Second Trimester Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care: Finding Balance as Your Body Grows
All of the pregnancy 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.
The Blossoming Trimester
For many mums-to-be, the second trimester is known as the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy. Nausea often settles, energy returns, and your growing belly becomes more visible. This is the stage where your baby’s development accelerates—and your body begins to change in profound and noticeable ways.
But with growth comes new challenges: back pain, hip tightness, pelvic pressure, round ligament pain, and postural shifts are all common. Supporting your body during these changes can make the difference between just “getting through” and truly thriving.
At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, we specialise in caring for mothers throughout every trimester of pregnancy. The second trimester is the perfect time to ensure your spine, pelvis, and nervous system are adapting with ease.
What Happens in the Second Trimester?
Between weeks 13 and 28, both you and your baby experience incredible growth and transformation:
Baby’s development: By the end of the trimester, your baby is about 36cm long and weighs over 1kg. The nervous system, bones, and muscles are rapidly developing.
Uterine growth: Your uterus expands well beyond the pelvis, changing posture and spinal curves.
Weight distribution: As your belly grows forward, the lumbar spine curves more, increasing strain on the low back.
Hormonal changes: Relaxin continues to soften ligaments, increasing joint mobility but reducing stability.
Circulation changes: Blood volume doubles, often contributing to swelling, varicose veins, or leg cramps.
These changes often bring new discomforts—many of which chiropractic can support naturally.
Common Second Trimester Concerns
1. Low Back Pain
Up to 70% of pregnant women report back pain, especially as the belly grows. Increased lumbar lordosis and ligament laxity place strain on spinal joints.
2. Pelvic Girdle Pain & Sacroiliac Joint Instability
Relaxin softens the sacroiliac ligaments, and misalignments can lead to pelvic instability or asymmetry.
3. Round Ligament Pain
Stretching uterine ligaments can cause sharp pains on the sides of the belly. Balanced pelvic alignment helps reduce strain on these structures.
4. Postural Strain
Breasts enlarge, the belly protrudes, and the head may shift forward, leading to neck and upper back tension.
5. Sciatica
Pressure from postural changes or pelvic misalignment can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing leg pain or tingling.
6. Sleep Discomfort
Finding comfortable sleeping positions becomes harder as the bump grows. Misalignments in the hips and pelvis can worsen this.
How Chiropractic Supports the Second Trimester
At Nomad Chiropractic, our care is designed to gently support your body’s adaptations in this stage of pregnancy.
1. Pelvic Alignment and Webster Technique
We use the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic approach designed for pregnancy, to balance the sacrum, pelvis, and surrounding ligaments. This helps:
Reduce back and pelvic pain
Improve mobility
Optimise space and alignment for baby’s growth
2. Spinal Support
Adjustments relieve tension in the spine, easing pain from posture changes. This improves nervous system communication, which is vital for both mum and baby.
3. Easing Round Ligament Pain
Balanced pelvic positioning reduces uneven pull on the uterine ligaments, helping minimise round ligament discomfort.
4. Sciatica and Nerve Relief
Gentle adjustments can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, improving comfort in the hips and legs.
5. Posture and Breathing
By improving spinal mobility, chiropractic supports better posture, lung expansion, and circulation—all important as your baby grows.
6. Emotional and Nervous System Support
Adjustments activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body regulate stress, improve sleep, and feel calmer through this busy stage.
The Nomad Difference: How We Care in the Second Trimester
Our approach is unique because we:
Adapt to your stage: The way we adjust in the second trimester looks different than in the first or third. Tables, pillows, and techniques are customised for your comfort and safety.
Collaborate with your birth team: We often liaise with midwives, doulas, and other providers to ensure comprehensive support.
Empower with education: We provide posture, stretching, and exercise guidance to keep you comfortable between visits.
Support the whole family: Many partners also seek care during this time, as preparation for birth is a family journey.
What to Expect at Nomad in the Second Trimester
Gentle assessment: We check pelvic alignment, spinal mobility, posture, and any areas of discomfort.
Safe positioning: We use pregnancy pillows and adjusting tables so you can lie comfortably without pressure on your belly.
Customised care: Techniques are adapted to your stage—low-force, gentle, and supportive.
Holistic recommendations: We guide you on lifestyle, ergonomics, and exercises tailored to your trimester.
Is Chiropractic Safe in the Second Trimester?
Yes—chiropractic care is safe when provided by trained pregnancy chiropractors. Research from the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) and peer-reviewed studies show no increased risk when care is delivered appropriately .
At Nomad, we use non-invasive, gentle techniques without any pressure on the uterus or baby. Many women report feeling both physical and emotional relief after care.
Lifestyle Tips for the Second Trimester
Alongside chiropractic adjustments, we recommend:
Prenatal exercise: Walking, swimming, and yoga support circulation and mobility.
Supportive sleeping: Use a pillow between your knees or a full-body pillow.
Ergonomic posture: Avoid crossing legs, wear supportive shoes, and adjust workspaces to reduce strain.
Hydration and magnesium: May help reduce cramps and swelling.
Mind-body practices: Breathwork and meditation support stress resilience.
FAQs About Chiropractic in the Second Trimester
1. Can chiropractic help with round ligament pain?
Yes—by balancing pelvic alignment, chiropractic reduces ligament strain and associated pain.
2. Can adjustments help with sciatica during pregnancy?
Yes. Gentle adjustments relieve nerve pressure and restore mobility, often easing sciatic pain.
3. Do I need to stop lying on my stomach for adjustments?
No. We use pregnancy pillows and adjusting tables so you can lie safely and comfortably.
4. How often should I see a chiropractor in the second trimester?
It depends on your needs. Some mums come weekly for ongoing support; others visit fortnightly.
5. Does chiropractic help prepare for birth later?
Absolutely. Maintaining pelvic balance now lays the foundation for optimal baby positioning and easier movement into the third trimester.
Why Choose Nomad Chiropractic for Second Trimester Care?
Women across Sydney’s North Shore choose Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman for pregnancy care because we:
Have advanced training in pregnancy and paediatric chiropractic
Use the Webster Technique to support pelvic balance
Offer a family-centred clinic space that nurtures mums from bump to bub
Provide research-informed, safe, gentle care
Collaborate with your wider birth team
Whether you’re experiencing back pain, pelvic tension, or simply want to optimise your pregnancy health, Nomad Chiropractic is here to support you.
Growing with Ease
The second trimester is a beautiful stage of pregnancy—your energy returns, your baby grows quickly, and your body adapts in remarkable ways. But growth also brings physical challenges.
Chiropractic care offers a safe, natural way to reduce discomfort, balance your pelvis, support your nervous system, and prepare your body for the months ahead.
At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, we’re honoured to care for mums-to-be at every stage. If you’re looking for a pregnancy chiropractor in Sydney, we’d love to support you as your journey continues.
Want to learn more? Book a FREE 15min discovery call with one of our Sydney Pregnancy Chiropractors today: Book HERE
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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. -
Stuber, K., & Smith, D. L. (2008). Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review of the evidence. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 447–454.
Khorsan, R., Hawk, C., Lisi, A. J., & Kizhakkeveettil, A. (2009). Manipulative therapies for pregnancy and related conditions: a systematic review. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, 64(7), 416–427.
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). https://icpa4kids.com
Haavik, H. The Reality Check: A Quest to Understand Chiropractic from the Inside Out. (2014).
Williams, S. Chiropractic for Pregnancy and Paediatrics. (2013).
Australian Spinal Research Foundation. https://spinalresearch.com.au
Reed, R. Why Induction Matters. Pinter & Martin, 2018.