Pregnancy Back Pain? Here’s Why It Happens—and the Natural Relief Moms Swear By

You're growing a whole human, so of course your body feels like it’s doing the most. If your back hurts, your hips ache, or you wince every time you roll over in bed—you're not alone. In fact, between 50–80% of pregnant women experience some form of back pain during pregnancy. The good news? You don’t have to just suffer through it. There’s a safe, natural, and surprisingly effective solution: chiropractic care.

So... Why Does Pregnancy Hurt So Much?

Your body is doing something amazing, but let’s be honest—it’s also doing a number on your spine. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, throwing off your posture. At the same time, hormones like relaxin kick in to loosen your ligaments, which is great for birth—but not so great for joint stability.

Your lower back curve increases to support that growing belly, and your pelvis begins to widen to make space for delivery. All of this change puts extra pressure on your back, hips, and surrounding muscles, leading to all kinds of discomfort: from dull low back pain and sciatica to sharp pelvic pain and even those pesky round ligament twinges when you stand up too fast.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help (Without Medication)

Here's where chiropractic care comes in—and no, it's not just cracking backs. Chiropractors trained in prenatal care use specific, gentle techniques tailored to your changing body. These adjustments help realign your spine and pelvis, ease tension in overworked muscles, and take pressure off irritated nerves.

Many pregnant women find they sleep better, walk easier, and even breathe more comfortably after just a few visits. And because it’s a drug-free approach, it’s a safe option if you’re trying to avoid medication during pregnancy.

It Might Even Make Labor Easier

Here’s a little bonus you might not expect: chiropractic care may also contribute to a smoother birth. Research shows that women who receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy may experience labor times that are up to 31% shorter. When your pelvis is properly aligned, your baby has more room to move into the optimal position for birth—head down, chin tucked, ready to roll.

This is where the Webster Technique really shines. It’s a gentle, specialized method used to balance your pelvis and reduce tension in supporting ligaments. It’s especially helpful if your baby is breech or in another less-than-ideal position late in pregnancy. Some studies show an impressive 82% success rate in helping breech babies turn when the Webster Technique is used around 34–38 weeks.

Is It Safe?

Yes—prenatal chiropractic care is considered safe for most pregnancies. Chiropractors trained in this area use special tables that adjust for your growing belly, along with body pillows and supports to keep you comfortable during care. The techniques are modified based on where you are in your pregnancy, and there’s no twisting or forceful movements involved.

That said, it’s always smart to check with your OB or midwife before starting any new care, especially if your pregnancy is considered high-risk.

When Should I Start?

You can begin chiropractic care at any stage of pregnancy. Some women start in the first trimester to prepare their body from the very beginning. Others wait until the second trimester, once those physical changes become more noticeable. And many mamas find the most relief in the third trimester when back pain, pelvic pressure, and difficulty sleeping really start to peak.

After baby arrives, chiropractic care can also support postpartum healing by helping your body rebalance and recover from birth (and the newborn-carrying marathon that follows).

Ready to Feel Better?

If you’re tired of feeling achy, exhausted, and uncomfortable during a time that’s supposed to be special, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to just “deal with it.” Our chiropractors are trained in prenatal care and the Webster Technique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

This Mother’s Day (or anytime!), give yourself the gift of relief. Schedule your pregnancy assessment today, and we’ll create a personalized plan to help you feel stronger, more aligned, and more comfortable in your amazing, ever-changing body.