Chiropractic and Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

26 Mar Chiropractic and Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Posted at 05:56h in Chiropractic, Treatment by

Pregnancy is a unique time when the body undergoes rapid changes that can place stress on the spine, pelvis, and supporting muscles. Back pain and pelvic girdle pain affect up to 50–70% of pregnant women (Ostgaard, 1991; Wu et al., 2004), often due to hormonal, postural, and biomechanical changes.

A common question many expecting mothers ask is:
“Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?”

The short answer: 

Yes, when provided by a trained practitioner, chiropractic care is considered safe and may be effective for managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain.

Why Musculoskeletal Pain Happens in Pregnancy

  • Hormonal changes – The hormone relaxin softens ligaments and connective tissues to prepare the pelvis for childbirth. While essential, this can increase joint laxity and instability, particularly in the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis.
  • Postural adaptations – As the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus shifts the body’s centre of gravity, increasing lumbar lordosis (the inward curve of the lower back).
  • Weight gain and load – Extra body weight increases compressive forces on the spine, pelvis, and hips.
  • Altered movement mechanics – Gait changes (“pregnancy waddle”) and reduced core stability place additional strain on supporting musculature.

Together, these changes can contribute to:

  • Low back pain
  • Pelvic girdle pain (including symphysis pubis dysfunction)
  • Sciatica (leg pain from nerve irritation)
  • Hip and rib discomfort

What the Evidence Says About Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy

Several studies and reviews suggest that manual therapy, including chiropractic care, is both safe and beneficial for pregnant women when appropriately applied:

  • A 2012 prospective cohort study (Khorsan et al., JMWH) found chiropractic care to be safe with few adverse effects, and many women reported improvements in pain and function.
  • A 2013 systematic review (Stuber & Smith, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies) reported that manual therapies such as spinal manipulation, mobilisation, and massage can reduce pregnancy-related low back pain.
  • A 2014 randomized controlled trial (George et al., Am J Obstet Gynecol) demonstrated that spinal manipulation improved pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy compared to standard care.

Safety Considerations

When performed by chiropractors trained in perinatal care:

  • High-velocity adjustments are modified to ensure comfort and safety.
  • Specialised tables or pillows allow the patient to lie face down without abdominal pressure.
  • Low-force techniques (such as mobilisation, blocking, or soft tissue release) are commonly used.

⚠️ Contraindications include:

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Placenta previa or abruption
  • Pre-eclampsia or hypertension
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Severe cramping or unexplained abdominal pain

In these cases, medical clearance is required before care.

Potential Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy

Evidence suggests chiropractic care may:
✅ Reduce low back, pelvic girdle pain, neck pain

✅ Improve functional mobility (walking, standing, sleeping)

✅ Support pelvic alignment and balance, which may assist with fetal positioning (Webster technique)

Postpartum Considerations

After birth, women often experience spinal and pelvic strain from labour, lifting, feeding, and sleep posture. Chiropractic care, combined with exercise rehabilitation, can assist with recovery by:

  • Restoring pelvic mechanics
  • Addressing postural strain from feeding/carrying
  • Rebuilding core and spinal stability

Bottom Line

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe, gentle, and evidence-supported when provided by trained practitioners. It may reduce pain, improve mobility, and support overall comfort during this important stage of life.

At Sun Chiropractic, our team is experienced in providing tailored, pregnancy-safe care. We work collaboratively with patients and, where needed, liaise with GPs and obstetric providers to ensure your care is safe, coordinated, and effective.

 If you’re experiencing pregnancy-related pain or discomfort, contact us today to discuss whether chiropractic care is right for you.

References

  1. Ostgaard HC, Andersson GB, Karlsson K. (1991). Prevalence of back pain in pregnancy. Spine, 16(5):549–552.
  2. Wu WH, Meijer OG, Uegaki K, Mens JMA, van Dieën JH, Wuisman PI, Östgaard HC. (2004). Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPP), I: Terminology, clinical presentation, and prevalence. European Spine Journal, 13(7):575–589.
  3. Khorsan R, Hawk C, Lisi AJ, Kizhakkeveettil A, Haas M. (2012). Safety of spinal manipulative therapy in pregnant and postpartum women: a systematic review. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 57(5):508–518.
  4. Stuber KJ, Smith DL. (2013). Chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain: a systematic review. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 21(1):1–9.
  5. George JW, Skaggs CD, Thompson PA, Nelson DM, Gavard JA, Gross GA. (2013). A randomized controlled trial comparing a multimodal intervention and standard obstetric care for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 208(4):295.e1–7.
  6. Holt KR, Beck RW, Sexton G, Taylor HH, Fawkes CA, Mantaka L. (2012). Maternal report of outcomes of chiropractic care during pregnancy: a retrospective case series. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(5): 351–358.
  7. Borg-Stein J, Dugan SA. (2007). Musculoskeletal disorders of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 18(3):459–476.

Vleeming A, Albert HB, Ostgaard HC, Sturesson B, Stuge B. (2008). European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. European Spine Journal, 17(6):794–819.

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