Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Supporting Your Body Through Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation. As your baby grows and your body adapts, changes in posture, movement patterns and load through the pelvis and spine can contribute to common pregnancy discomforts such as lower back pain, pelvic pain, hip discomfort and general stiffness.
Understanding how your body changes during pregnancy and knowing how to support it - can help you feel more comfortable, confident and prepared for the journey ahead.
As a Pregnancy and Paediatric Chiropractor, I’m passionate about supporting women throughout pregnancy and postpartum. In this article, I expand on my conversation with Tina Pullen from The Birth Collective Podcast, where we discuss pregnancy chiropractic care, pelvic alignment, preparing your body for birth and supporting recovery after your baby arrives.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
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This article expands on my conversation on The Birth Collective Podcast, where I joined host Tina Pullen to discuss how chiropractic care can support women during pregnancy, how the body adapts as baby grows, and why looking after your own body is an important part of preparing for birth and postpartum recovery.
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🎙 Podcast: The Birth Collective Podcast
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👥 Host: Tina Pullen
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🎤 Guest: Dr Amy Norman
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📅 Episode Release Date: 24/01/2022
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⏱ Episode Duration: 35 min
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🎧 Listen on Spotify
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🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts
Why Pregnancy Changes the Way Your Body Moves
Pregnancy involves significant physical changes as your body adapts to support your growing baby.
Throughout pregnancy:
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Your centre of gravity shifts
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Your posture changes
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Your abdominal muscles stretch
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Your pelvis adapts
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Your joints experience different loads
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Your muscles work differently to maintain balance
These changes are completely normal, but they can sometimes contribute to discomfort.
Many women experience:
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Lower back pain
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Pelvic girdle pain
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Hip discomfort
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Sciatica-like symptoms
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Rib discomfort
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Neck and shoulder tension
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Difficulty finding comfortable positions
Supporting your body's movement and function throughout pregnancy can help many women feel more comfortable as these changes occur.
What Is Pregnancy Chiropractic Care?
Pregnancy chiropractic care is specialised care that considers the unique physical changes occurring throughout pregnancy.
A chiropractor trained in pregnancy care will consider factors such as:
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Your stage of pregnancy
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Your posture and movement patterns
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Your comfort levels
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Your individual goals
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Your health history
Care is adapted throughout pregnancy to ensure techniques are appropriate and comfortable.
Many pregnant women seek chiropractic care as part of their overall approach to supporting mobility, managing discomfort and staying active.
Understanding Pelvic Alignment During Pregnancy
The pelvis plays an important role throughout pregnancy and birth. It provides support for your growing baby and connects the spine with the lower limbs, influencing how your body moves.
During pregnancy, hormones such as relaxin contribute to increased joint mobility, allowing the body to adapt in preparation for birth. While this is a normal and important process, some women may notice changes in how their pelvis, hips and lower back feel. Supporting balanced movement through the pelvis and surrounding muscles can help women feel more comfortable as their pregnancy progresses.
Common Pregnancy Discomforts Chiropractic Care May Support
Every pregnancy is unique, but many women seek pregnancy chiropractic care for:
Lower Back Pain
As your baby grows, increased load through the lower back and changes in posture can contribute to discomfort.
Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pelvic girdle pain can affect areas including:
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The front of the pelvis
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The pubic region
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The sacroiliac joints
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The hips
Individualised care and movement strategies may help some women manage these symptoms.
Hip and Sciatic-Type Discomfort
Changes in pelvic position, muscle tension and increased pressure throughout pregnancy can contribute to hip or nerve-related discomfort.
Preparing for Birth
Many women choose chiropractic care during pregnancy because they want to support their body's ability to move comfortably and adapt throughout pregnancy.
Birth requires significant physical effort, and maintaining mobility and confidence in your body can be an important part of preparation.
Looking After Yourself During Pregnancy
One of the important conversations around pregnancy is that mothers often focus so much on preparing for their baby that they forget to care for themselves. Your wellbeing matters too.
Supporting yourself during pregnancy can include:
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Staying physically active
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Prioritising rest
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Nourishing your body
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Building a support team
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Preparing emotionally for birth
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Seeking care when you need it
Pregnancy isn't just about growing a baby! It is also about supporting the person who is growing that baby.
Pregnancy Chiropractic and Postpartum Recovery
The physical changes of pregnancy don't end at birth.
After having a baby, your body continues adapting as:
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Hormone levels change
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Your posture adjusts
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Feeding positions place new demands on your body
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Carrying and lifting your baby becomes part of daily life
Postpartum chiropractic care can support women as they transition into this new stage and navigate the physical demands of motherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Many women choose chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. Your chiropractor should tailor care to your individual stage of pregnancy, health history and comfort.
When should I start pregnancy chiropractic care?
Women may begin care at any stage of pregnancy. Some choose to start before conception, while others seek support later in pregnancy when discomfort develops.
Can chiropractic care help with pregnancy back pain?
Many pregnant women seek chiropractic care to support comfort and mobility when experiencing pregnancy-related back pain.
Do I need to be experiencing pain to see a pregnancy chiropractor?
No. Some women seek care proactively to support movement, mobility and confidence throughout pregnancy.
Can I see a chiropractor after birth?
Yes. Many women seek postpartum care to support their body's transition after pregnancy and birth. Our favourite is when we look after mum and their baby!
Key Takeaways
✔ Pregnancy creates significant changes throughout the body.
✔ Supporting movement and mobility can help women feel more comfortable during pregnancy.
✔ Pregnancy chiropractic care is adapted specifically for the changing needs of expectant mothers.
✔ Looking after yourself during pregnancy is an important part of preparing for birth and postpartum life.
✔ Your pregnancy journey deserves support—not just your baby's journey.
About Dr Amy Norman
Dr Amy Norman is a Pregnancy and Paediatric Chiropractor based in Hurstville, Sydney. She has a special interest in infant development, childhood movement and family health, and is passionate about empowering parents with evidence-informed education.
In addition to caring for babies, children and pregnant women in clinical practice, Dr Amy regularly shares her expertise through podcasts, community presentations and collaborations with organisations committed to improving children's health and wellbeing.
Ready to Support Your Child's Development?
Pregnancy is a unique experience, and every woman's body adapts differently.
If you are looking for pregnancy chiropractic care in Sydney or have questions about supporting your body throughout pregnancy, our team at Dynamic Chiropractic is here to help.
Explore Pregnancy Chiropractic, learn more about supporting your body during pregnancy, or book an appointment with Dr Amy Norman.