Why Chiropractic in Pregnancy Isn’t Just ‘Nice’ — It’s Necessary
All of the chiropractors at Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman have additional perinatal training and are Webster Certified. We care for mums and mums-to-be from all over Sydney including the North Shore, Northern Beaches and greater Sydney.
Pregnancy is one of the most extraordinary physical transformations the human body undergoes. It’s also one of the most demanding. As the body grows, shifts, and adapts to support new life, the spine, pelvis, and nervous system are under constant pressure. And yet, many women are told that pain, discomfort, and instability are simply things they must “put up with” during pregnancy.
At Nomad Chiropractic, we believe differently. In fact, research and clinical experience show that chiropractic care during pregnancy is not just a “nice to have”—it’s a necessary support system for the pregnant body and brain.
Your Body is Changing—Rapidly
By the third trimester, a pregnant person’s posture has often changed dramatically: the pelvis tilts forward, the lumbar spine arches more deeply, the abdominal muscles stretch, and weight shifts into the heels. Hormones like relaxin loosen ligaments around the pelvis and spine to prepare for birth, but this also means joints are more vulnerable to misalignment.
Even subtle pelvic shifts can impact the sacrum, hips, and lumbar spine—and with that, the entire nervous system. According to Dr. Steve Williams, renowned UK chiropractor and author of Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy and Paediatrics, chiropractic during pregnancy helps maintain pelvic alignment and optimize biomechanical balance, supporting smoother fetal positioning and reducing the likelihood of obstructed labor【Williams, 2021】.
The Neurology of Pregnancy Matters Too
While many people think of chiropractic as a treatment for back pain, its foundation lies in neurological regulation.
Pregnancy alters the autonomic nervous system, often tipping the balance toward sympathetic dominance—also known as fight or flight mode. This can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, poor digestion, and a decreased ability to rest and recover.
Dr. Heidi Haavik, a chiropractic neuroscientist, explains that spinal adjustments influence the brain’s processing of sensory input and its control of the autonomic nervous system. In pregnant women, this means that gentle chiropractic care may help support better nervous system regulation, aiding in calmness, resilience, and better physiological adaptation to the demands of pregnancy【Haavik, 2014】.
Supporting Natural Birth with Structural Balance
Rachel Reed, midwife and author of Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage, writes extensively about how unnecessary interventions during labor often stem from a misalignment between modern birth culture and physiological birth rhythms. When the pelvis is misaligned, the baby may have difficulty engaging in the optimal position for birth. This can prolong labor, increase the risk of medical intervention, or make natural birth more difficult.
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) has developed specific techniques—most notably the Webster Technique—to help chiropractors support pelvic balance and uterine ligament tension during pregnancy. This not only encourages optimal fetal positioning but also helps reduce intrauterine constraint, making for more comfortable pregnancies and potentially smoother labors【ICPA, 2023】.
What the Research Says
• A 2012 study found that 84% of pregnant patients receiving chiropractic care reported relief from back pain, and almost all said it helped improve overall function and comfort【Khorsan et al., 2012】.
• Heidi Haavik’s brain scanning research demonstrates that adjustments to dysfunctional spinal joints alter the way the brain processes and responds to sensory input—a key consideration during the rapid changes of pregnancy.
• A case series published by the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association reported that chiropractic care reduced labor times in women who had received prenatal adjustments compared to those who had not【Fallon, 1991】.
What We See at Nomad
At Nomad Chiropractic, we see pregnancy as a time of immense potential and transformation. But we also see the toll it can take. Chiropractic care during pregnancy isn’t just about managing discomfort—it’s about enhancing physiological resilience, supporting pelvic biomechanics, and preparing your nervous system and body for birth.
We work alongside your birth team—midwives, doulas, GPs, and obstetricians—offering you a space to feel safe, strong, and supported. From nausea in the first trimester to pelvic pain in the third, your body deserves care that adapts with you.
In Summary
Pregnancy isn’t just a mechanical event—it’s a whole-body, whole-brain transformation. Chiropractic care provides tailored, gentle support for that transformation, helping women move, breathe, rest, and birth with more ease.
In our next blog, we’ll dive deeper into the Webster Technique, what it really does, and why it’s about far more than just turning breech babies.
Want to learn more? Book a FREE 15min discovery call with one of our Sydney Pregnancy Chiropractors today: Book HERE
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualised medical advice. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for obstetric or medical care. All care provided at Nomad Chiropractic is tailored to individual needs following a thorough clinical assessment. Results may vary. Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when performed by a qualified and pregnancy-trained chiropractor, care is gentle and safe.
Q2: What symptoms can chiropractic help with in pregnancy?
Common issues include back pain, pelvic discomfort, sciatica, rib pain, headaches, round ligament pain, and sleep disruption.
Q3: What is the Webster Technique and do I need it?
It’s a specialised technique to balance the pelvis and reduce uterine tension—not about turning babies, but supporting fetal positioning.
Q4: When should I start chiropractic care in pregnancy?
Anytime! First trimester support helps regulate hormones and prevent early compensation patterns. Third trimester helps prepare the pelvis for birth.
Q5: How often should I get adjusted during pregnancy?
This varies, but many women benefit from weekly or fortnightly care depending on comfort, symptoms, and stage of pregnancy.