Explore how chiropractic care can help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts, promote overall wellness, and contribute to a smoother labor and birth experience. Patients seeking pregnancy pain relief in North Dallas often benefit from gentle, pregnancy-specific chiropractic care that supports comfort, mobility, and safety throughout pregnancy.
How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy
A woman’s body undergoes many transformations during the nine months of pregnancy. Some changes are visible, such as an expanding belly, while others are well known, such as morning sickness and backaches. However, some biomechanical changes may be unexpected.
During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is produced to help loosen the joints and ligaments of the pelvis in preparation for birth. Relaxin also affects joints and ligaments throughout the body. As ligaments loosen and the center of gravity shifts forward, the lumbar spine may become overstressed, leading to low back pain or sciatica.
- Relaxin prepares the pelvis for childbirth by loosening joints and ligaments.
- Ligament laxity throughout the body alters normal movement patterns.
- These biomechanical changes commonly contribute to low back and joint pain during pregnancy.
Tips to Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy
More than 85% of women experience back pain during pregnancy. As the baby grows, the center of gravity shifts forward, increasing lumbar lordosis and placing additional stress on the lower back.
Spinal adjustments are widely considered a safe, evidence-based option for managing pregnancy-related back pain. Chiropractors may also recommend specific exercises and stretches. Studies show improved pain reduction and quality of life when chiropractic care is combined with standard OB-GYN care.
- Most pregnant women are encouraged to remain physically active.
- Proper pillows and stretching may reduce neck and mid-back discomfort.
- Mechanical low back pain during pregnancy often responds well to gentle spinal care.
NSAID Risks During Pregnancy
Medication use during pregnancy requires caution. Even common over-the-counter pain relievers may pose risks. For many women, non-pharmaceutical approaches to pain management are preferred.
- NSAID use has been associated with increased risks to newborn health.
- Some medications cross the placenta and affect fetal development.
- Natural, conservative pain management options are often recommended during pregnancy.
Four Evidence-Based Steps Toward a Healthy Birth
The World Health Organization supports care practices that promote natural labor progression and maternal comfort.
- Allow labor to begin naturally when possible.
- Encourage movement and position changes during labor.
- Utilize continuous emotional support, such as a partner or doula.
- Avoid unnecessary interventions when no medical indication exists.
Next Steps
Pregnancy is a meaningful and transformative time. Our role is to support comfort, mobility, and confidence throughout pregnancy while respecting the body’s natural ability to adapt and prepare for birth. We are proud to collaborate with midwives, doulas, and OB-GYNs in our community.
Science Sources
- Back Pain in Pregnancy. University of Rochester Medical Center
- Optimizing Pain Relief During Pregnancy Using Manual Therapy. Canadian Family Physician, 2013
- Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs During Pregnancy and Risk of Miscarriage. AJOG, 2018
- NSAID Use During Pregnancy Linked to Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns. Pharmacy Today, 2001
- Safe, Healthy Birth: What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know. Journal of Perinatal Education, 2009
