Neck Pain and Back Pain During Pregnancy

Can I See a Chiropractor While I’m Pregnant?

Dr. Astrid Baldrich is a mother of two who has personally experienced back pain during pregnancy. As Clinic Director at the Bristol Chiropractic Center, she brings a uniquely empathetic perspective to caring for expecting mothers — because she has been there herself.

Pregnancy changes a woman’s body in many ways, and the last thing any mom-to-be wants is to spend those months in pain. Alongside the obvious change in weight come physical and hormonal shifts that put new demands on the spine and joints. For many women, gentle chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free way to stay more comfortable throughout pregnancy.

Why Pregnancy Causes Neck and Back Pain

Several normal changes of pregnancy combine to strain the back, neck, and pelvis:

• The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments of the spine and the pubic symphysis (pubic bone) to prepare the body for delivery. That extra laxity can leave joints less stable and lead to back pain or pubic-bone pain known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.
• Shifting weight — as the baby grows, weight moves to the front of the body, changing posture and adding strain to the muscles and ligaments of the lower back and sacroiliac joints.
• Pressure on the sciatic nerve — the growing abdomen can press on the sciatic nerve, producing sciatica: pain, tingling, or numbness that travels into the hip and leg.
• Postural change — the natural curve of the lower back deepens to balance the added weight, which can fatigue the back and neck. See our tips to improve your posture.

Because over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are generally not recommended during pregnancy, many expecting mothers look for a non-drug option — which is where chiropractic care can help.

Is It Safe to See a Chiropractor While Pregnant?

For most healthy pregnancies, gentle chiropractic care is considered a safe, conservative option for back, neck, and pelvic pain, and reputable health sources list it among the non-drug approaches that can help. Chiropractors are trained to care for pregnant patients comfortably and safely — using supportive positioning (often side-lying rather than face-down) and gentle, low-force techniques adapted to each stage of pregnancy. As always, it’s wise to keep your OB-GYN or midwife informed and to mention any high-risk conditions, so your whole care team is aligned. Learn more in our articles on chiropractic and pregnancy and pregnancy and lower back pain.

Other Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Beyond easing back, neck, and pubic-bone pain, gentle chiropractic care during pregnancy may help in ways some moms don’t expect. Keeping the pelvis and spine moving and balanced supports better posture and comfort as your body changes, and many patients simply feel and move better with regular care. When the spine is aligned and moving well, the nervous system — which coordinates every system in the body — can function with less interference. Our goal is to keep you as comfortable and mobile as possible through every trimester.

Why Choose Our Bristol Office?

At the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, we treat expecting mothers multiple times a week and focus on the common pains of pregnancy described above. We use gentle, well-established techniques chosen for the comfort of the mother and the safety of her growing baby. With a combined 40 years of experience, you’ll be in experienced — and caring — hands.

Gentle, Safe Care for Expecting Moms in Bristol

You don’t have to take our word for it. See what Bristol patients say about their care.

Read all patient reviews » | Watch more video testimonials »

Worried About Cost? Let’s Take That Off Your Plate.

• Most major insurance plans accepted — we’ll verify your benefits before your first visit.
• Complimentary consultation — find out if we can help, at no cost or obligation.
• Auto-injury & work-injury cases welcome — we handle the paperwork.
• Se habla español — bilingual care for the whole Bristol community.

See accepted insurance plans »
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us now at 860-583-4346. If no one answers, leave a detailed message and we’ll call you back ASAP — we want to help, and we can’t wait to hear from you!

Sources:
1 5 Conditions Chiropractic Care Can Improve During Pregnancy — ACA

2 Back pain during pregnancy: 7 tips for relief — MayoClinic.org

3 Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Is It Safe? — usnews.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy & Back Pain

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

For most healthy pregnancies, yes. Dr. Baldrich uses gentle, pregnancy-appropriate techniques and supportive positioning to safely relieve the back, neck, and pelvic pain that commonly come with pregnancy. Keep your OB-GYN or midwife informed, especially with any high-risk conditions.

What pregnancy-related pain can chiropractic help with?

Commonly low back pain, neck pain, hip and pelvic (pubic-bone) discomfort, sciatica, and the tension caused by the postural changes as your body adapts during pregnancy.

How is an adjustment done when I can’t lie on my stomach?

Care is adapted to your comfort — typically using side-lying positions and supportive cushioning, with gentle, low-force techniques rather than anything that puts pressure on the abdomen.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans and offer a complimentary consultation. Call (860) 583-4346 and we’ll verify your benefits before your first visit.

Do you offer care in Spanish?

Yes — Dr. Astrid Baldrich is bilingual and provides care in English and Spanish. Se habla español. Ver página en español »