervous system function. For expectant mothers in Two Rivers, Manitowoc, and surrounding Lakeshore communities, finding a Webster-certified chiropractor can make a significant difference in pregnancy comfort and wellness.

When the nervous system functions properly, the body can better:

Create an optimal environment for baby:

A well-aligned pelvis provides maximum space for the developing baby to move into the best position for birth.

Support healthy development:

By removing interference from the nervous system, the body's natural ability to regulate all its functions—including those supporting fetal development—is enhanced.

Reduce pregnancy discomfort:

Many pregnant women experience back pain, sciatica, and round ligament pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate these discomforts naturally.

Prepare for labor and delivery:

Proper pelvic alignment can contribute to shorter, more comfortable labor and reduce the likelihood of interventions.

Woman being adjusted by Dr. Nadine using the Webster technique. — Webster Technique for Pregnancy Photo credit: Aiden Strathmann

What is Webster’s Technique

-Webster Technique Chiropractor in Two Rivers, WI

Dr. Nadine is certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). This technique has become the gold standard in prenatal chiropractic care and is specifically sought out by pregnant women throughout Manitowoc County and Northeast Wisconsin.

The Webster Technique focuses on analyzing and reducing stress on the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues during pregnancy. Specifically, it addresses:

Sacral alignment:

The technique involves a specific adjustment to the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to reduce torsion and tension in the pelvis.

Round ligament balance:

Special attention is given to the round ligaments that support the uterus, ensuring they're balanced and not creating constraint.

Pelvic balance:

By restoring proper alignment and balance to the pelvis, the technique optimizes the space available for the baby, potentially allowing for optimal fetal positioning.

It's important to understand that the Webster Technique is not a method to turn breech babies. Rather, it's designed to create optimal pelvic balance and function, which may allow the baby to move into the best possible position naturally.

Birth Defects Awareness Month: A Time for Proactive Care

While chiropractic care doesn't prevent birth defects, Birth Defects Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of proactive prenatal care. Creating the healthiest possible environment for fetal development involves many factors, including proper nutrition, avoiding harmful substances, taking appropriate supplements like folic acid, and ensuring the mother's body is functioning optimally.

Chiropractic care fits into this holistic approach by supporting the mother's nervous system health, which controls and coordinates all body functions. When a mother's body is functioning at its best, it's better equipped to support the complex processes of pregnancy and fetal development.

When to Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Ideally, women in the Manitowoc and Two Rivers area should consider chiropractic care even before conception as part of preparing the body for pregnancy. However, it's never too late to start! Many expectant mothers throughout the Wisconsin lakeshore region begin care in their second or third trimester when discomfort increases or when they learn their baby is in a breech position.

Dr. Nadine provides safe, gentle prenatal chiropractic care to patients from Two Rivers, Manitowoc, Mishicot, Kewaunee, and surrounding communities throughout all stages of pregnancy and postpartum. Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy are modified to ensure complete safety and comfort for both mother and baby, with special pregnancy pillows and techniques designed specifically for expectant mothers.

What to Expect During Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Your first visit with Dr. Nadine will include a thorough evaluation of your spine and pelvis, discussion of your pregnancy journey, and assessment of any discomforts you're experiencing. Adjustments are gentle and specifically tailored to your stage of pregnancy. Many women find the care not only helps with physical discomfort but also promotes a sense of overall wellness and connection with their changing body.

Supporting Your Pregnancy Journey in Manitowoc County

This January, during Birth Defects Awareness Month, we encourage all expectant mothers in Two Rivers, Manitowoc, and Northeast Wisconsin to consider the role of nervous system health in pregnancy. By ensuring proper spinal alignment and nervous system function through chiropractic care, you're taking a proactive step toward supporting your health and creating optimal conditions for your baby's development.

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the Manitowoc or Two Rivers area, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nadine to learn how Webster-certified chiropractic care can support you throughout your pregnancy journey. Together, we can help you experience a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare your body for the incredible journey of bringing new life into the world.

Ready to experience the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care in Two Rivers, WI? Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nadine, Webster Certified chiropractor serving Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and the surrounding Lakeshore communities. Discover how we can support you during this special time.

Schedule your Prenatal Appointment Today