Quick answer: At Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley, prenatal chiropractic care is provided by Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC, who is Webster Technique certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), and you can start at any point in pregnancy. Care is gentle, low-force, and adapted to each trimester, and it should be part of a plan you discuss with your OB or midwife.
Who provides prenatal chiropractic care at Forward Spine Center?
Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC, earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2014. She has post-doctorate training in women's health, pregnancy, and perinatal care, including the Webster Technique, and additional training with the ICPA. She sees patients throughout all three trimesters. Dr. Madeline is also a certified acupuncturist and yoga instructor.
If you are new to the topic, start with our overview of the Pregnancy Care page and The Webster Technique in Golden Valley, MN: A Simple Guide for Expecting Moms. This guide focuses on what changes from one stage of pregnancy to the next.
What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment developed for pregnant patients. It focuses on the sacrum and pelvis, using gentle adjustments and soft tissue work to release tension and restriction in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. With this technique, Dr. Madeline may gently adjust your pelvis and work on the round ligament, sacrotuberous ligament, and iliopsoas muscle. Depending on your symptoms and stage of pregnancy, she may also work on your upper back or neck.
What does prenatal chiropractic care look like in each trimester?
Every pregnancy is different, so treatment is individualized to your body, your stage, and where you are feeling symptoms. This table shows common patterns, not a fixed schedule:
| Stage | What often shows up | What care may look like | Bring up with your OB or midwife |
|---|---|---|---|
| First trimester | Your body is starting to adapt. Some patients have no pain yet. | A full intake and exam. Many patients begin now, before postural compensations develop. | That you plan to add chiropractic care, and any history of bleeding or complications. |
| Second trimester | Round ligament pain (a sharp pull in the lower abdomen or groin) is common. Low back pain and sciatica often begin. | Webster Technique adjustments and soft tissue work on the round ligament and pelvis. | Any new or one-sided abdominal pain, so it can be checked medically. |
| Third trimester | Low back pain, sciatica, and pelvic discomfort are common as your center of gravity shifts. Sleep can get harder. | Positioning support so you never lie flat on your stomach, and adjustments modified for your comfort. This is when Webster Technique care is most requested. | Any change in how you feel, and your birth plan. |
| After birth | Your body is recovering while you care for a newborn. | Postpartum support as your needs change. | When you are cleared for activity after delivery. |
Why does pregnancy cause back and pelvic pain?
A few things happen at once. Your growing belly shifts your center of gravity forward and increases the curve in your low back. The hormone relaxin loosens your ligaments to prepare for birth, which also makes joints less stable. And your pelvis carries more load every week. None of this means something is wrong. It means your body is adapting, and the pelvis and low back take on much of the extra stress. For more on specific symptoms, read Pelvic Pain, Sciatica, and Low Back Pain During Pregnancy.
How is chiropractic care adapted during pregnancy?
- Low force. Webster Technique adjustments are gentle and low-force, not the deeper manipulation many people picture.
- No pressure on your belly. Positioning is modified for your comfort at each stage.
- Pregnancy-specific equipment. Dr. Madeline uses pregnancy-specific techniques, tables, and pillows that accommodate your changing body.
- Individualized. Treatment depends on your symptoms and how far along you are.
- Coordinated. Your prenatal chiropractic plan should be discussed with your OB or midwife as part of a coordinated approach, and Dr. Madeline can work alongside your birth team.
When is prenatal chiropractic care not appropriate?
Chiropractic care is not appropriate in certain situations, such as placenta previa, vaginal bleeding, or ectopic pregnancy. That is why every pregnant patient has a thorough intake first. Prenatal chiropractic care supports comfort and movement. It does not treat pregnancy complications and does not replace your OB or midwife.
Contact your OB or midwife right away for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, severe or constant abdominal pain, a severe headache, vision changes, or a change in your baby's movement. For an emergency, call 911.
What else can help during pregnancy and after birth?
Forward Spine Center also offers acupuncture, craniosacral technique, cupping, and postpartum support as your needs change. Ask Dr. Madeline which of these, if any, fit your stage of pregnancy. After your baby arrives, our postpartum care article covers what support can look like beyond the six-week checkup, and Dr. Madeline also sees newborns.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start prenatal chiropractic care?
You can begin at any point in pregnancy. Many patients start in the first trimester, before postural compensations develop, while others come in during the second or third trimester when symptoms become more noticeable. Dr. Madeline Klesk sees patients at every stage and tailors care to where you are. Let your OB or midwife know your plans.
Is Dr. Madeline Klesk Webster certified?
Yes. Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC, is Webster Technique certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). She also has post-doctorate training in women's health, pregnancy, and perinatal care. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnancy that focuses on the sacrum and pelvis using gentle, low-force contacts.
Will I have to lie on my stomach?
No. Prenatal care at Forward Spine Center uses pregnancy-specific tables and pillows, and positioning is modified so there is no pressure on your belly. In later pregnancy, positioning support means you never need to lie flat on your stomach. Tell Dr. Madeline if any position feels uncomfortable so she can adjust it.
Do I need a referral from my OB or midwife?
No referral is required to book prenatal chiropractic care at Forward Spine Center. Still, always discuss your prenatal care plan with your OB or midwife, and let us know about any complications. Dr. Madeline is happy to coordinate with your birth team. Check the specifics of your health plan before your first visit.
How often will I need to come in?
It depends on your symptoms and your stage of pregnancy. There is no fixed schedule. Dr. Madeline builds a plan around your body and adjusts it as your pregnancy progresses, and your first visit includes a health history, a thorough exam, and a discussion of personalized treatment options based on your goals.
Where is Forward Spine Center located?
We are at 701 Decatur Ave N, Ste 102, Golden Valley, MN 55427, and we see expecting parents from Golden Valley, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Wayzata. You can book with Dr. Madeline online through our Jane booking page or by calling 763-332-2680.
Ready to schedule a prenatal visit? Book online with Dr. Madeline Klesk or call 763-332-2680.
Published by Forward Spine Center, Golden Valley, MN, . This article is educational and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation or for care from your OB or midwife.
