Pregnancy Back and Pelvic Pain: Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Back and pelvic discomfort are common during pregnancy. As your body changes, increased load, altered movement and changes in the muscles and ligaments supporting your pelvis may contribute to pain or stiffness.
Although these symptoms are common, you do not simply have to put up with them—especially if they are making everyday activities difficult.
What does pregnancy-related pain feel like?
Pregnancy-related back or pelvic pain may be felt around the:
Lower back
Hips or buttocks
Sacroiliac joints at the back of the pelvis
Pubic bone or groin
Upper back, ribs or shoulders
It may feel worse when walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, getting in and out of a car or turning over in bed.
Can you see a chiropractor while pregnant?
A pregnant patient may see a registered chiropractor for an assessment of musculoskeletal pain and movement. Before recommending care, the chiropractor should discuss your pregnancy, health history, symptoms and any pregnancy-related complications.
Chiropractic care does not replace your midwife, obstetrician or GP. It may form one part of your wider maternity care when considered suitable for your individual circumstances.
How is chiropractic care adapted during pregnancy?
Your comfort and safety should guide every appointment. Chiropractic care during pregnancy may be modified through:
Comfortable positioning and additional support
Gentle techniques selected for your stage of pregnancy
Soft-tissue or mobility work
Advice about posture and daily movement
Simple exercises appropriate for your needs
Treatment should never be performed without your informed consent. You can ask questions or decline any technique at any time.
Can chiropractic care relieve pregnancy pain?
Some pregnant patients seek chiropractic care to help manage back pain, pelvic discomfort, stiffness or difficulty moving.
However, individual responses vary, and chiropractic care cannot guarantee pain relief or a particular pregnancy or birth outcome. Your chiropractor should assess whether your symptoms appear musculoskeletal and refer you to another healthcare provider when necessary.
Simple ways to manage discomfort
Depending on the advice of your maternity provider, it may help to:
Change position regularly
Avoid movements that repeatedly aggravate your pain
Wear supportive footwear
Sit down when getting dressed
Keep your knees together when turning in bed or getting out of a car
Place a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side
Continue comfortable movement rather than remaining still for long periods
When should you contact your maternity provider?
Contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit if your back or pelvic pain is severe, rapidly worsening or associated with:
Vaginal bleeding or fluid loss
Fever or feeling significantly unwell
Pain or burning when urinating
Abdominal tightening or possible contractions
Reduced fetal movement
New weakness, numbness or loss of sensation
Any symptom that causes you concern
Sudden or severe symptoms may require urgent medical attention.
Pregnancy chiropractic care in Mount Roskill
At Beyond the Spine Chiropractic, pregnancy care is adapted to each patient’s comfort, stage of pregnancy and health history.
If back or pelvic discomfort is affecting your daily life, book a pregnancy chiropractic assessment at our Mount Roskill clinic to find out whether care may be suitable for you.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for advice from your midwife, GP or other maternity healthcare provider.