Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Benefits, Safety, and Support for Every Trimester

By: Janett King

Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey that brings changes, challenges, and a deep connection to your body like never before. As your baby grows, your body and your needs grow and adapt. Unsurprisingly, many people turn to trusted wellness routines to help them feel stronger, more balanced, and more comfortable during these transformative months.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is one of those wellness routines that may help you stay more aligned, more comfortable, and more in tune with your changing body. And while it may not be the first thing that comes to mind during pregnancy, it could be one of the most beneficial. Regular chiropractic care during pregnancy may help support your changing body, ease common discomforts, and improve overall function in ways that allow you to stay active, feel supported, and prepare for what’s ahead.

Let’s explain why chiropractic care may help during pregnancy, how it works, and what you need to know about staying safe and aligned during each trimester.

The connection between chiropractic care and pregnancy

Pregnancy creates a ripple effect through your entire body. From head to toe, your body responds to new demands. Expanding, loosening, shifting, and working overtime to support you and your baby.

Chiropractic care may provide valuable support for the spine and nervous system, which continuously adapt to the physical and hormonal changes throughout pregnancy. It focuses on restoring balance to your spine and nervous system, which may improve your body’s ability to function at its best.

Why does alignment matter during pregnancy?

Your spine and pelvis play a central role in how you move, feel, and how your baby grows and positions. As these areas shift to accommodate pregnancy, they may become misaligned. That can lead to back pain, pelvic discomfort, and additional joint and muscle stress.

Proper spinal and pelvic function may help reduce joint stress, ease nerve irritation, and improve overall mobility as your pregnancy progresses.

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is widely considered safe when provided by a licensed and experienced Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). Multiple studies support its use as a non-invasive, drug-free method for managing prenatal discomfort and improving functional mobility. Multiple studies support its safety and effectiveness for managing pregnancy-related discomfort and supporting overall wellness. Serious complications are rare, and care is customized based on your individual needs and stage of pregnancy.

One of the primary benefits of chiropractic care is that it works in harmony with your body. It offers relief without relying on prescription medications, injections, or surgical procedures. This makes it appealing for women who prefer a more natural approach, especially during pregnancy.

Before beginning treatment, your chiropractor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This includes reviewing your medical history, understanding your current symptoms, and discussing your health goals. Adjustments are specifically modified to ensure your comfort and your baby’s safety, and chiropractors often use gentle techniques and specialized equipment designed for pregnancy.

As with any healthcare decision during pregnancy, open communication is essential. Be sure to speak with your chiropractor and OB-GYN to confirm that your care plan supports your broader prenatal health goals. When your providers work together, you can feel more confident knowing your body and your baby are receiving the support they need.

How chiropractic care during pregnancy may help support your body

For many, the idea of chiropractic care during pregnancy may not be considered. However, the benefits can be significant beyond back pain relief. According to the American Pregnancy Association, regular chiropractic care during pregnancy may help support:

Postural changes: As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts. This can lead to altered posture, an exaggerated curve in the lower back, and tension in the neck and shoulders. Chiropractic care may help maintain healthier posture by aligning the spine and reducing unnecessary strain.

Pelvic alignment: During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin increases to help soften ligaments and prepare the pelvis for birth. While helpful, it can also lead to instability or imbalance. Chiropractic adjustments may help stabilize the pelvis and promote optimal positioning for your body and baby.

Nervous system function: Your nervous system is the master communicator of your body. By improving spinal alignment, chiropractic care may help reduce pressure on spinal nerves that influence other systems in the body, supporting clearer communication and better function overall.

Hormone regulation: Your hormonal landscape changes constantly during pregnancy.

Because the endocrine and nervous systems work closely together, chiropractic care may help improve how these systems communicate, potentially supporting emotional balance, physical resilience, and a smoother overall experience.

Chiropractic care and hormones: A healthy connection

Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate everything from digestion to emotional well-being. During pregnancy, these messages become even more critical, and your nervous system helps manage how they’re sent and received. They influence everything from how you sleep and digest food to how you respond to stress and how your muscles and ligaments behave. These hormones are regulated by your endocrine system, which works in close connection with your nervous system.

This is where chiropractic care may play a supportive role.

Your spine protects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain communicates with the endocrine system through a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. If the spine is misaligned, this communication can become less efficient. Restoring alignment may help support clearer signaling between the nervous system and the rest of the body.

Pregnancy symptoms that chiropractic care may help reduce

Every pregnancy is different, but many share a common set of challenges. Chiropractic care may offer relief from some of the most frustrating symptoms.

Here’s how chiropractic care may help support the reduction of your pregnancy symptoms:

Hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is an intense form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and a decreased quality of life. While common morning sickness may taper off after the first trimester, hyperemesis gravidarum can persist well into pregnancy, sometimes requiring medical intervention.

Though chiropractic care does not replace medical treatment, it may offer complementary support. Misalignment in the upper spine may affect nerve flow and alter how your body processes sensory input, including motion and smell, which can trigger nausea. Although research on this topic is limited, some patients report decreased intensity and frequency of nausea and vomiting following chiropractic adjustments, especially when combined with nutritional support and guidance from their OB-GYN.

Lower back pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common pregnancy complaints, especially during the second and third trimesters. As your abdomen expands, your center of gravity shifts, placing more strain on your lumbar spine and surrounding muscles. This increased demand can create tightness, inflammation, and discomfort. And with joints already loosening due to pregnancy hormones, stability becomes even harder to maintain.

