Supporting Pregnancy Health: Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy-Related Pain
How Common Is This?
Pregnancy brings major physical change, and pain is a genuinely common part of that experience — not something to just push through. Around 50% of Australian women experience combined low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, with some studies finding period prevalence as high as 70% by the third trimester. Pelvic girdle pain specifically affects around 44% of women, and becomes more common as pregnancy progresses — from around 38% at 24 weeks to 48% by 38 weeks.
In 2023, 41% of Australian births were by caesarean section. Around 1 in 5 women experience anxiety during pregnancy
Why Pregnancy Causes Low Back and Pelvic Pain
As pregnancy progresses, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments supporting your pelvis and spine in preparation for birth, while your growing uterus shifts your centre of gravity forward and increases the curve in your lower back. Your pelvis carries more load, your posture adapts, and everyday movements — getting up from sitting, rolling in bed,
climbing stairs — can become more physically demanding. This combination is what drives the high rates of low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Pregnancy-Related Pain
Chiropractic care is commonly used to help manage pregnancy-related low back and pelvic girdle pain, and is one of several allied health options women use alongside their obstetric or midwifery care. A pregnancy-specific assessment looks at your posture, pelvic alignment, and movement patterns to identify where strain is contributing to your pain.
Care is adapted throughout pregnancy:
- Pregnancy-safe positioning, such as side-lying or supported tables, adjusted trimester by trimester
- No X-rays — assessment relies on hands-on techniques and movement testing
- Gentle, pregnancy-appropriate adjusting techniques for the low back, pelvis, and hips
- Practical guidance on movement, posture, and positioning for sleep, sitting, and daily activity as your body changes
Click the button below to learn more about how chiropractic care can help you thrive during pregnancy and beyond.
