Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

You can see a chiropractor at any stage of pregnancy, from the first trimester through to the final weeks. Many women begin when musculoskeletal discomfort develops, which most commonly occurs in the second and third trimesters as the body adapts to the growing baby. However, there's no need to wait for pain to start. If you're experiencing discomfort at any stage, book in and we'll assess whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.

Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy should not be painful. Techniques are specifically modified for comfort during pregnancy, using gentler forces and adapted positioning. Most pregnant patients report that treatment is comfortable and provides relief. If anything feels uncomfortable during your visit, tell your chiropractor immediately and the approach will be adjusted.

Pelvic girdle pain and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) are among the most common musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy, affecting approximately 44% of Australian women (Spine, 2021). Chiropractic care aims to address the sacroiliac and pelvic joint dysfunction that contributes to this pain, using gentle adjustments, mobilisation, soft tissue work, and stabilisation exercises.

Research supports chiropractic care as a treatment approach for pregnancy-related pelvic pain. However, individual responses vary and results are not guaranteed.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on maintaining pelvic alignment and joint function, which may help create a more balanced musculoskeletal environment as you approach labour. Treatment aims to address any restrictions in the pelvis and lower back that could affect comfort and mobility. Research into the direct impact on labour outcomes is still developing, and we're careful not to make specific claims about labour or delivery results.

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and adjustment designed to address sacral and pelvic alignment, which may help create a more balanced pelvic environment during pregnancy. It involves a gentle adjustment to the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) combined with soft tissue work on the round ligament.

It is important to understand that the Webster Technique is a musculoskeletal treatment focused on pelvic function. It does not involve turning the baby or direct intervention on the uterus.

No referral is needed. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners and you can book directly. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific obstetric concerns, it's always a good idea to mention chiropractic to your obstetrician or midwife so everyone is on the same page. We're happy to communicate with your obstetric care team.

Visit frequency depends on your symptoms and stage of pregnancy. A common pattern is fortnightly during the second trimester when symptoms first emerge, moving to weekly in the later stages of the third trimester when biomechanical stress is highest. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and adjusted as your pregnancy progresses. A prospective study (Peterson et al., 2014) found that 52% of pregnant patients improved at 1 week, 70% at 1 month, and 85% at 3 months.