Third Trimester Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care: Preparing for Birth With Balance
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 Final Stretch
The third trimester (weeks 28–40) is both exciting and challenging. Your baby is growing rapidly, your body is preparing for labour, and each week brings new sensations—some joyful, others uncomfortable.
For many women, this trimester includes pelvic pressure, low back pain, sciatica, difficulty sleeping, swelling, or fatigue. It can also bring anxiety about labour and birth. Supporting your body at this stage is crucial—not just for comfort, but also for birth preparation.
At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, we specialise in third trimester pregnancy care. Our goal is to keep your body balanced, your nervous system calm, and your pelvis optimally aligned—so you enter birth with confidence.
What Happens in the Third Trimester?
The final trimester is about growth, preparation, and transition.
Baby’s development: Baby gains weight rapidly, reaching 3–4kg by term. Lungs and brain mature, and baby shifts into position for birth.
Maternal changes: The uterus expands high into the ribcage, placing pressure on the diaphragm. Pelvic joints loosen further under the influence of relaxin.
Postural shifts: The belly pulls forward, increasing lumbar lordosis (low back curve) and pelvic tilt.
Circulation: Increased blood volume and uterine pressure on major veins may cause swelling, varicose veins, or leg cramps.
Emotional readiness: Many mums experience heightened emotions—excitement, impatience, or anxiety about labour and birth.
These shifts are natural, but when misalignments or imbalances occur, discomfort can worsen.
Common Third Trimester Concerns
1. Low Back Pain
With increased weight and spinal curvature, back pain peaks in this trimester. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce tension and restore mobility.
2. Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
Relaxin softens the sacroiliac joints, leading to instability, pain when walking, or difficulty standing on one leg.
3. Sciatica
As baby descends, pressure on the lumbar spine or sacrum can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing leg pain or tingling.
4. Pubic Symphysis Pain (SPD)
Misalignment in the pelvis can cause sharp pubic bone pain, especially when moving or turning in bed.
5. Sleep Discomfort
Many women find it hard to get comfortable at night. Hip and pelvic misalignments worsen this.
6. Breech or Posterior Positioning Concerns
If baby hasn’t moved into optimal position by week 34, pelvic balance and ligament tension can make a difference in allowing baby room to turn.
How Chiropractic Supports the Third Trimester
At Nomad Chiropractic, we provide care that is gentle, safe, and specifically adapted for late pregnancy.
1. Webster Technique for Pelvic Balance
The Webster Technique is a specialised chiropractic method that focuses on balancing the pelvis, sacrum, and surrounding ligaments. Benefits include:
Reducing back and pelvic pain
Supporting better pelvic alignment for labour
Optimising space for baby to move into ideal head-down position
Research from the ICPA shows that pelvic balance may improve the likelihood of favourable foetal positioning.
2. Relieving Pain and Tension
Chiropractic adjustments reduce nerve irritation and muscular strain, easing back pain, sciatica, and SPD.
3. Supporting Baby’s Positioning
By improving pelvic balance, chiropractic care gives baby more space to settle into an anterior head-down position, which is associated with smoother births.
4. Nervous System Regulation
Adjustments calm the nervous system, helping you move out of “fight or flight” mode into “rest and digest.” This supports labour hormones like oxytocin and may improve emotional readiness.
5. Enhancing Mobility and Comfort
Balanced joints improve walking, sleeping, and overall mobility in the final weeks.
The Nomad Approach in the Third Trimester
At Nomad Chiropractic, we combine evidence-informed care with a family-centred approach:
Pregnancy-specific techniques: We use low-force adjustments, drop tables, and pregnancy pillows for safety and comfort.
Webster-certified chiropractors: Our team is trained in Webster Technique for pregnancy.
Collaborative care: We often work with midwives, doulas, and obstetric care providers to support your birth goals.
Education: We provide posture advice, labour preparation exercises, and guidance on how to support pelvic alignment at home.
What to Expect in a Third Trimester Visit
Gentle assessment: We check pelvic balance, spinal mobility, and ligament tension.
Comfortable positioning: With pregnancy pillows and tables, you can lie face down safely.
Pelvic balancing: Adjustments are tailored to ease pelvic stress and support optimal alignment.
Birth preparation guidance: We’ll share strategies to encourage baby’s positioning and help you feel ready for labour.
Is Chiropractic Safe in the Third Trimester?
Yes—chiropractic care is safe in all stages of pregnancy, including the final weeks. The adjustments used are gentle, external, and adapted to the needs of late pregnancy.
A 2008 systematic review found chiropractic care effective and safe for pregnancy-related back pain , and the ICPA continues to recommend it as part of holistic prenatal care.
At Nomad, we never apply direct pressure to the baby or uterus. Instead, we balance the pelvis, spine, and nervous system so your body can function optimally.
Lifestyle Tips for the Third Trimester
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, here are natural ways to support yourself:
Use supportive pillows: Place one between your knees and another behind your back.
Stay mobile: Gentle walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming help circulation and mobility.
Practice pelvic tilts: Rocking the pelvis on hands and knees can relieve back pain.
Balance rest and activity: Alternate movement with rest to avoid overloading joints.
Hydrate and nourish: Adequate hydration supports circulation and swelling.
Mind-body connection: Breathing exercises and relaxation support labour preparation.
FAQs About Third Trimester Chiropractic Care
1. Can chiropractic help turn a breech baby?
Chiropractors don’t turn babies. However, the Webster Technique balances the pelvis and ligaments, creating space for baby to move naturally into position.
2. Is chiropractic safe right before labour?
Yes. Gentle adjustments are safe even in the final days of pregnancy. Many women seek care right before labour to support comfort and alignment.
3. How often should I see a chiropractor in the third trimester?
Frequency depends on your needs. Many mums benefit from weekly care as labour approaches.
4. Can chiropractic care make labour easier?
Research suggests that balanced pelvic alignment may support smoother labour by optimising foetal positioning and reducing musculoskeletal stress .
5. What if I have pubic symphysis pain (SPD)?
Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce misalignment and instability, often easing SPD pain.
Why Choose Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman on Sydney’s North Shore
If you’re searching for a pregnancy chiropractor in Sydney’s North Shore, Nomad Chiropractic offers advanced pregnancy-specific care. Women choose us because:
We are Webster-certified and trained in paediatric and pregnancy chiropractic
We provide gentle, safe techniques tailored to each trimester
Our clinic is family-centred and supportive—a sanctuary during pregnancy
We collaborate with midwives, doulas, and birth teams
We honour your journey, supporting you from bump to bub and beyond
Preparing for Birth with Balance
The third trimester is a time of anticipation and growth. While physical and emotional challenges are normal, you don’t have to struggle through them.
Chiropractic care offers safe, natural support—helping relieve pain, balance your pelvis, optimise baby’s positioning, and prepare your body for labour.
At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way, ensuring your pregnancy is supported, your body is balanced, and your birth journey begins with confidence.
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. -
Stuber, K., & Smith, D. L. (2008). Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review. 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).
Reed, R. Why Induction Matters. Pinter & Martin, 2018.
Australian Spinal Research Foundation. https://spinalresearch.com.au