Prenatal Chiropractic

Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Holland, MI — McAlpine Chiropractic

Pregnancy changes your body in remarkable ways — but some of those changes come with real discomfort. You do not have to accept pain as a normal part of pregnancy.

Growing a baby is extraordinary work. It is also physically demanding in ways that most expecting mothers do not fully anticipate. The hormonal shifts, the postural changes, the steadily increasing load on your spine and pelvis — these are not small adjustments for your body. When low back pain, sciatica, round ligament pain, or pelvic discomfort show up, they can turn the joy of pregnancy into something much harder to endure.

At McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI, we provide safe, gentle prenatal chiropractic care that helps your body adapt to pregnancy with less pain and better function. Our goal is simple: help you feel your best so you can focus on what matters most — preparing for your baby.

Schedule Your Appointment | Call 616-392-7031

Holland’s trusted prenatal chiropractor for over 30 years | 4.9 stars on Google

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

This is the most important question expectant mothers ask — and the answer is yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as safe during all stages of pregnancy when performed by trained practitioners. The American Pregnancy Association recognizes chiropractic care as a safe and effective option for managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain.

At McAlpine Chiropractic, our prenatal adjustments use gentle, low-force techniques specifically adapted for the pregnant body. We use specialized pregnancy cushions and positioning that allow you to lie comfortably during treatment — there is no pressure on your abdomen at any point. The techniques are modified at every stage of pregnancy to accommodate your changing body.

Our chiropractors — Dr. Phillip Maletta, Dr. Ben De Young, and Dr. Ann McAlpine — have extensive experience working with pregnant patients throughout their pregnancies. Many Holland, MI mothers choose to continue chiropractic care from early pregnancy through delivery and into postpartum recovery.

There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care during a normal, healthy pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific complications, we coordinate with your OB-GYN or midwife to ensure your care plan is appropriate.

Common Pregnancy Complaints We Treat

Pregnancy places extraordinary demands on your musculoskeletal system. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, your lumbar curve increases, your pelvis widens, and the hormone relaxin loosens ligaments throughout your body. These changes are natural — but they frequently cause pain.

The most common pregnancy-related conditions we treat at our Holland, MI clinic include:

• Low back pain — The most prevalent complaint during pregnancy. As your belly grows, the increased lumbar lordosis (curve) places compressive force on the lumbar discs and facet joints. A 2004 study published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health found that approximately 50-70% of pregnant women experience low back pain.
• Sciatica — Nerve compression in the lower spine can cause shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the buttock and leg. Pregnancy-related sciatica often results from increased pelvic pressure and postural shifts. (For more on sciatica causes and treatment, see our sciatica treatment page.)
• Round ligament pain — Sharp, stabbing pain in the lower abdomen or groin caused by the stretching of the round ligaments that support the uterus. Pelvic alignment plays a significant role in the severity of this symptom.
• Pelvic pain and SI joint dysfunction — The sacroiliac joints at the base of your spine bear increasing load during pregnancy. When these joints become misaligned or hypermobile due to relaxin, the result is deep, aching pelvic pain that makes walking, climbing stairs, and rolling over in bed difficult.
• Hip pain — Shifting biomechanics and ligament laxity commonly cause hip discomfort, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
• Upper back and rib pain — As the baby grows and the ribcage expands, thoracic spine restrictions and intercostal muscle tension can cause pain between the shoulder blades and around the ribs.
• Headaches — Hormonal fluctuations combined with postural strain in the cervical spine contribute to tension headaches during pregnancy. (Read more about headache and migraine treatment at our clinic.)

You do not have to simply endure these symptoms. Prenatal chiropractic care addresses the structural causes — and most of our pregnant patients experience meaningful relief.

How We Treat Pregnancy-Related Pain at McAlpine Chiropractic

Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments

Prenatal adjustments are the foundation of our pregnancy care. Using gentle, low-force techniques, we restore proper alignment to the spine and pelvis. This relieves nerve pressure, reduces muscle tension, and helps your body accommodate the physical demands of pregnancy with less pain.

Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy are adapted to your comfort and safety at every visit. We use specialized positioning — including pregnancy pillows and side-lying techniques — so you never have to lie face down on your belly. The adjustments are gentle, precise, and completely safe for both you and your baby.

Pelvic Balancing and Alignment

Proper pelvic alignment is one of the most important factors in a comfortable pregnancy and a smoother delivery. When the pelvis is misaligned, it can restrict the space available for the developing baby (intrauterine constraint) and affect the baby’s ability to move into the optimal head-down position for birth.

Our prenatal chiropractic care focuses heavily on pelvic balance — ensuring that the sacrum, ilium, and surrounding ligaments are functioning symmetrically. This reduces pelvic pain, supports optimal fetal positioning, and prepares your body for labor.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy is a safe, non-invasive option for reducing inflammation and pain in targeted areas. For pregnant patients dealing with persistent muscle tension, ligament pain, or joint inflammation, laser therapy provides relief without medication. The laser is applied only to the affected musculoskeletal area and does not affect the baby.

Corrective Exercises and Home Care

Our chiropractors — all of whom have passed the national board exam for physical therapy — prescribe gentle stretches and stabilization exercises you can do at home between visits. These exercises help maintain the alignment gains from your adjustments, support your changing posture, and build the core and pelvic floor strength that benefits both pregnancy and delivery.

