Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Pregnancy places increasing physical demands on the body. As weight shifts forward and joints become more flexible, the spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles are required to manage load in new ways. This often leads to joint restriction, muscle tension, and irritation, especially in the low back, pelvis, hips, neck, and shoulders.

At Priestley Chiropractic, pregnancy chiropractic care is gentle, conservative, and adapted to each stage of pregnancy. The goal is to support movement and reduce mechanical strain, not to force the body into position.

Dr. Walter Priestley is board-certified in chiropractic care and board-certified in chiropractic pediatrics through the International Chiropractic Association (2001). 

As pregnancy progresses, several predictable biomechanical changes occur:

• The pelvis tilts forward, increasing load through the lower back
• Spinal curves change, affecting posture and balance
• Pelvic joints become more mobile as ligaments soften
• Muscles work harder to stabilize joints under changing load

These changes are normal. However, when the body struggles to adapt efficiently, they can contribute to symptoms such as low back pain, pelvic discomfort, sciatica, hip tightness, and upper back or neck tension.

We assess how these changes are affecting the spine and pelvis and identify where joints may be restricted or tissues are becoming overloaded. Care is always adapted based on trimester, symptoms, and how the body responds over time.