Chiropractic care can help expectant moms

This article, written by David Hershey, BCHC Communications and Development Coordinator, appeared in the Reading Eagle on July 21, 2026.

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Dr. Elizabeth Roserie, chiropractor at Berks Community Health Center, treats Keyla Calvo of Reading, who is lying on a table designed especially for pregnant women. (Courtesy of Berks Community Health Center)

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Chiropractic care isn’t only for back pain. Pregnant women can benefit from it as well, according to Dr. Elizabeth Roserie, chiropractor at Berks Community Health Center for nearly a decade.

“Pregnancy isn’t about pain; it’s about the body doing something remarkable, and chiropractic care can help support that,” Roserie said.

Dr. Elizabeth Roserie, chiropractor at Berks Community Health Center, works with patient Keyla Calvo of Reading. (Courtesy of Berks Community Health Center)

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Pregnancy brings extraordinary physical changes, new sensations, shifting posture, and increased physical demands.

Roserie sees these changes not as problems to fix, but as signs of a body adapting to support new life. Her work focuses on helping expectant mothers stay comfortable, balanced, and resilient throughout that process.

As a community health center with various specialties under one roof, BCHC is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive care.

A pregnant mom who needs chiropractic care does not have to go through the process of finding a chiropractor elsewhere. Roserie’s rooms are just down the hall from Dr. Chelsea Marks, BCHC’s director of maternal and child services.

“It’s wonderful to have Dr. Roserie close by,” Marks said. “She is a fantastic provider who serves our patients with kindness and respect.”

A table designed for pregnancy

As more pregnant mothers sought chiropractic care with Roserie, one challenge became clear: standard chiropractic tables are flat, leaving little room for a growing belly. Last year, BCHC launched a donation campaign to get her a specialized pregnancy-friendly table.

The new table has transformed the experience for patients.

“Before that, I was using the two pillows and would create a hump,” she said.

This worked but was not ideal. The new table allows pregnant moms to lie comfortably on their stomachs, with adjustable sections that gently support the pelvis and reduce pressure on the lower back.

For other patients, “I can raise a certain piece underneath their pelvis, and it takes pressure off their lower back so that they can get off the table without limping,” she said. “On the other table, they sometimes had to wait before they could rise. You don’t get any of that with this table. They love it.”

The response to the table has been overwhelmingly positive, with demand continuing to grow. When asked if she could use a second table, Roserie unequivocally replied yes, excited at the prospect of being able to treat even more expectant moms.

Supporting space, balance, and ease

Roserie is trained in the Webster technique, a chiropractic method that supports pelvic alignment and nervous system balance during pregnancy.

Use of the technique does not directly change the baby’s position but helps the mother’s body function more easily, creating conditions that allow the baby to move more freely. The goal is for the birth process to require less intervention and take less time in labor.

She shares a story of a patient whose baby was breech, which means the feet were facing down toward the birth canal rather than the head.

After aligning the mother’s pelvis, “the baby tends to roll over,” she said. “I’m not turning the baby. I’m helping the mother’s body make room so the baby can turn on their own.”

A collaborative approach to maternal care

At BCHC, Roserie has found strong support from her colleagues. They collaborate to provide comprehensive patient-centered care that continues after birth.

As new families begin making regular visits to their pediatrician, some choose to bring their infants to Roserie as well. Gentle adjustments can help remove some of the baby’s tension and may support better sleep, digestion and overall comfort.

Every pregnancy experience is unique, and every baby is different, which is why chiropractic care is offered as one part of a broader care plan.

The new table is not only good for patients, but it also benefits Roserie. Its adjustability reduces strain on her shoulder, an area where many chiropractors eventually require surgery. Utilizing this table helps ensure she can continue caring for families long-term.

Looking ahead

With the success of the first specialized chiropractic table, BCHC hopes to secure funding for a second one. Having two tables would allow Roserie to treat one patient while her medical assistant prepares another, increasing access for expectant mothers seeking care.

“The financial support from BCHC’s donors that helped us get this table was amazing,” Roserie said. “I would love to see it happen again. We live in a generous community where people are willing to help others. Hopefully next year I will be working with two tables.”

Community members who wish to support this initiative can donate at www.berkschc.net/donate.