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Pregnancy is one of the most physically demanding experiences the human body can go through. Growing a baby creates extraordinary changes in posture, weight distribution, hormones, and the mechanics of almost every joint in the body — and for many women, this comes with a significant amount of discomfort.

Lower back pain. Pelvic girdle pain. Round ligament aches. Sciatic nerve irritation. Rib tightness. These are some of the most common complaints among pregnant women, and yet many are told they simply have to manage them until the baby arrives.

At Body Pro Chiropractic in Warriewood, Dr. Claire Howell sees expectant mothers throughout all stages of pregnancy. Her approach is gentle, evidence-informed, and specifically adapted for the pregnant body. Here’s what you should know.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes — when provided by a qualified chiropractor experienced in prenatal care, chiropractic treatment is considered safe throughout pregnancy, including in the third trimester.

Chiropractors who work with pregnant patients use modified assessment and treatment techniques that avoid pressure on the abdomen. Positioning during treatment is carefully adapted — usually using cushioned, pregnancy-friendly supports — so you can be comfortable at every stage.

The types of techniques used during pregnancy tend to be lower-force and gentler than standard chiropractic care. The goal is not forceful manipulation but rather restoring balanced movement, reducing muscular tension, and supporting the body as it adapts to the growing demands of pregnancy.

As with any healthcare during pregnancy, it’s worth letting your obstetrician or midwife know you’re seeing a chiropractor — and Dr. Howell is always happy to communicate with your other healthcare providers if needed.

Why So Many Pregnant Women Experience Back and Pelvic Pain

Several factors combine to make the lower back and pelvis particularly vulnerable during pregnancy:

Hormonal changes. A hormone called relaxin is produced in increasing amounts during pregnancy. It loosens the ligaments of the pelvis — which is necessary to allow the baby to pass through at birth — but it also reduces joint stability throughout the body, making it easier for joints to shift out of their optimal alignment.

Postural changes. As your bump grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward. To compensate, many women develop an increased curve in the lower back (lumbar lordosis), which places additional load on the lumbar joints, sacroiliac joints, and surrounding muscles.

Pelvic girdle asymmetry. When the two sides of the pelvis don’t move evenly — sometimes called sacroiliac dysfunction or pelvic girdle pain — it can create significant pain in the lower back, hips, groin, and even down the legs. This is one of the most common conditions Dr. Howell treats in pregnant patients.

The growing uterus and round ligaments. Sharp, stabbing pains on the sides of the lower abdomen — particularly when moving quickly, sneezing, or rolling over in bed — are often caused by tension in the round ligaments that support the uterus. Gentle chiropractic techniques and stretching can help reduce this discomfort.

What Prenatal Chiropractic Care at Body Pro Involves

Dr. Claire Howell tailors every treatment to where you are in your pregnancy, what you’re experiencing, and how your body is responding. A typical prenatal appointment at Body Pro Chiropractic might include:

Postural and movement assessment: Understanding how your body has adapted to pregnancy helps identify which areas of the spine and pelvis need support.

Gentle spinal and pelvic adjustments: Low-force techniques to restore balanced movement in the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, and pelvis.

Soft tissue therapy: Releasing tight muscles in the lower back, hips, piriformis, and psoas — areas that commonly carry extra tension during pregnancy.

Guidance on positions and movement: Practical advice on sleeping positions, how to get up from a chair or bed, and which everyday movements to modify to reduce strain.

Safe home exercises: Simple stretches and strengthening movements you can do at home to support your pelvis and lower back between visits.

Common Pregnancy Complaints We Help With

• Lower back pain and lumbar stiffness
• Sacroiliac joint pain (pain in the dimples of the lower back or deep buttock)
• Pelvic girdle pain and pubic symphysis discomfort
• Sciatic nerve irritation — pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into the leg
• Rib pain and upper back tightness as the ribcage expands
• Round ligament pain
• General postural discomfort as your body changes shape

What About After Baby Arrives?

The postpartum period brings its own physical challenges. Breastfeeding and feeding positions can create significant neck and upper back strain. The physical demands of carrying, lifting, and soothing a newborn — often while sleep-deprived — can take a toll on a body that is still recovering from birth and the hormonal changes of the postnatal period.

Many of Dr. Howell’s patients continue their care into the postnatal period, and she also sees newborns and infants. Paediatric chiropractic uses extremely light-touch techniques to support babies who may have experienced tension during delivery, or who are showing early signs of postural asymmetry.

A Note on Choosing a Prenatal Chiropractor

Not all chiropractors have the same experience with pregnancy care. When looking for a prenatal chiropractor on the Northern Beaches, it’s worth asking:

• Do they have experience treating pregnant patients throughout all trimesters?
• Do they use pregnancy-adapted positioning and low-force techniques?
• Are they comfortable communicating with your obstetrician or midwife?
• Do they offer postnatal care and infant chiropractic?

Dr. Howell has worked with expectant and new mothers for years and approaches prenatal care with the patience, gentleness, and clinical attention it deserves.

Visit Body Pro Chiropractic in Warriewood

Body Pro Chiropractic is located at Unit 1212, Level 2, 4 Daydream Street, Warriewood — in the Q1 Tower, just off Mona Vale Road. We’re easy to reach from Narrabeen, Mona Vale, Ingleside, Newport, and the wider Northern Beaches area.

If you’re pregnant and experiencing back, pelvic, or hip pain, you don’t have to put up with it until the baby comes. Early care tends to produce better outcomes, and many women find that regular chiropractic support makes a real difference to their comfort and mobility throughout pregnancy.

Call 0439 070 887 or email dr.claire.howell@gmail.com to book a prenatal chiropractic assessment.

Dr. Claire Howell is a chiropractor at Body Pro Chiropractic, Warriewood NSW. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your obstetrician or midwife about any healthcare decisions during pregnancy