Back and pelvic pain are some of the most common discomforts of pregnancy. They’re not dangerous to you or your baby, but they can make work, sleep and simply getting around much harder than they need to be.
Why it happens
- Hormones. Pregnancy hormones, including relaxin, loosen the ligaments of the pelvis to prepare for birth. That’s useful, but it also makes the joints less stable.
- Changing posture. As your bump grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward and your lower back curves more.
- Weight gain, which adds load to the back, pelvis, hips and feet.
- Weakened tummy muscles, which stretch and do less of the work of supporting the spine.
Two common types
Lower back pain: aching across the lower back, often worse after standing or at the end of the day.
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP): pain at the front of the pelvis (over the pubic bone), at the back (around the dimples at the base of the spine), or both. It’s often worse when:
- Walking, especially longer distances
- Standing on one leg, like getting dressed
- Climbing stairs
- Getting in and out of the car
- Rolling over in bed
What helps
- Stay active with gentle exercise like walking, swimming or pregnancy-specific classes, within what’s comfortable
- Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car or rolling in bed
- Take stairs one at a time
- Sit down to get dressed
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and one under your bump
- A pregnancy support belt, for some women
- Hands-on treatment from a chiropractor or physio experienced in pregnancy
Chiropractic during pregnancy
Treatment is adapted for pregnancy. You’ll be positioned comfortably, usually on your side or with special cushioning, and techniques are gentle. Depending on what’s needed, treatment might include:
- Soft tissue work for tight muscles in the back, hips and buttocks
- Gentle mobilisation or adjustment of stiff joints in the back and pelvis
- Exercises and stretches that are safe for your stage of pregnancy
- Practical advice for work, sleep and getting around
I’ll ask about your pregnancy and any complications first, and if anything needs your midwife or doctor, I’ll refer you back.
Call your midwife or doctor urgently if you have
- Back pain with vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, or regular tightenings or cramps, which could be labour
- Fever, burning when passing urine, or pain in your side, which could be a kidney infection
- Severe or constant pain that doesn’t change with position
- Numbness around the groin or problems controlling your bladder or bowel
- A severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- Reduced movements from your baby
Read next: should I see a chiropractor?
Questions parents and patients ask
Is it safe to see a chiropractor while pregnant?
Yes, for most pregnant women with back or pelvic pain. Treatment is adapted for pregnancy, with special positioning, pillows and gentler techniques, and nothing that puts pressure on the bump. Let your midwife or obstetrician know you're having treatment, and tell me about any complications in your pregnancy.
Can a chiropractor turn a breech baby?
There isn't good evidence that chiropractic turns breech babies, so I don't offer treatment for that purpose. If your baby is breech, talk to your obstetrician or midwife about your options.
Will the pain go away after the birth?
For most women, pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain improves within weeks to months after the birth. If it doesn't, it's worth having it assessed and treated.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're worried about yourself or your child, get checked by a health professional. In an emergency, call 10177 or 112 from a cellphone.