By Dr. Tonya Westerbeke , DC | Back To Health Chiropractic
Let's get something straight right now: Back pain during pregnancy is common, but that doesn't make it normal—and it definitely doesn't mean you just have to "deal with it" for nine months.
I've heard it a thousand times in my practice. A pregnant woman walks in, hand pressed to her lower back, apologizing for even bringing it up. "I know it's just part of being pregnant," she'll say, as if growing a human gives her body permission to hurt.
Here's what I tell every single one of them: Your body was designed to do this. Pain is a signal, not a sentence.
If you're reading this with one hand on your aching back, wondering if this is just your new reality until delivery day, I have good news. You're about to learn why pregnancy back pain happens, what your body is actually trying to tell you, and—most importantly—what you can do about it that doesn't involve just "sucking it up" or waiting it out.
Here's What You'll Learn:
- Why up to 80% of pregnant women experience back pain (and why that statistic should make you angry, not resigned)
- The real biomechanical changes happening in your body—and why your nervous system needs support now more than ever
- Evidence-based solutions that actually work (backed by research, not just pregnancy forums)
- When back pain signals something that needs immediate attention
- How chiropractic care specifically supports your changing body throughout pregnancy
Updated for 2025: New research continues to validate what we've known all along—prenatal chiropractic care isn't just safe; it's essential for optimal pregnancy outcomes. Let's dig in.
The Truth About Pregnancy Back Pain: It's Common Because We've Normalized Dysfunction
Here's a stat that should light a fire under you: Studies show that between 50-80% of pregnant women will experience back pain at some point during their pregnancy. By the third trimester, that number can climb even higher.
But here's where everyone gets it wrong—including well-meaning healthcare providers who pat you on the shoulder and say, "It's just pregnancy."
Common doesn't equal normal.
Your body undergoes extraordinary changes during pregnancy. Your center of gravity shifts. Hormones like relaxin flood your system, loosening ligaments to prepare for birth. Your belly grows, pulling your pelvis forward. Your breasts get heavier, rounding your shoulders. Every single one of these changes affects your spine, your pelvis, and—most critically—your nervous system.
But here's the thing: your body is brilliant. It was designed to adapt to these changes. When pain shows up, it's not because pregnancy itself is the problem. It's because something in your body's adaptive system isn't functioning optimally.
And that "something" is almost always related to spinal alignment and nervous system function.
7 Things You Need to Know About Back Pain During Pregnancy (Updated for 2025)
1. Your Pelvis Is the Foundation—And It's Shifting
During pregnancy, your body releases relaxin, a hormone that loosens the ligaments in your pelvis to allow your baby to pass through the birth canal. Sounds great in theory, right?
The problem: When those ligaments loosen, your pelvis becomes less stable. If your pelvis is already misaligned—even slightly—that instability gets magnified. Your muscles have to work overtime to compensate, leading to tension, spasm, and pain.
Research published in the European Spine Journal found that women with pre-existing pelvic misalignment were significantly more likely to develop severe pregnancy-related back pain. This isn't about being "weak" or "out of shape." This is about structural integrity.
The fix: Ensuring your pelvis is properly aligned before and during pregnancy gives your body the stable foundation it needs to adapt. This is precisely what specific chiropractic adjustments address—restoring proper pelvic mechanics so your body can do its job without compensating.
2. Your Nervous System Is Running the Show (And It Needs Clear Communication)
Let's talk about what really matters here: your nervous system.
Your brain communicates with every cell, tissue, and organ in your body through your spinal cord and nerves. When your spine is misaligned—what we call a subluxation—that communication gets disrupted. Your body's ability to adapt, heal, and function optimally gets compromised.
During pregnancy, your nervous system is working overtime. It's coordinating massive hormonal shifts, supporting fetal development, preparing your body for labor, and keeping you functional through it all. When spinal misalignments interfere with nervous system communication, your body struggles to adapt to the rapid changes of pregnancy.
The result? Pain, tension, fatigue, digestive issues, sleep problems—all the things we've been told are "just pregnancy."
A 2024 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that pregnant women receiving regular chiropractic care reported significantly less pain and better overall function throughout pregnancy compared to those who didn't. This isn't about just "feeling better." This is about optimizing your body's ability to do what it was designed to do.
3. Your Posture Is Changing—Whether You Like It or Not
As your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts forward, your body compensates. Your lower back curves more dramatically (increased lumbar lordosis). Your shoulders round forward. Your head juts forward to balance everything out.
