Pregnancy Chiropractor in West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
What Is Pregnancy Chiropractic Care?
Pregnancy chiropractic care is chiropractic evaluation and treatment adapted specifically for patients who are pregnant. As pregnancy progresses, the body undergoes significant postural and biomechanical changes. The growing uterus shifts the center of gravity forward, increasing the lumbar curve and placing additional stress on the pelvis, sacroiliac joints, lower back, and supporting musculature.
These changes can contribute to lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, sciatic nerve symptoms, and difficulty with movement. Chiropractic care during pregnancy aims to maintain spinal and pelvic balance as the body adapts. Techniques are modified throughout each trimester, with appropriate positioning and adjusted force to protect both the patient and the developing baby.
What Pregnancy Chiropractic Care Can Help With
Pregnancy chiropractic care supports several of the physical changes and discomforts that accompany pregnancy. What applies to you depends on your trimester, your symptoms, and what the evaluation reveals.
Lower back and pelvic pain. As the body adapts to pregnancy, the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints are placed under increased strain. Chiropractic care aims to maintain normal joint motion and reduce the tension that drives lower back and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Sciatic nerve symptoms. The growing uterus can place pressure on nearby structures, contributing to shooting pain, tingling, or numbness into the legs. Evaluation can help determine whether the source is spinal or pelvic and what type of care may help.
Round ligament and hip discomfort. Hormonal changes during pregnancy loosen supporting ligaments, which can lead to pelvic instability and hip pain. Gentle adjustments and pelvic balancing techniques can support stability and reduce discomfort in those areas.
Postural support as the body changes. The postural shifts that occur with a growing belly can create compensations higher up in the spine. Regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy supports spinal balance as those changes progress trimester to trimester.
Pelvic alignment and birth preparation. Maintaining pelvic mobility and alignment throughout pregnancy may support the body’s overall readiness for labor and delivery.
When Pregnancy Chiropractic Care May Not Be Appropriate
Pregnancy Chiropractic Care is not the right starting point for every patient. During your evaluation, our team reviews your health history, symptoms, examination findings, and any relevant imaging to determine whether this care fits your situation. If your symptoms point to a condition outside the clinic’s scope, we may recommend medical evaluation or referral before beginning care. Being clear about who this care does and does not fit is part of how Vero Health Center builds a plan you can trust.
Who This Service Is For
Pregnancy chiropractic care is appropriate for patients in any trimester who are experiencing spinal, pelvic, or nerve-related discomfort, as well as for patients who want to maintain spinal balance throughout their pregnancy without significant current symptoms. Care is adapted to each trimester and to any specific concerns or physical limitations the patient has.
Patients who had low back pain before becoming pregnant, those who are very active, and those with a history of a difficult prior pregnancy may especially benefit from ongoing chiropractic support through each stage.
You may be a good fit for pregnancy chiropractic care if:
- You are experiencing lower back pain, pelvic pain, or sciatic symptoms during pregnancy
- Hip or pelvic discomfort is limiting how you move or sleep
- You want to maintain spinal balance and mobility throughout your pregnancy
- You want to support your body’s preparation for birth through pelvic alignment
- You had back pain prior to pregnancy and want to manage it through this stage
How Vero Health Center Provides Pregnancy Chiropractic Care
Pregnancy chiropractic care at Vero Health Center uses modified techniques and pregnancy-appropriate positioning throughout every visit. Our approach is adjusted as each patient’s pregnancy progresses.
Webster Technique
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic protocol designed for patients during pregnancy. It focuses on evaluating and adjusting the sacrum, pelvis, and surrounding joint structures to support better pelvic balance and function as the body changes through pregnancy.
During pregnancy, postural changes, increased ligament laxity, and the forward shift in the body’s center of gravity can place added stress on the pelvis and sacroiliac joints. When the pelvis is not moving well, patients may experience low back pain, pelvic discomfort, hip tension, or difficulty moving comfortably through daily activities.
