Knowledge Hub • Conditions • Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care: What You Need to Know
Supporting Comfort and Movement Throughout Pregnancy
Quick Answer
Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on assessing and managing musculoskeletal conditions such as lower back pain, pelvic pain and joint stiffness. Treatment is adapted to suit pregnancy and may include gentle manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, rehabilitation exercises and postural advice. Before beginning care, your chiropractor will assess your symptoms and medical history to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Pregnancy brings remarkable changes to your body. As your baby grows, your posture, centre of gravity and the way your joints and muscles work together all change. While these changes are completely normal, they can also contribute to back pain, pelvic discomfort, hip pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms.
Many expectant mothers look for safe, conservative ways to manage these aches and pains without relying on medication. Chiropractic care is one option that may help improve comfort and mobility during pregnancy when provided by a suitably trained healthcare professional.
At Bornman Chiropractic, Dr Jaco Bornman provides gentle, personalised care for pregnant patients, with treatment adapted to each stage of pregnancy and your individual needs.
Why Does Pregnancy Cause Back and Pelvic Pain?
During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes that can place additional stress on the spine and pelvis.
Common changes include:
- A growing abdomen that shifts your centre of gravity
- Increased strain on the lower back
- Changes in posture
- Hormonal changes that increase joint flexibility
- Stretching of the abdominal muscles
- Increased pressure on the pelvis and hips
These changes can affect the way you move and may contribute to discomfort as pregnancy progresses.
Common Pregnancy-Related Aches and Pains
Many women experience musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy.
Common symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Hip pain
- Pain around the sacroiliac joints
- Mid-back pain
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Rib discomfort
- Muscle tightness
- Difficulty walking or changing position in bed
While these symptoms are common, they should not simply be accepted as something you have to "put up with."
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
For many women with uncomplicated pregnancies, chiropractic care is considered a safe conservative treatment option when provided by an appropriately trained chiropractor.
Treatment is modified to suit each stage of pregnancy and avoids unnecessary pressure on the abdomen.
Your chiropractor will review your medical history, pregnancy and current symptoms before recommending treatment.
If chiropractic care is not appropriate, or if your symptoms require medical assessment, you will be advised accordingly.
How Is Treatment Adapted During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy care differs from standard chiropractic treatment.
Depending on your stage of pregnancy and your symptoms, treatment may include:
- Gentle joint mobilisation
- Modified manual therapy techniques
- Soft tissue therapy
- Pregnancy-specific positioning
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Postural advice
- Advice on sleeping positions and daily activities
Comfort and safety remain the priority throughout treatment.
Conditions That May Benefit from Conservative Care
Pregnant women commonly seek assessment for:
Lower Back Pain
Changes in posture and increased loading of the lumbar spine can contribute to lower back discomfort.
Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pain around the pelvis or sacroiliac joints may affect walking, standing and turning in bed.
Hip Pain
As posture changes, increased stress may be placed on the hips and surrounding muscles.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Growing breast tissue, changes in posture and caring for older children may contribute to upper body discomfort.
What Happens During Your First Visit?
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your symptoms and ensuring chiropractic care is appropriate.
Your assessment may include:
- Medical history
- Pregnancy history
- Discussion of your symptoms
- Postural assessment
- Movement assessment
- Gentle examination of the spine and pelvis
- Review of activities that aggravate your symptoms
Following your assessment, you'll receive a personalised management plan based on your needs and stage of pregnancy.
Self-Care Tips During Pregnancy
Simple lifestyle habits can often help reduce discomfort.
Consider the following:
- Stay active with your healthcare provider's approval.
- Avoid standing for prolonged periods.
- Wear supportive footwear.
- Change positions regularly.
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees if comfortable.
- Perform pregnancy-appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Lift correctly and avoid sudden twisting movements.
Regular movement is generally more beneficial than prolonged rest.
When Should You Contact Your Healthcare Provider?
Although back pain is common during pregnancy, some symptoms require prompt medical assessment.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid leakage
- Reduced fetal movements
- Fever
- Severe headaches with vision changes
- Sudden swelling of the face or hands
- Significant weakness or numbness
These symptoms are not typical musculoskeletal complaints and require medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many women can receive chiropractic care during pregnancy, provided there are no medical reasons why treatment would be inappropriate. Your chiropractor will assess your individual circumstances before beginning care.
Treatment may be appropriate during different stages of pregnancy, depending on your symptoms and overall health.
Chiropractic treatment is adapted specifically for pregnancy and avoids unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. Your comfort and safety are prioritised throughout your care.
Some women with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain may benefit from conservative musculoskeletal care as part of a broader management approach.
In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor. However, communication with your obstetrician, GP or midwife may be appropriate in certain situations.
Key Takeaways
Pregnancy places additional demands on your spine, pelvis and supporting muscles, making back pain and pelvic discomfort common. Chiropractic care offers a conservative approach to managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal symptoms through gentle, individualised treatment, movement advice and rehabilitation. Every pregnancy is different, so care should always be tailored to your specific needs.
When Should You Book an Assessment?
If you're experiencing back pain, pelvic discomfort or hip pain during pregnancy, a professional assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
At Bornman Chiropractic, Dr Jaco Bornman provides gentle, evidence-based care for pregnant patients, focusing on improving comfort, supporting movement and helping you stay active throughout your pregnancy. Every treatment plan is personalised, with your health and your baby's wellbeing at the centre of your care.