These aren't just aesthetic changes. Each shift in your posture changes the biomechanical load on your spine, muscles, and joints. The muscles that weren't meant to be primary stabilizers suddenly are. The joints that should move freely get stuck. The nerves that should have plenty of space get compressed.
By the time you're in your third trimester, you might be carrying an extra 25-35 pounds, almost all of it in front of your center of gravity. That's like walking around with a bowling ball strapped to your stomach all day, every day.
What helps: Regular chiropractic adjustments throughout pregnancy help your spine adapt to these postural changes, maintaining proper alignment and reducing compensatory strain. Combined with targeted exercises and stretches, you can maintain better posture and function throughout your entire pregnancy.
4. Round Ligament Pain Isn't the Same as Back Pain (But They're Related)
Many pregnant women experience sharp, shooting pains in their lower abdomen or groin—that's usually round ligament pain, caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support your uterus.
While round ligament pain and back pain are different, they're often connected. When your pelvis is misaligned, it affects the tension and function of the ligaments attached to it, including the round ligaments. Addressing pelvic alignment often reduces both back pain and round ligament pain.
This is why the holistic, whole-body approach of chiropractic care is so effective during pregnancy. We're not just treating symptoms; we're addressing the underlying biomechanical dysfunctions that create multiple symptoms.
5. Your Sleep Position Matters More Than You Think
By the second trimester, sleeping on your back becomes uncomfortable (or impossible). Side-sleeping is recommended, but here's what most women don't realize: how you position yourself while side-sleeping can either support or strain your spine and pelvis.
Here's what works:
- Sleep on your left side when possible (improves circulation to baby)
- Place a pillow between your knees to maintain pelvic alignment
- Use a pregnancy pillow to support your belly
- Place a small rolled towel under your waist for additional support
But here's the real talk: if your spine and pelvis are misaligned to begin with, no pillow configuration is going to give you comfortable sleep. Getting adjusted regularly helps your body find comfortable positions and actually rest.
6. Exercise Is Essential—But It Has to Be the Right Kind
Movement is medicine during pregnancy, but not all movement is created equal.
High-impact activities, exercises that twist your spine, or anything that causes pain should be avoided. What you want are movements that:
- Strengthen your core and pelvic floor
- Maintain hip and pelvic mobility
- Support proper posture
- Don't create additional strain
Great options for most pregnant women:
- Prenatal yoga (with modifications)
- Swimming and water aerobics
- Walking (with supportive shoes)
- Pelvic tilts and cat-cow stretches
- Squats and modified lunges (if comfortable)
Always check with your healthcare providers before starting any new exercise program during pregnancy. And if exercise increases your back pain rather than helping it, that's a sign something else needs to be addressed first—usually alignment.
7. When Back Pain Is Actually a Red Flag
Most pregnancy back pain is mechanical and responds well to chiropractic care, proper movement, and postural support. But sometimes back pain can signal something that needs immediate medical attention.
Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe back pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding
- Back pain with fever, chills, or burning during urination (possible kidney infection)
- Loss of sensation in one or both legs
- Pain that's constant and doesn't improve with position changes
- Back pain accompanied by regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Any fall or trauma followed by back pain
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong beyond normal pregnancy discomfort, get it checked out immediately.
Why Chiropractic Care Is a Game-Changer for Pregnancy
I've been adjusting pregnant women for years, and I'll never get tired of seeing the transformation that happens when their bodies can finally function the way they were designed to.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy isn't about "fixing" you—you're not broken. It's about removing interference so your nervous system can coordinate all the incredible changes your body is going through.
When your spine is aligned and your nervous system is functioning optimally, your body can adapt to pregnancy with less pain, better energy, and improved overall function.
Research backs this up:
A 2023 systematic review in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that chiropractic care during pregnancy was associated with:
- Reduced back and pelvic pain
- Shorter labor times
- Decreased need for pain medication during labor
- Lower rates of medical intervention during birth
- Improved fetal positioning
This isn't alternative medicine. This is essential healthcare for pregnant women.
Specialized Training Makes All the Difference
At Back To Health Chiropractic, prenatal care isn't something we dabble in—it's a specialized focus backed by advanced training and board certification. As the founder, I hold a Diplomate in Pediatric and Pregnancy Chiropractic through the International Chiropractic Association (ICA), which represents the highest level of post-graduate expertise in caring for pregnant women and children.
But here's what matters most to you: I've personally trained every doctor on our team in these specialized techniques and principles. This means you're receiving expert-level prenatal care at any of our three locations, regardless of which doctor you see. Our entire team is equipped to provide the same high standard of pregnancy-focused chiropractic care, using techniques specifically designed for your changing body.
