Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Is It Safe and What Can It Help?

Pregnancy brings remarkable changes to a woman's body — and with those changes often comes pain. Lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica and round ligament pain affect up to 75% of pregnant women at some stage. Chiropractic care is a safe, drug-free option that can provide significant relief throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes — chiropractic care is considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a chiropractor trained in pregnancy care. Our chiropractors use modified techniques and positioning appropriate for each trimester. Specially designed pregnancy pillows allow expectant mothers to lie face-down comfortably. Your chiropractor will review your full obstetric history before beginning treatment.

What Pregnancy-Related Conditions Can Chiropractic Help?

• Lower back pain: Caused by increased lumbar lordosis, weight gain and a shifted centre of gravity.
• Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD): Pain at the front or back of the pelvis from hormonal relaxation of the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis.
• Sciatica: Pressure on the sciatic nerve from the growing uterus or changed pelvic mechanics, causing radiating pain into the buttock and leg.
• Round ligament pain: Sharp, stabbing pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen.
• Neck and upper back pain: Common as the breasts grow and posture changes.

The Webster Technique

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment focused on the sacrum and pelvis, aiming to reduce tension in the pelvic muscles and ligaments and optimise pelvic balance. It is not a technique to manually turn a breech baby. Our chiropractors are trained in its application.

Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy

• Drug-free pain relief throughout pregnancy
• Maintained mobility and function
• Improved pelvic balance and joint mechanics
• Better sleep quality
• Preparation for labour — optimal pelvic mechanics may support a smoother birth

Postpartum Chiropractic Care

The changes of pregnancy don't reverse overnight. Postpartum chiropractic care addresses lower back pain from labour positioning, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and upper back and neck pain from feeding and carrying a newborn.

What to Expect at a Pregnancy Chiropractic Appointment

A pregnancy chiropractic appointment differs from a standard adult appointment in several important ways. Specialised pregnancy pillows — designed with a central cutout — allow expectant mothers to lie face-down comfortably throughout the second and third trimesters without compression to the abdomen. Side-lying positioning is used for most spinal work. High-velocity techniques to the pelvis are avoided; instead, low-force mobilisation, the Webster Technique and soft tissue work are preferred.

Your chiropractor will take a thorough history before beginning, including your obstetric history, any complications, your trimester and your specific symptoms. Treatment is always adapted to your stage of pregnancy and how you are presenting on the day. Most pregnant patients find treatment comfortable — and many report immediate improvement in mobility and pain following their first session.

Combining Chiropractic with Pregnancy Massage

Many of our pregnant patients benefit from combining chiropractic care with pregnancy massage — delivered by our qualified remedial massage therapist Alexandra Machado. While chiropractic addresses joint mobility, pelvic alignment and nerve irritation, massage addresses the muscular tension and soft tissue discomfort that commonly accompany the postural changes of pregnancy. Used together, the two approaches provide more comprehensive musculoskeletal support than either alone.

Pregnancy massage is safe throughout all trimesters when performed by a trained therapist. Common focus areas include the lower back, gluteal muscles, hip flexors and upper back — all of which are subject to increased load as the pregnancy progresses. Side-lying positioning ensures comfort throughout the session.

Postpartum Chiropractic Care

The postpartum period is often overlooked in musculoskeletal care — yet it is a time of significant physical demand. New mothers are lifting, feeding, carrying and often sleeping in compromised positions for extended periods, while the body is simultaneously recovering from the physical demands of labour and delivery. Pelvic girdle instability, neck and upper back pain from feeding postures and lower back pain from lifting are among the most common presentations in the weeks following birth.

Chiropractic care is appropriate from the early postpartum period for most patients. Assessment will account for your delivery type, any perineal or abdominal changes, and your current activity demands. Exercise physiology — particularly pelvic floor and core rehabilitation — is often recommended alongside chiropractic care to address the strength component of postpartum recovery.

Women's Health at Elevate Health Clinic

Our women's health services at Elevate Health Clinic are designed to support women through every stage — from preconception through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Our Bella Vista clinic offers chiropractic, exercise physiology and remedial massage under one roof, with HICAPS on-the-spot private health claiming and free on-site parking. Pregnancy and postpartum appointments are available without a referral.

Our family chiropractic service includes pregnancy care using modified techniques appropriate for each trimester. Our women's health page covers the broader range of services available for pregnancy, postnatal recovery and pelvic health. Many of our pregnant patients also combine chiropractic care with our pregnancy massage service for comprehensive musculoskeletal support during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a practitioner with appropriate training in pregnancy techniques. Modified positioning and low-force techniques are used throughout all trimesters. As with all healthcare during pregnancy, discuss it with your GP or obstetrician if you have any specific concerns.

What pregnancy-related conditions can chiropractic care help with?

Chiropractic assessment and management may help with lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatic nerve irritation and round ligament discomfort — all of which are common during pregnancy due to postural changes and increased load on the spine and pelvis.

How often should I see a chiropractor during pregnancy?

This depends on your individual presentation and trimester. Many pregnant patients benefit from regular care throughout the second and third trimesters, when postural changes and weight distribution are most significant. Your chiropractor will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your assessment.

References

1. Stuber KJ & Smith DL. (2008). Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review of the evidence. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 447–454.
2. Elden H, et al. (2005). Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. BMJ, 330(7494), 761.
3. Sabino J & Grauer JN. (2008). Pregnancy and low back pain. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 1(2), 137–141.
4. Wang SM, et al. (2004). Auricular acupuncture as a treatment for pregnant women who have low back and posterior pelvic pain. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 191(5), 1581–1586.