Chiropractic care may help relieve lower back pain during pregnancy by correcting spinal misalignments and reducing pressure on surrounding nerves. When the spine is properly aligned, muscles and joints can function more efficiently, easing tension and improving mobility. In one case series, pregnant patients who received chiropractic adjustments reported a drop in average pain levels from 5.9 to 1.5 on a numerical scale, with most experiencing relief within a few days and after fewer than two visits. No adverse effects were reported, reinforcing chiropractic care as a safe, drug-free option for managing prenatal discomfort.

Sciatic nerve pain

Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, shifting pelvic structures, and the weight of the growing uterus can all contribute to pressure on this nerve, leading to sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in the hips, glutes, or legs. Research shows that sciatic-like symptoms in women can sometimes be linked to gynecological factors, reinforcing the importance of proper evaluation. When pregnancy is the cause, chiropractic adjustments may help relieve sciatic discomfort by restoring alignment in the lumbar spine and pelvis, reducing nerve irritation, and improving how the body distributes weight. Many pregnant patients feel more comfortable walking, sleeping, and daily movement after consistent chiropractic care.

Sacroiliac joint pain

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the spine to the pelvis. These joints are built to absorb shock and support stability. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes ligaments in the pelvis to loosen—great for delivery, but often painful. As the joints become more mobile, instability can lead to inflammation and pain around the lower back, buttocks, and hips.

Chiropractic care may help  stabilize the sacroiliac joints by improving how the spine and pelvis work together. Adjustments targeting the sacrum and surrounding areas may relieve pressure, reduce inflammation, and restore balance and support in your base.

Pubic symphysis pain

Pubic symphysis dysfunction (PSD) occurs when the joint at the front of the pelvis becomes too loose or misaligned. This can result in sharp, radiating pain in the groin, hips, or thighs, especially during movements like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of bed.

As the pelvis prepares for birth, the soft tissues supporting the pubic symphysis can stretch beyond their comfort zone.

Chiropractic adjustments may help restore alignment and reduce tension in the pelvis, easing discomfort and improving mobility. Care is always gentle and tailored to your trimester, helping you stay comfortable and supported as your body changes.

Round ligament pain

The round ligaments are thin bands of connective tissue that support the uterus. As your uterus grows, these ligaments stretch and thin, leading to quick, stabbing pains in the lower abdomen or groin, often triggered by sudden movements like standing up or rolling over in bed.

While round ligament pain is usually brief, it can become more frequent and disruptive as pregnancy progresses.

Chiropractic care may help by reducing pelvis and lower spine tension, allowing the ligaments to stretch more comfortably. When your spine and hips are better aligned, your muscles and ligaments don’t have to work as hard to maintain balance, which may reduce the strain that leads to this pain in the first place.

Pregnancy headaches

Headaches during pregnancy are more than just an annoyance. Pregnancy headaches are often a sign that your body is struggling to keep up with physical or emotional demands. Common triggers include hormonal fluctuations, sleep changes, posture shifts, dehydration, or stress.

Tension-type headaches and migraines can also increase due to spinal misalignment, especially in the neck and upper back.

Chiropractic adjustments may help relieve cervical spine tension, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches. Restoring alignment may also ease pressure on nerves that contribute to pain signals in the head and neck.

Many pregnant individuals report feeling clearer, more relaxed, and more physically and emotionally balanced after care.

The Webster technique: Gentle support for pelvic alignment

The Webster technique: gentle chiropractic care during pregnancy

The Webster technique is a specialized chiropractic method developed to support pelvic balance during pregnancy. It focuses on the sacrum and nearby joints, ligaments, and muscles to help reduce tension, improve alignment, and create a more comfortable environment for you and your baby.

Some studies suggest that this technique may support optimal fetal positioning by reducing tension in the pelvis and uterus, particularly in cases where the baby is in a breech position. While the Webster technique does not turn babies, it may help reduce intrauterine constraint and give your baby more room to move naturally into a head-down position as your pregnancy progresses.

This method is gentle, non-invasive, and tailored specifically for the needs of pregnant patients. Many individuals seek Webster-certified chiropractic care in the later stages of pregnancy to help improve comfort and potentially reduce the likelihood of needing interventions during delivery.

Not all chiropractors offer the Webster technique, as it requires additional training and certification. If you’re interested in this method, check with your local chiropractic clinic to see if a Doctor of Chiropractic trained in the Webster technique is available.

When to start chiropractic care during pregnancy

You can start chiropractic care at any stage of pregnancy, from the first trimester through the final weeks before delivery. Some individuals begin care before pregnancy to build strength and alignment. Others start mid-pregnancy once discomfort sets in or the need for support becomes clear.

There’s no wrong time to begin.

Many choose to receive care throughout the pregnancy to help their bodies adapt to change, manage discomfort, and stay aligned as their posture and balance evolve. As your pregnancy progresses, your chiropractor will adjust your treatment plan and techniques to ensure your comfort and safety. This includes using pregnancy pillows, special tables, and lower-force adjustments when needed.

How often should you receive chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy?

The frequency of care depends on your needs, symptoms, and stage of pregnancy. Some patients benefit from weekly care to maintain alignment and reduce discomfort. Others may require more or less frequent care, especially during the third trimester when the body experiences rapid change.

Your chiropractor will work with you to create a care plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Whether focused on reducing back pain or simply feeling more comfortable, regular chiropractic care may help you stay on track.

Pregnancy support that moves you

Pregnancy is a time of change, resilience, and incredible transformation. You deserve to feel supported throughout it.

Chiropractic care may help you find that support. It’s gentle, safe, and designed to work with your body’s natural rhythms. From improving posture and relieving pain to supporting pelvic alignment, chiropractic care may offer meaningful support during each phase of your pregnancy.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.