Chiropractic During Pregnancy: Safe, Natural Relief for Expecting Moms

Pregnancy Changes Everything—Including How Your Body Feels

Pregnancy is beautiful… and also, let’s be honest, pretty uncomfortable.

Back pain, hip tightness, sciatica, poor sleep—these are some of the most common things I hear from expecting moms. Your body is doing something incredible, but it’s also being stretched, shifted, and pulled in ways it’s never experienced before.

That’s where chiropractic during pregnancy comes in.

Through gentle, non-invasive care, we help your body adapt to change, ease pain, and create a more balanced foundation for birth. And yes—it’s completely safe when done by a trained professional.

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Pregnancy kind of—if you get into a pregnancy—really, it’s kind of a different dynamic because a lot of things are going to happen through the full stages of the pregnancy.

Let’s take a look at the physical right away, right? So, the pregnancy tends to make the center of gravity of the body shift forward and low, which puts a lot more pressure on these nerves—a lot more pain in the low back or discomfort in the low back and in the SI joints.

Then you're getting into different things as far as the chemicals—the hormones that are being released from the fetus and from the mother. Especially now, you transfer to the third trimester, and there's a hormone called relaxin that's released.

Relaxin actually makes connective tissue more pliable, right? Because it’s going to allow for the process of childbirth—for things to expand, to stretch more than they normally could.

The problem with that—typically what I see in clinic—is the SI joints. That’s the joints where the sacrum meets with the big ilium. And what happens with that is, after the birth of the child, the mother has SI joint issues because those ligaments have been overstretched during that whole process—and a lot of lower back issues and pain come from that. And those can take a little while to work on.

The mother goes through a lot—especially right after the first couple of weeks of childbirth—because of the fact, like I said, that relaxin... now the weight distribution on the spine—especially the low spine and the hips—has changed, right? But the process that went through with the relaxin on the SI joints, the hips, and the low back—now it's starting to appear.

So for the next couple of months, there's going to be a lot of discomfort in that.

Not only do I do adjustments, but in my clinic I also do a lot of soft tissue work. Because I find adjusting is fine—it’s great—it helps with the nervous system, helps with the function of the body. But if you can address also the tissue around that joint that you adjusted—the ligaments, the tendons, and the muscles that move that joint—I think you’re getting so much more from the treatment itself.

So I hope that helped out a little bit—probably confused you more—probably have to redo this. But if you like, press the like button, follow, and let your friends know. I appreciate you.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Backed by Prenatal Training and Gentle Techniques

Absolutely. Many chiropractors (myself included) receive specialized prenatal training, including certification in techniques like the Webster Technique. We use:

• Special pregnancy pillows to support your growing belly

• Gentle, targeted adjustments that are completely safe for both mom and baby

When Chiropractic Is Not Recommended

There are rare cases where chiropractic isn’t advised—such as placenta previa or certain high-risk pregnancies. That’s why I always collaborate with your OB, midwife, or doula to make sure we’re aligned on what’s best for your care plan.

Common Pregnancy Discomforts Chiropractic Can Help With

Low Back Pain and Sciatica

As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, increasing pressure on the lumbar spine and SI joints. That’s when you start to feel:

• Pulling or stabbing pain in the low back

• Numbness or tingling down one leg (sciatica)

Adjustments help ease that pressure and restore mobility.

Pelvic Imbalance and Round Ligament Pain

Pregnancy hormones like relaxin soften ligaments—great for birth, but not so great for pelvic stability. This can lead to:

• Pelvic misalignment

• Sharp pains from the round ligaments on either side of the belly

Through focused adjustments and soft tissue work, we help rebalance and support this area.

Neck, Shoulder, and Mid-Back Tension

Breast growth, postural changes, and new weight distribution all contribute to upper-body strain. This often presents as:

• Tight traps and shoulders

• Mid-back stiffness that makes it hard to breathe deeply or sleep comfortably

We can pair adjustments with targeted soft tissue therapy to help with both posture and pain.

Headaches and Sleep Disturbances

Changes in circulation, posture, and muscle tension can cause:

• Tension headaches

• Poor sleep quality

• General nervous system overload

Chiropractic helps restore alignment and improve nerve flow, often easing these symptoms.

How Chiropractic Supports a Healthier Pregnancy

Improved Nervous System Function

When your spine is aligned, your nervous system works better. That means:

• Less inflammation

• More efficient adaptation to physical changes

• Better energy and digestion

Better Pelvic Alignment = Better Birth Outcomes

Techniques like the Webster Technique are designed to:

• Balance the pelvis

• Relax tight ligaments

• Encourage optimal baby positioning (hello, fewer breech concerns!)

Reduced Need for Medication

By relieving pain naturally, chiropractic can reduce reliance on OTC medications, which many expecting moms try to avoid.

Promotes Mobility and Easier Labor

Staying mobile isn’t just about comfort—it supports a smoother labor process. Chiropractic improves:

• Flexibility

• Pelvic opening

• Spinal balance for better fetal descent

What to Expect at a Prenatal Chiropractic Visit

First Visit Overview

Your first visit includes:

• A gentle, pregnancy-safe consultation and assessment

• A discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals

• A tailored care plan that evolves trimester by trimester

Tools and Techniques Used

We may use:

• Drop tables to allow movement without strain

• Pregnancy cushions for face-down comfort

• Soft tissue techniques for round ligament and low back tension

Frequency of Care by Trimester

Most moms visit:

• 1x/week in the 2nd and 3rd trimester

• More frequently in the final month, if prepping for birth

• Postpartum care is also highly recommended to support recovery (especially SI joint stability)

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic During Pregnancy

Is chiropractic care safe while pregnant?

Yes! When performed by a trained prenatal chiropractor, it's completely safe and tailored to your stage of pregnancy.

Can chiropractic help with hip or pelvic pain during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Adjustments and soft tissue therapy can relieve SI joint pressure and balance the pelvis.

What is the Webster Technique?

It’s a prenatal chiropractic method used to balance the pelvis and optimize fetal positioning, especially in the third trimester.

Do I need a referral from my OB-GYN?

Usually, no. But I encourage open communication with your entire birth team to keep care collaborative.

How soon can I start chiropractic care during pregnancy?

You can start as early as your first trimester. The earlier we begin, the better we can support your body’s changes.

Let’s Support a More Comfortable Pregnancy

Discomfort is common during pregnancy—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it.

Chiropractic during pregnancy is:

• Gentle

• Drug-free

• Designed to help your body work with the changes—not against them

Book your prenatal chiropractic consultation and let’s keep you moving, sleeping, and feeling your best—for you and your baby.