Pregnancy Chiropractic Care

Supporting your body through pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring some very real physical changes. As your baby grows, your body adapts to accommodate your changing centre of gravity, increased weight and the demands placed on your spine, pelvis, muscles and joints.

Some of the conditions and symptoms we commonly see during pregnancy include:

• Lower back pain
• Pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
• Pain around the pubic bone or symphysis pubis
• Hip and buttock pain
• Sacroiliac joint discomfort
• Sciatica-type symptoms
• Upper and middle back pain
• Rib discomfort
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Muscle tightness and stiffness
• Pain or discomfort when walking
• Difficulty turning over in bed
• Pain getting in and out of a car
• Discomfort when standing on one leg or climbing stairs

Pelvic girdle pain is particularly common during pregnancy and can affect the front or back of the pelvis, hips, groin, buttocks and thighs. Although it can be very uncomfortable, PGP is not harmful to your baby, and there are treatments and strategies that can help you manage your symptoms.

Factors that may contribute to pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain include:

• Changes in posture and movement
• Increased load through the spine and pelvis
• Previous back or pelvic injuries
• Previous episodes of back or pelvic pain
• Changes in the way you walk or move
• Reduced strength or endurance of certain muscles
• Muscle tension or stiffness
• Changes affecting the pelvic joints
• Increased demands on the hips and lower back
• Repetitive or physically demanding activities

Importantly, experiencing pain during pregnancy does not necessarily mean that something is “out of alignment”. Your symptoms can have a number of contributing factors, which is why an individual assessment is important.

How can chiropractic care help during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on helping you move as comfortably as possible and supporting your body’s ability to adapt to the physical changes of pregnancy.

Your treatment will be adapted to you, taking into account your symptoms, stage of pregnancy, medical history and any other factors that may be relevant.

Depending on your individual needs, your care may include:

• Gentle, pregnancy-appropriate chiropractic techniques
• Soft tissue techniques
• Mobility exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Advice on posture and movement
• Guidance on modifying activities that aggravate your symptoms
• Advice to help you stay active comfortably
• Recommendations for working with other healthcare professionals where appropriate

Research into chiropractic care during pregnancy is still developing. Current evidence suggests that chiropractic care may help some women with pregnancy-related musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly back and pelvic pain, although the evidence is not strong enough to say that chiropractic treatment will work for everyone.

Our aim is therefore not to promise a particular outcome, but to provide appropriate, individualised care to help you manage your symptoms and stay as comfortable and active as possible throughout your pregnancy.

Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy

There isn’t one particular stage of pregnancy when you need to start chiropractic care. Some women seek advice early in pregnancy because of existing back or pelvic pain, while others develop symptoms as their pregnancy progresses.

Your body continues to change throughout pregnancy, so your care may change with it.

The goal is to help you remain as comfortable and active as possible while respecting the changes your body is going through.

We can also work alongside your midwife, GP, physiotherapist or other healthcare professionals where appropriate. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, for example, may benefit from physiotherapy and exercise advice as part of a wider approach to managing symptoms.

When should you seek further medical advice?

Not every pain experienced during pregnancy is musculoskeletal. If you are experiencing new, severe or unusual symptoms, or you are concerned about your pregnancy, you should speak with your midwife, GP or maternity team.

You should also seek appropriate medical advice for symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, significant changes in your baby’s movements, or other symptoms that concern you.

Chiropractic care should complement—not replace—appropriate maternity and medical care.

If you would like to find out more about chiropractic care, please click here.