5 Signs You Might Need a Chiropractic Adjustment During Pregnancy
/5 Signs You Might Need a Chiropractic Adjustment During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of incredible change in your body - physically, hormonally, and structurally. While these changes are natural, they can sometimes lead to discomfort and misalignments in the spine and pelvis. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not only safe but often recommended to help your body adjust more comfortably.
Here are five signs that your body may benefit from a chiropractic adjustment while expecting.
1. Low Back Pain or Hip Discomfort
One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is lower back or pelvic pain. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, which increases the curve in your lower spine. Hormonal changes (especially the release of relaxin) loosen your joints and ligaments, further contributing to instability.
Why chiropractic helps: Chiropractors can gently correct spinal misalignments, especially in the lumbar and pelvic regions, to relieve pressure and improve mobility.
Source: Borggren, C.L. (2007). Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 6(2), 70–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcme.2007.02.002
2. Sciatica or Shooting Leg Pain
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, often from pressure caused by misalignment in the pelvis or swelling. The pain typically radiates from the lower back or hip down the leg.
Why chiropractic helps: A chiropractor can adjust the pelvis and spine to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and help your body distribute weight more evenly.
Source: Bryner, P. (1996). Management of back pain in pregnancy by chiropractic. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 19(6), 368–375.
3. Headaches or Neck Tension
Tension headaches can result from hormonal changes, postural strain, or stress during pregnancy. As your posture shifts and your spine compensates, neck and upper back tension can worsen.
Why chiropractic helps: Spinal adjustments in the cervical region can reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, relieving headache symptoms.
Source: Alcantara, J., Ohm, J., & Kunz, D. (2010). The safety and effectiveness of chiropractic during pregnancy: a systematic review. Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 18, 3. https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-1340-18-3
4. Pelvic Imbalance or Breech Presentation
When the pelvis is out of alignment, it can restrict the space available to the growing baby. This may contribute to intrauterine constraint and make it difficult for the baby to settle into the optimal head-down position for birth.
Why chiropractic helps: The Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment, helps correct pelvic misalignment and has shown success in helping babies assume a head-down position.
Source: Williamson, H. A. (2014). Chiropractic management of breech presentation: a case report of the Webster Technique. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic, 2014(1): 22–25.
5. Difficulty Sleeping Due to Discomfort
Trouble sleeping during pregnancy often stems from physical discomfort — back pain, hip tightness, or neck strain. Misalignments in your spine and pelvis can increase tension and make restful sleep difficult.
Why chiropractic helps: By relieving structural tension, adjustments can improve comfort and help you find better sleep positions, especially in the third trimester.
Source: American Pregnancy Association. (2022). Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/
Final Thoughts
Discomfort during pregnancy is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure it. Regular chiropractic care can provide natural, non-invasive relief for many pregnancy-related symptoms and promote better alignment for both mom and baby. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it might be time to schedule a chiropractic evaluation.
Always consult your OB-GYN or midwife before starting any new treatment, and be sure to work with a chiropractor trained in prenatal care.