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By: Dr. Kimberly Huynh D.C. |
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October 1, 2025 · 8 min |
Did you know you can receive chiropractic care during and after your pregnancy? In fact, it is one of the
safest and natural treatments for pregnancy-related neuromusculoskeletal pain. Chiropractors use gentle
techniques along with pregnancy pillows, wedges, and supports to keep mothers comfortable and safe.
Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous physical changes. During pregnancy, the body releases
relaxin, a hormone that relaxes ligaments and joints in preparation for birth. While this is important for
delivery, it can also lead to joint instability, discomfort, and postural changes.
Chiropractic care begins with a thorough history and physical examination to gain a deeper understanding of
the patient’s concern. Early intervention can help prevent problems from becoming chronic or worsening.
Conditions specifically caused by the pregnancy may include:
As pregnancy progresses, hormonal changes cause the ligaments to loosen, while gradual weight gain in the abdomen and breasts shifts your center of gravity forward. These changes place extra stress on the spine and supporting muscles, which can lead to back pain, postural strain, and overall discomfort. Chiropractic care can help reduce back, hip, and pelvic pain, improve pelvic alignment, support mobility and posture, and thus promote overall comfort and function.
Chiropractors can use kinesiotaping during pregnancy to provide gentle belly support, reduce back and pelvic discomfort, and encourage better posture for a more comfortable pregnancy.
Blood volume increases up to 50% during pregnancy and may cause fluid retention and swelling in the joints, especially in the wrist. This may cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and fingers due to compression of the median nerve. CTS most often develops in the second or third trimester and may worsen after pregnancy due to breastfeeding. Gentle chiropractic care, stretching, and lifestyle modifications can help relieve symptoms and support nerve function. To read more about CTS click HERE.
Having a knowledgeable chiropractor and supportive health team can make your pregnancy
journey smoother. Stress has been linked to many negative health outcomes such as increased blood pressure,
premature weight, and low birth weight, but chiropractic care may help ease these effects. Gentle chiropractic
treatments can promote better sleep, reduce body pain, support mental well-being, and even guide you with
safe, pregnancy-friendly exercises.
Interested in learning how chiropractic care can support your pregnancy?
Book an appointment with our team today at (604) 496-0626,
email at info@paradisechiropractic.ca,
or book online at https://paradisechiropractic.janeapp.com
Postpartum chiropractic care supports recovery during the critical healing period after childbirth. The physical demands of labour, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn often place additional stress on the spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles. Chiropractic care during this stage can help by:
After labour and delivery, most patients can see their chiropractor within the
first few weeks, depending on recovery, delivery type, and comfort level. For many new moms, that’s within the
first few weeks, but it really depends on your recovery, delivery type, and how your body is feeling.
Chiropractic can help with:
- Addressing aches and pains from lifting, feeding, and carrying your baby.
- Restoring spinal and pelvic alignment.
- Helping you regain strength and mobility.
- Providing home care and self-treatment advice.
- Providing appropriate strength conditioning and aerobic exercises.
In addition, chiropractic care can help with:
During and after pregnancy, pelvic floor dysfunction can occur when the muscular “hammock” is overstretched or weakened due to pregnancy-related changes in collagen and connective tissue (from the hormone relaxin), leading to fibres that are less elastic and struggle to maintain strength and support.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause discomfort, pain, or issues with stability during daily activities and even pregnancy or postpartum recovery. Chiropractic care may help by improving pelvic alignment, reducing tension in surrounding muscles, and supporting better nerve function. With gentle, personalized adjustments and rehab exercises, chiropractors can collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as pelvic floor physiotherapists, to support pelvic floor health and overall well-being.
Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it can also bring moments of hesitation or uncertainty, especially when it comes to making decisions about your health care. To ensure you receive the best care, ensure that your chiropractor has the right credentials, experience, and positive patient reviews to offer prenatal and post-partum care.
Initial Visit
- History: Review of past and current medical history and symptoms
- Physical Examination: Performing a physical examination including orthopedic testing to assess and
diagnose the affected areas.
- Diagnosis: Explanation of the diagnosis and potential differentials, along with recommended lifestyle
modifications where appropriate.
- Treatment: Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy to the affected areas.
Second Visit
- Treatment Plan: Review of initial visit and progress, followed by a personalized treatment plan for
recovery.
- Rehab: Performing targeted therapeutic exercises designed to address concerns, restore function, and
support long-term recovery.
- Treatment: Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy to the affected areas.
Follow-Up Visits
- Follow-up visits typically include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, patient education, and
reassessment of rehabilitation exercises to support recovery, maintain spinal alignment, and promote long-term
maternal well-being.
At Paradise Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic, informed consent, patient education, and safe chiropractic
treatment are always prioritized. Our team is here to support you at every stage of pregnancy and postpartum
recovery.
Give us a call at (604) 496-0626,
email at info@paradisechiropractic.ca,
or book online at https://paradisechiropractic.janeapp.com
(1) Grimes WR, Stratton M. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559246/
(2) Soma-Pillay P, Nelson-Piercy C, Tolppanen H, Mebazaa A. Physiological changes in pregnancy. Cardiovasc J
Afr. 2016 Mar-Apr;27(2):89-94. doi: 10.5830/CVJA-2016-021. PMID: 27213856; PMCID: PMC4928162.
(3) Vizniak, N. A. (2018). Clinical Chiropractic (3rd ed.). ProHealthsys.