At Vero Health Center, the Webster Technique is used as a pregnancy-appropriate chiropractic approach to help improve pelvic mechanics and reduce stress through the low back and pelvis. Care is adapted to the patient’s trimester, comfort level, and clinical presentation.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons and Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone are Webster Technique certified.
Pregnancy-Appropriate Positioning
Tables are configured to accommodate a growing belly comfortably. No standard prone positioning is used during pregnancy. All positioning is adapted to the patient’s current trimester and comfort level.
Pelvic Support Work
Supporting musculature around the pelvis and lower back is considered as part of pregnancy chiropractic care when relevant. When appropriate, Vero Health Center may recommend gentle home exercises to support pelvic stability, reduce movement compensation, and help the muscles most affected by pregnancy-related postural change function more effectively.
What Our Patients Are Saying
What To Expect At Your First Pregnancy Chiropractic Visit
Your first visit will be adapted entirely to your stage of pregnancy and your current concerns.
Scheduling And Intake
When you contact us, let us know how far along you are so we can prepare the right setup for your visit. Any intake forms can be completed before you arrive.
Conversation And History
We begin with a detailed conversation about your pregnancy, your symptoms, your obstetric history, and any concerns your provider has flagged. What you share directly shapes how we approach the evaluation.
Pregnancy-Appropriate Evaluation
We assess spinal movement, pelvic alignment, muscle tension, joint mobility, and movement patterns using pregnancy-appropriate methods. All positioning is adapted to your trimester and comfort level throughout.
Findings And Care Recommendations
After the evaluation, we explain what we found and what we recommend. We discuss the approach for your trimester and what you can do between visits to support the work.
First Adjustment
If care is appropriate and you are comfortable proceeding, we perform the first adjustment that day using gentle, pregnancy-adapted technique. Most patients find pregnancy chiropractic visits more comfortable than they expected.
Related Services
Pregnancy chiropractic care pairs well with other services at Vero Health Center. Explore related options:
Neurologically Based Chiropractic Care
An approach to evaluation and treatment centered on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system.
Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic evaluation and treatment designed for patients from infancy through adolescence.
Wellness Chiropractic Care
Ongoing chiropractic support for patients who are past the acute phase of care or who want to maintain their spinal health and function over time.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Sources And Clinical References
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a chiropractor trained in pregnancy-specific techniques. We modify our approach for each trimester and use appropriate positioning throughout. If your OB or midwife has specific concerns about your case, let us know and we will account for them.
What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment commonly used during pregnancy to assess and support the sacrum, pelvis, and sacroiliac joints. The goal is to improve pelvic function, reduce pregnancy-related stress on the lower back and pelvis, and support more comfortable movement as the body changes. It is not a technique for manually turning a baby and does not replace care from your midwife, OB-GYN, or prenatal healthcare provider.
Can I be seen in my first trimester?
Yes. Many patients begin care in the first trimester, particularly those who had pre-existing back concerns or who experience early pelvic or sciatic symptoms. Technique is fully adapted to the earliest stage of pregnancy.
Will I need to lie face-down on the table while pregnant?
No standard prone positioning is used during pregnancy. Tables are configured to accommodate a growing belly, and all positioning is adapted to your trimester and comfort. Most patients find the setup more comfortable than they anticipated.
How often should I come in during my pregnancy?
Frequency depends on your symptoms, your trimester, and what the evaluation reveals. We will set a clear schedule after your first visit so you know what to expect going forward.
Do I need my OB's approval before coming in?
We recommend letting your OB or midwife know you are pursuing chiropractic care during pregnancy as part of your general communication. A formal referral is not typically required. If your provider has specific concerns about your pregnancy, please share those with us so we can account for them.
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Read This ArticleBook Pregnancy Chiropractic Care in West Des Moines
Pregnancy discomfort is common, but it does not have to define your day. Vero Health Center provides pregnancy-appropriate chiropractic care that supports spinal and pelvic balance as your body changes. If lower back pain, pelvic tension, or sciatic symptoms are affecting your daily life, contact us to schedule a visit.