Pregnancy is a time of incredible change — physically, hormonally, and emotionally. At Lakeside Chiropractic, we offer gentle and tailored chiropractic care to support your body as it adapts to each stage of pregnancy.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, with an emphasis on spine, pelvis, and posture. As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts, ligaments loosen due to hormonal changes, and the added weight can place stress on your lower back, hips, and pelvis.
Chiropractors use gentle, low-force techniques specifically adapted for pregnancy to help:
Our chiropractors use a range of safe, evidence-informed techniques adapted to your stage of pregnancy and symptoms:
Treatment is always modified depending on how far along you are and how you're feeling that day. Our goal is to make you as comfortable and mobile as possible.
Trimester 1:
Hormonal changes soften your muscles and ligaments to support your growing baby. This can affect stability around the pelvis and spine. Chiropractic care at this stage may help maintain pelvic alignment and reduce early discomfort.
Trimester 2:
As your bump grows and weight shifts forward, spinal misalignments and postural strain are more common. This may contribute to round ligament pain, pubic pain, or pelvic tension.
Trimester 3:
Your body prepares for labour with changes like cervical softening and baby’s descent. Chiropractic care during this phase may assist with pelvic discomfort, sciatica, and help optimise alignment before birth.
This 2008 systematic review found that chiropractic care may help relieve pregnancy-related low back pain.
A research study suggest that chiropractic treatments commonly used for pregnant patients showed potential benefits for managing low back and pelvic girdle pain.
This prospective cohort study reported significant pain relief and functional improvement in pregnant patients receiving chiropractic care, sustained over a one-year follow-up.
When should I start chiropractic care in pregnancy?
You can begin at any stage — many women start in the first trimester for postural support, while others begin later to manage back pain or prepare for labour. Some patients continue through to postpartum care for recovery and realignment.
Can chiropractic care help with breech positioning?
Chiropractors cannot reposition babies. However, some techniques (like the Webster Technique) aim to improve pelvic balance and ligament tension, which may support optimal fetal positioning.
How often will I need treatment?
This depends on your symptoms and how far along you are. In general, appointments may be more frequent in the third trimester as the body undergoes rapid changes. Your chiropractor will discuss a personalised plan.
Can a massage therapist provide pregnancy care instead?
Massage therapy can be a helpful adjunct for muscle tension and relaxation during pregnancy, but only chiropractors are trained to assess and adjust the spine and pelvis. Both can work well together for comprehensive care.
Can I lie on my stomach during treatment?
Yes, at Lakeside Chiropractic we use specially designed pregnancy pillows and pelvic blocks that let you lie face down comfortably, even well into your third trimester. Many patients say this is one of their favourite parts of treatment!
Does chiropractic care help with round ligament pain or pubic discomfort?
It may help reduce tension and improve mobility in the pelvis. Techniques like round ligament massage, pubic bone mobilisation, and pelvic blocking are used depending on your presentation.
Is chiropractic care only for back pain?
No, while many pregnant patients seek care for back or pelvic pain, we also address issues like foot pain, rib discomfort, headaches, and postural strain.
How soon after birth can I return for chiropractic care?
You can return as soon as you feel ready. For some that’s within days, for others it’s a few weeks postpartum. Many new mums choose to come in as early as possible to help realign the pelvis after birth, especially if they experienced pelvic or lower back discomfort during pregnancy or labour.
Whether you're in your first trimester or nearing your due date, our team at Lakeside Chiropractic is here to support you with personalised, gentle care. We’re experienced in working with pregnant patients and are always happy to answer questions or tailor your treatment to suit how you’re feeling each visit.
📍Located in Joondalup, we welcome walk-ins and online bookings.
💬 Want to chat first? Feel free to get in touch — we’re here to help.
Book your appointment today and let us help you move through pregnancy with more comfort and confidence.