What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Visit

We understand that choosing a healthcare provider during pregnancy comes with extra consideration. Here is exactly what to expect at McAlpine Chiropractic so you feel completely comfortable.

Conversation first. We start by learning about your pregnancy — how far along you are, what symptoms you are experiencing, your birth plan, and any concerns. We also want to know about any pre-existing spinal conditions.

Gentle examination. A thorough but gentle assessment of your spinal alignment, pelvic balance, posture, and areas of pain. We never perform any assessment or technique that feels uncomfortable.

Clear explanation. We explain what we found, what is causing your symptoms, and exactly how we can help. Your care plan is tailored to your stage of pregnancy and your specific needs.

Treatment begins. In most cases, we begin gentle care on your first visit. Many patients feel noticeable relief after their very first adjustment.

Book Your First Visit | Call 616-392-7031

Why Choose McAlpine Chiropractic as Your Prenatal Chiropractor

• Experienced prenatal care — Our doctors have been caring for pregnant patients in Holland, MI for over 30 years. We understand the unique needs of each trimester and adapt your care accordingly.
• Gentle, specialized techniques — We use low-force adjustments, pregnancy pillows, and side-lying positioning designed specifically for the comfort and safety of expectant mothers.
• Whole-pregnancy support — Many of our patients begin care in the first trimester and continue through delivery and postpartum recovery. We are with you through every stage.
• Collaborative approach — We work alongside your OB-GYN, midwife, and other providers. Chiropractic care complements your prenatal medical care — it does not replace it.
• Trusted by Holland families — McAlpine Chiropractic is the top-ranked prenatal chiropractor in Holland, MI because our patients trust us with their most important moments. Learn more about our team.

Patient Results

“Dr. Ann has a gift in figuring out what hurts and why and how. Second to none, hands down the best.” — Verified Google Review

“Dr. Ann and her staff are truly awesome and very friendly. They give excellent care and always get me in as soon as possible.” — Verified Patient Review

[PLACEHOLDER — Add a pregnancy/prenatal-specific patient testimonial here. Requires signed Testimonial and Consent Form. Check `4-Marketing/Testimonials/` for consent forms. Pull from Google reviews if a pregnancy-related review exists. Ideal: a mother describing relief from pregnancy back pain or positive birth experience after chiropractic care.]

(All testimonials used with permission. Individual results may vary.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Prenatal Chiropractic Care

When should I start seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy?

You can begin prenatal chiropractic care at any point during pregnancy. Many patients start in the first trimester to get ahead of the postural changes and discomfort that typically increase as pregnancy progresses. Others come to us in the second or third trimester when symptoms become more significant. There is no wrong time to start — the earlier you begin, the more proactively we can support your body through the changes ahead.

How often should a pregnant woman see a chiropractor?

Frequency depends on your symptoms and stage of pregnancy. During the first and second trimesters, many patients benefit from visits every 2 to 4 weeks for maintenance and prevention. As the third trimester progresses and physical demands increase, weekly visits are common. Your care plan is individualized — we never recommend more visits than your condition requires.

Can chiropractic care help with breech presentation?

Pelvic balancing techniques used in prenatal chiropractic care can help create the optimal pelvic environment for the baby to move into the head-down position. By ensuring proper alignment of the pelvis and reducing tension in the surrounding ligaments, we support the baby’s natural ability to turn. This is not a guarantee of fetal repositioning, but many mothers and midwives report positive outcomes when pelvic alignment is addressed.

Will chiropractic care help me have an easier labor?

Research suggests that women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy may experience shorter labor times and reduced need for pain intervention during delivery. A properly aligned pelvis allows for optimal passage through the birth canal. While every birth is different, maintaining spinal and pelvic alignment throughout pregnancy supports your body’s ability to function at its best during labor.

Is chiropractic care safe in the third trimester?

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe throughout all three trimesters, including the final weeks before delivery. Our techniques are adapted to your stage of pregnancy — as your body changes, our approach changes with it. Third-trimester care focuses heavily on pelvic alignment, comfort, and preparation for labor.

Can I see a chiropractor after giving birth?

Absolutely. Postpartum chiropractic care helps your body recover from the physical demands of pregnancy and delivery. Spinal realignment, pelvic restoration, and core rehabilitation are all important parts of postpartum recovery. Many of our patients transition directly from prenatal care to postpartum care without interruption.

Does insurance cover prenatal chiropractic care?

Most insurance plans in Michigan cover chiropractic care, including during pregnancy. Coverage details vary by plan. Contact our office at 616-392-7031 and we can help you verify your benefits before your first visit.

You Deserve to Feel Good During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most meaningful experiences of your life. Pain does not have to define it. With gentle, expert prenatal chiropractic care, you can move through your pregnancy with more comfort, more confidence, and a body that is better prepared for the work of delivery.

McAlpine Chiropractic has been Holland’s trusted prenatal chiropractor for over 30 years. Let us take care of you — so you can focus on the little one on the way.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Call: 616-392-7031

Book Online: McAlpine Chiropractic — Schedule Now

Visit: McAlpine Chiropractic, Holland, MI

Hours: Monday–Friday