Pregnancy is a time of incredible change—physically, emotionally, and hormonally. While it’s a beautiful journey, it’s also very common for expectant mums to experience discomfort or pain, especially in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.

At our family-focused chiropractic clinic, we often see women during pregnancy who are dealing with aches and pains that seem to come out of nowhere. One of the biggest factors behind this? Hormonal changes.

Let’s explore how these hormonal shifts can affect your body—and how gentle, pregnancy-safe chiropractic care can support you through each stage.

The Role of Hormones in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body releases a hormone called relaxin. Its main job is to help soften and relax the ligaments in your pelvis to prepare for childbirth. While this is essential for a smooth delivery, it can also lead to increased joint mobility and instability—especially in the pelvis and lower back.

At the same time, your centre of gravity is shifting, your abdominal muscles are stretching, and your posture is changing to accommodate your growing baby. Combined with loosened ligaments, these changes can place extra strain on your:

  • Lower back
  • Hips and pelvis
  • SI (sacroiliac) joints
  • Neck and shoulders (especially as your posture changes)

These shifts can cause discomfort, misalignment, and tension that are hard to manage without support.

Back pain

Common Pregnancy-Related Aches and Pains We See

Every pregnancy is different, but some of the most common issues related to hormonal and structural changes include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Pelvic pain or instability
  • Sciatica (pain that radiates down the leg)
  • Hip or groin discomfort
  • Neck and shoulder tension (often related to postural changes or preparing for breastfeeding)

How Chiropractic Can Support You During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is gentle, safe, and focused on helping your body adapt to the physical changes happening week by week. Here’s how it can help:

  •  Improves Pelvic Alignment

By supporting proper pelvic alignment, chiropractic care can help reduce pain and may even assist with optimal fetal positioning leading into birth.

  • Eases Pressure on Joints and Nerves

Adjustments can reduce pressure on irritated nerves—especially the sciatic nerve—and help restore normal joint function.

  • Helps You Move and Sleep More Comfortably

Many mums-to-be report better sleep, easier movement, and a general feeling of "lightness" after an adjustment.

  • Supports Your Body’s Natural Balance

By helping your spine and pelvis stay aligned, chiropractic care can support better nervous system function—important not just for you, but also for your growing baby.

Aches and pains

We’re Here to Support Your Pregnancy Journey

At our clinic, we love supporting women through every stage of pregnancy. Our chiropractors are trained in gentle techniques that are safe for both mum and baby. We also use specialised pregnancy pillows or adjusting tables to ensure your comfort.

Whether you're early in your pregnancy or nearing your due date, chiropractic care can be a helpful, natural way to relieve discomfort and support your body’s incredible work.

If you're experiencing pregnancy-related pain or simply want to feel more supported in your body, we're here for you.

Contact Us

Reference:

American Pregnancy Association. (2019). Chiropractic care during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/

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