Pregnancy & Postpartum Chiropractic: What to Expect

Pregnancy and postpartum chiropractic care has become one of the most effective and natural ways to support women through the physical changes of pregnancy and the recovery period after birth. Whether you are experiencing back pain, pelvic tightness, nerve irritation, or simply want your body to function at its best during pregnancy, chiropractic care can play a major role in creating a smoother, more comfortable experience.

Pregnancy places unique demands on your spine, pelvis, and nervous system. After birth, your body must adjust again — hormones shift, ligaments stabilise, and your posture changes from feeding, carrying, and caring for your newborn. This guide covers everything you need to know about pregnancy and postpartum chiropractic care, how it works, what to expect, and how it can help during each stage.

What Is Pregnancy and Postpartum Chiropractic Care?

Pregnancy and postpartum chiropractic care focuses on safe, gentle techniques tailored to pregnant and new mothers. Chiropractors assess spinal mobility, pelvic alignment, muscle balance, and nervous system function, and adjust treatment around the mother’s trimester, comfort, and individual needs.

The approach is different from standard chiropractic because the goals include:

• Supporting the body through hormonal and structural changes
• Improving pelvic alignment for pregnancy comfort and birth optimisation
• Relieving pressure on nerves such as the sciatic nerve
• Reducing strain on joints and muscles
• Helping postpartum healing and stabilisation

Special pregnancy pillows, pregnancy tables, and modified techniques ensure comfort and safety throughout care.

Benefits of Pregnancy Chiropractic Care

Reduced Back and Pelvic Pain

Up to 70% of pregnant women experience back or pelvic pain. As the belly grows, the spine compensates, causing tension. Chiropractic adjustments help restore balance, reducing discomfort quickly.

Sciatica Relief

The weight of the uterus can irritate the sciatic nerve. Gentle adjustments and muscle release techniques help reduce nerve pressure.

Better Pelvic Alignment

Balanced pelvic joints help:

• Reduce round ligament tension
• Improve posture
• Support optimal fetal positioning (head-down)

Many chiropractors use the Webster Technique, a specialised method to balance the pelvis and soft tissues.

Potentially Shorter Labour

Research suggests pelvic alignment may help labour progress more efficiently because the baby has more room to descend into the birth canal smoothly.

Improved Mobility and Comfort

Adjustments help pregnant women walk, sleep, and move with more comfort throughout all trimesters.

What to Expect During Pregnancy Chiropractic Appointments

First Trimester

• Assessment of spinal alignment
• Gentle adjustments to support nervous system stability
• Advice on posture, sleep, and reducing nausea triggers (via nervous system regulation)

Second Trimester

This is typically the most comfortable period for treatment.

Expect:

• Adjustments to reduce mid-back and low-back tension
• Pelvic balancing techniques
• Guidance on exercise and strengthening
• Gentle stretching of tight muscle groups

Third Trimester

The focus shifts to preparing the pelvis for labour.

Treatment may include:

• Webster Technique
• Sacroiliac joint mobilisation
• Round ligament pressure reduction
• Techniques to improve rib expansion for breathing
• Strategies to reduce swelling and pelvic pressure

Chiropractic tables with belly drop-out sections are used, and adjustments are modified for safety.

Is Pregnancy and Postpartum Chiropractic Care Safe?

Yes — when performed by a trained chiropractor with pregnancy experience, care is safe, gentle, and highly effective. Chiropractors trained in pregnancy care:

• Avoid high-force manual adjustments
• Use angled wedges, blocks, or instrument adjusting
• Avoid pressure over the abdomen
• Adapt positions to avoid lying flat after mid-pregnancy

Chiropractic care does not turn babies or force positioning — instead, it reduces pelvic tension that gives the baby more space.

However, women with conditions like placenta previa, severe hypertension, or high-risk complications should consult their doctor first.

Postpartum Chiropractic Care – Why It’s Important

After birth, the body continues to change dramatically. Hormones begin stabilising, abdominal muscles may separate, and feeding postures can strain the neck and back.

Common Postpartum Issues Chiropractic Helps

• Upper back and neck pain from breastfeeding
• Low-back pain from lifting baby
• Pelvic floor stress from labour
• Pelvic misalignment
• Hip stiffness
• Nerve tension
• Tailbone pain (common after long labour or instrumental delivery)

When Can You Start Postpartum Chiropractic?

• Vaginal birth: usually after 1–2 weeks
• C-section: often after 4–6 weeks, with modifications

Your chiropractor will adapt techniques to your comfort and healing stage.

Postpartum Healing and Core Rehabilitation

Chiropractic care can complement physio exercises to support:

• Pelvic balancing
• Core activation
• Recovery from diastasis recti
• Better posture
• Improved mobility and stability

How Often Should You See a Pregnancy or Postpartum Chiropractor?

Frequency depends on:

• Pain levels
• Stage of pregnancy
• Pelvic stability
• Whether your goal is pain relief or birth preparation

Common schedules:

• Pregnancy: Every 2–4 weeks, increasing to weekly in the final 4–6 weeks if needed
• Postpartum: Once weekly for 2–4 weeks, then as needed

Your chiropractor will tailor a plan for your body’s needs.

FAQs About Pregnancy and Postpartum Chiropractic Care

Is it painful?

No. Adjustments are modified to be gentle, comfortable, and safe.

Does the baby feel anything?

No — treatment does not place pressure on the baby.

Can chiropractic help with breech positioning?

Chiropractors do not “flip” babies.
But the Webster Technique may help create space for the baby to turn naturally.

Is it helpful after a C-section?

Yes — once cleared by your doctor. It helps restore mobility, posture, and abdominal function.

Conclusion: Why Pregnancy and Postpartum Chiropractic Matters

Pregnancy and postpartum chiropractic care provides essential support at a time of major physical change. From reducing pregnancy discomfort to promoting pelvic alignment and aiding postpartum recovery, chiropractic treatment offers a safe, natural way to keep your body functioning at its best.

If you’re pregnant, preparing for birth, or recovering postpartum, chiropractic care can help you feel more balanced, mobile, and comfortable — so you can focus on what matters most.

To find out more [Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature]