Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Pregnancy can come with a range of physical changes and discomforts, leaving many women wondering about safe ways to find relief. One increasingly popular option is chiropractic care. But is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

According to a systematic review, chiropractic care is generally considered safe for pregnant women when performed by a qualified practitioner. It may help address common issues like back pain, pelvic misalignment and postural strain, which affect around 50-70% of pregnant individuals.

Clinical evidence suggests that manual therapies like osteopathic manipulative treatment (a form of spinal manipulation) may help relieve pregnancy-related back pain and improve function, with minimal risk of adverse effects.

Read on to explore the potential benefits, risks and techniques involved.

Do Pregnant Women Need Chiropractic Care?

Changes in posture, gait and spinal alignment are common during pregnancy and can lead to discomfort. A 2022 review supports chiropractic care as a viable option for managing pregnancy and postpartum-related back pain. Many women seek it as a non-drug alternative, and healthcare providers are increasingly supportive of its use.

Here are several reasons pregnant women may consider chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy:

• To relieve lower back and hip pain
• To ease joint and muscle tension
• To improve posture as the body changes
• To support better balance and movement
• To reduce nerve pressure and discomfort
• To help the pelvis stay aligned
• To prepare the body for smoother labour
• To manage pain without medication
• To improve sleep and daily comfort
• To support overall wellness during pregnancy

Common Conditions Managed by Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Pregnant women often experience musculoskeletal issues due to hormonal shifts, weight gain and changes in posture. Chiropractors commonly treat these conditions using modified, pregnancy-safe techniques aimed at reducing discomfort and improving function. Below are some of the most frequent concerns addressed during prenatal chiropractic care:

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often by spinal or pelvic changes. It causes radiating pain in the lower back, hips and legs.For example, a case report described chiropractic treatment using a modified Cox flexion-distraction technique for a pregnant woman experiencing lower back pain with leg radiation. The patient reported significant relief after the first session and full resolution after eight visits.

Pelvic pain

Pelvic girdle pain affects roughly 20% of pregnant women. This condition can limit mobility and daily function. Chiropractic care may provide relief by improving joint function and reducing inflammation.

Round ligament pain

The round ligaments support the uterus and stretch as it grows, which can cause sharp pain. While not harmful, this discomfort can be significant. Gentle adjustments and soft tissue techniques may help reduce this strain.

Postural strain

Increased weight and postural shifts during pregnancy can cause strain on the back, shoulders and neck. Chiropractors may offer posture correction strategies to relieve muscle fatigue.

Misalignment due to weight changes

Weight gain during pregnancy often places uneven pressure on the spine and pelvis. Adjustments tailored to the pregnant body can help manage discomfort and support overall musculoskeletal balance.

Techniques Chiropractors Use for Pregnant Patients

Chiropractors use modified, pregnancy-safe techniques to address musculoskeletal discomfort without putting pressure on the abdomen. These approaches are specifically tailored to support the physical changes of pregnancy while prioritising maternal and fetal safety.

Gentle Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments during pregnancy use low-force techniques to reduce joint restrictions without placing stress on the abdomen. Practitioners often use drop tables, pregnancy cushions or side-lying positions for added safety and comfort.

Gentle spinal adjustments contribute to pain relief and improved mobility in pregnant patients with low back pain. A retrospective case series involving 17 pregnant women found that chiropractic treatment, including spinal manipulation, led to clinically important pain reduction in 94.1% of cases, with no reported adverse effects.

Pelvic Alignment

Chiropractors often use techniques to help balance the pelvis during pregnancy, aiming to reduce muscular tension and support better movement. While the direct effects of these techniques on birth outcomes need further research, a 2024 study highlighted how different birthing positions can influence pelvic pressure and expansion, which are factors that play a role in labour and delivery. This underscores the importance of pelvic biomechanics, which chiropractic care may help support.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Chiropractors may use myofascial release, massage or trigger point therapy to address tight muscles and ligaments affected by hormonal changes. These methods can improve blood flow and help relieve pain caused by round ligament tension or gluteal strain.

A 2016 case study described how soft tissue therapy, combined with spinal adjustments and home exercise, helped a pregnant woman with sacroiliac dysfunction and gluteal pain reduce her symptoms from a pain rating of 7 to 2 over 13 visits. This allows her to walk, sit and function more comfortably in daily life.

Postural Advice

Postural strain is a common issue during pregnancy due to changes in weight distribution. Chiropractors provide tailored advice on ergonomics, sleeping positions and daily movements to reduce undue stress on the spine. These recommendations are often key in preventing recurrent pain and improving daily comfort.

Exercises to Support Stability

Targeted, low-impact exercises, such as pelvic tilts, modified squats and core activation drills, may help improve spinal support and reduce pain. Strengthening the pelvic floor and core muscles has also been linked to improved birth outcomes and reduced postpartum recovery time. These are typically prescribed with input from both chiropractors and antenatal physiotherapists.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care may offer a range of benefits for expectant mothers by addressing the musculoskeletal changes that occur throughout pregnancy. The potential outcomes listed below are based on the research and clinical findings discussed earlier and other peer-reviewed sources.

• Relieves lower back and hip pain
• Ease joint discomfort
• Improves posture
• Reduces pressure on the spine and nerves
• May support better sleep
• Helps prepare the body for labour

While these benefits have been reported in clinical settings, further research is still needed to establish definitive outcomes across broader populations.

When to Avoid Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe during pregnancy when delivered by a qualified practitioner, but there are certain conditions where it may not be appropriate. It is essential that pregnant patients are thoroughly assessed and cleared by their primary healthcare provider before beginning chiropractic treatment. The following situations may require avoiding or delaying chiropractic care:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Placenta complications
• Severe preeclampsia
• High risk of preterm labour
• If advised against it by a primary care provider

Possible Risks of Visiting a Chiropractor for Pregnant Women

Chiropractic care is generally well tolerated during pregnancy, particularly when provided by practitioners trained in prenatal techniques. However, like any manual therapy, it is not entirely without risk.

Being aware of these potential risks can help expectant mothers make informed decisions with their healthcare team. Below are some of the possible side effects or concerns to consider:

• Soreness after adjustment
• Muscle stiffness
• Discomfort during certain positions
• Risk if there is a high-risk pregnancy
• Mild cramping in rare cases
• Risk of aggravating existing conditions
• Possible dizziness after a session
• Not suitable for certain medical complications

Most reported side effects are mild and temporary, such as tiredness or fatigue, and serious adverse events are extremely rare. A review noted that complications from chiropractic treatment during pregnancy are uncommon, especially when care is tailored to the patient’s condition and gestational stage.

Summing Up

Chiropractic care during pregnancy may offer safe, non-invasive support for common musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, pelvic discomfort and postural strain. Backed by growing clinical evidence, it can be a valuable addition to a prenatal care plan when delivered by a qualified practitioner.

However, chiropractic care may not be appropriate for everyone, especially in high-risk pregnancies. It's important to consult your primary care provider before starting any treatment to ensure it aligns with your individual needs and medical circumstances.

Book with Goto Health

Considering chiropractic care during your pregnancy? Goto Health connects you with experienced chiropractors who offer gentle, personalised treatment tailored to each stage of pregnancy. Whether you're looking for pain relief or simply want to feel more comfortable as your body changes, our team is here to support you safely and effectively.

Book an appointment online today and take the next step toward a more comfortable pregnancy.