We use the Webster Technique—a sacred chiropractic analysis and adjustment that focuses on pelvic balance and optimal fetal positioning. Our tables are designed to accommodate your growing belly comfortably, and every adjustment is gentle, safe, and tailored to where you are in your pregnancy journey. Whether you're in your first trimester or counting down to your due date, our doctors know exactly how to support your body through every stage.
Local Resources to Support Your Pregnancy Journey
You don't have to navigate pregnancy alone. Here in West Michigan, we're blessed with an incredible community of wellness-focused practitioners and resources. Consider connecting with:
- Local prenatal yoga studios that offer classes specifically designed for each trimester
- Pelvic floor physical therapists who can complement your chiropractic care
- Certified prenatal massage therapists for additional muscular support
- Lactation consultants and birth doulas who support your entire birth journey
- Community walking groups for pregnant women
Creating a team of supportive practitioners gives you the comprehensive care you deserve throughout pregnancy and beyond.
The Bottom Line: You Deserve Better Than "Just Deal With It"
If there's one thing I want you to take away from this article, it's this: You don't have to suffer through pregnancy.
Back pain might be common, but it's not an inevitable part of creating life. Your body is capable of extraordinary things, and when it's functioning optimally, pregnancy can be an experience of strength and transformation rather than pain and limitation.
Chiropractic care supports your body's innate ability to adapt, grow, and thrive. It keeps your nervous system functioning at its best so your body can do what it was designed to do: grow and birth a healthy baby while keeping you feeling strong, capable, and comfortable.
You deserve to feel good in your body. Your baby deserves a mom who has the energy and physical capacity to enjoy this journey. And your nervous system deserves the support it needs to coordinate the miracle happening inside you.
Ready to Feel Better?
If you're experiencing back pain during pregnancy—or if you want to prevent it from starting—now is the time to take action.
Schedule your appointment online: https://bthclinics.com/locations
Prefer to call? We're here for you:
- Zeeland/Holland: 616.546.3500
- Portage: 269.345.2273
- Muskegon: 231.830.1111
BONUS: Download our FREE guide: "5 Essential Stretches for Pregnancy Back Pain Relief" (see full guide below). Get immediate relief while supporting your body's natural alignment.
Your journey to a more comfortable, empowered pregnancy starts with a single decision. Let's do this together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain and Pregnancy
Q: Is it safe to see a chiropractor during pregnancy?
A: Absolutely. Chiropractic care is not only safe during pregnancy—it's beneficial. Chiropractors who work with pregnant women use specific techniques and equipment designed for your changing body. Research consistently shows that chiropractic care during pregnancy reduces pain, improves function, and can even lead to better birth outcomes. All chiropractors at Back To Health are trained in prenatal techniques through ICA board-certified protocols and use specialized tables that accommodate your growing belly comfortably.
Q: When should I start chiropractic care during pregnancy?
A: The best time to start is before you experience pain—ideally, as soon as you find out you're pregnant, or even while you're trying to conceive. Establishing optimal pelvic alignment and nervous system function early gives your body the best foundation for adapting to the changes ahead. That said, it's never too late to start. We've helped women find relief and improved function even in their third trimester. Whenever you start is the right time.
Q: Will chiropractic adjustments hurt my baby?
A: No. Chiropractic adjustments do not put any pressure on your baby. The techniques we use focus on your spine and pelvis, restoring proper alignment and function to your musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In fact, when your pelvis is properly aligned, your baby has more room to move into the optimal position for birth. The Webster Technique specifically addresses pelvic balance and has been associated with improved fetal positioning.
Q: How often should I get adjusted during pregnancy?
A: This varies based on your individual needs, but many pregnant women benefit from weekly or bi-weekly adjustments, especially in the third trimester when changes are happening rapidly. We'll create a care plan tailored to your specific situation, and you're always in control of your care schedule. Some women need more frequent care; others do well with less. We adjust based on how your body responds and what you're experiencing.
Q: Can chiropractic care help with other pregnancy symptoms besides back pain?
A: Yes! While back pain is one of the most common reasons pregnant women seek chiropractic care, proper nervous system function affects your entire body. Women receiving regular chiropractic care during pregnancy often report improvements in nausea, heartburn, sleep quality, energy levels, and overall comfort. Chiropractic care supports your body's ability to adapt to pregnancy in all its aspects, not just musculoskeletal pain.
BONUS: Download our FREE guide: "5 Essential Stretches for Pregnancy Back Pain Relief"
Dr. Tonya Westerbeke
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