Last medically Reviewed 4/8/2026
Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation, but the physical shifts—like a changing center of gravity and increased ligament laxity—often lead to significant discomfort. At Perrigo Chiropractic Spine & Sport, we prioritize evidence-based care to help you stay active and comfortable.
If you are struggling with back or pelvic pain, you might be wondering: Is chiropractic care a safe option for me and my baby?
The short answer is yes. Chiropractic care is widely considered a safe, non-pharmacologic approach to managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain when performed by trained practitioners.[1][2] For a deep dive into the overall safety of chiropractic care, visit https://perrigochiro.com/is-chiropractic-care-safe-what-the-science-actually-says/.
Does Chiropractic Help with Pregnancy Back Pain?
The evidence for effectiveness is generally favorable, especially for pregnancy-related low back pain and pelvic girdle pain.[5]
- Pain Relief: A Cochrane review found moderate-quality evidence that manual therapy significantly reduced low back pain and functional disability.[3]
- A Non-Drug Alternative: Manual therapies have shown positive effects on pain intensity compared to usual care and relaxation.[6] This makes chiropractic a vital part of a multimodal approach when medication options are limited.[1]
How We Modify Care for Each Trimester
Your body changes every week, and our clinical approach at Perrigo Chiropractic follows these evidence-based patterns:
- First Trimester: We focus on establishing baseline spinal alignment with standard techniques modified for your comfort.
- Second Trimester: We emphasize side-lying positions as the abdomen enlarges to address the increasing lumbar lordosis (low back curve).[5]
- Third Trimester: Care concentrates on pelvic alignment and sacroiliac joint function to help prepare the body for labor.[3][5]
Safety and Comfort Modifications
You won’t be expected to lie flat on your stomach as your pregnancy advances. We use essential modifications to keep you and your baby safe:
- Specialized Positioning: As pregnancy progresses, side-lying (lateral recumbent) positions become the standard approach.[1][2] We also use specialized tables with “drop-away” sections or pregnancy cushions with abdominal cutouts to maintain proper alignment without abdominal pressure.[1]
- Force Modifications: Because the hormone relaxin increases ligamentous laxity, adjustments are performed with careful attention to joint stability.[1] We typically use lower-force techniques, such as activator methods, drop-table techniques, and gentle mobilization.[2]
When Should You See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
A multidisciplinary expert panel emphasizes that chiropractic care should be part of a multimodal intervention including patient education, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle modifications.[2]
It is important to note that standard contraindications apply—conditions like fractures, malignancy, or acute inflammatory conditions mean spinal manipulation should be avoided.[7] We always perform a thorough risk assessment and emphasize informed consent to ensure you feel confident in your care plan.[4]
Frequently Asked Questions: Pregnancy Chiropractic in Omaha
Can I get adjusted if I have pelvic girdle pain?
Yes, research suggests manual therapy is a highly safe and effective evidence-based option for pregnant women suffering from mechanical pelvic pain.[2][3]
Does chiropractic care affect the baby?
Current research indicates no serious adverse events for the fetus during chiropractic care.[1] Practitioners use specialized techniques to ensure there is no direct pressure on the abdomen, and adjustments focus on the mother’s joint mechanics and nervous system function.[2]
How often should I come in for an appointment while pregnant?
Frequency varies based on your specific symptoms and trimester. While some patients find relief with occasional visits, a 2022 consensus suggests that care is often most effective when integrated into a multimodal plan including home exercises and postural education tailored to your stage of pregnancy.[2][4] For a deep dive about the number of chiropractic sessions needed, visit How Many Chiropractic Sessions Do I Need? (What the Science Says in 2026) – Perrigo Chiropractic.
Do I need a referral from my OBGYN or Midwife?
In Nebraska, chiropractors are primary care providers, so a formal referral is typically not required. However, we advocate for a collaborative approach; the best-practice guidelines emphasize the importance of communicating with your entire birth team to ensure a coordinated and safe experience.[2]
References:
1. Chiropractic Care for the Pregnant Body. Conner SN, Trudell AS, Conner CA. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021;64(3):602-610. doi:10.1097/GRF.0000000000000621.
2. Best-Practice Recommendations for Chiropractic Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Patients: Results of a Consensus Process. Weis CA, Pohlman K, Barrett J, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2022;45(7):469-489. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2021.03.002.
3. Interventions for Preventing and Treating Low-Back and Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy. Liddle SD, Pennick V. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;(9):CD001139. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4.
4. The Use of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and the RAND VSQ9 to Measure the Quality of Life and Visit-Specific Satisfaction of Pregnant Patients Under Chiropractic Care Utilizing the Webster Technique. Alcantara J, Nazarenko AL, Ohm J, Alcantara J. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.). 2018;24(1):90-98. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0162.
5. Optimizing Pain Relief During Pregnancy Using Manual Therapy. Oswald C, Higgins CC, Assimakopoulos D. Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien. 2013;59(8):841-2.
6. The Effectiveness of Complementary Manual Therapies for Pregnancy-Related Back and Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Hall H, Cramer H, Sundberg T, et al. Medicine. 2016;95(38):e4723. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000004723.
7. Clinical Practice Guideline: Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain. Globe G, Farabaugh RJ, Hawk C, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2016;39(1):1-22. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2015.10.006.
