Maternity CareGonstead Method

Pregnancy Chiropractic

Pregnancy places new demands on the spine and pelvis. We offer gentle Gonstead chiropractic care adapted to each trimester, with no pressure on the abdomen.

Understanding the Condition

What Is Pregnancy Back and Pelvic Pain?

Pregnancy back and pelvic pain is discomfort in the lower back, in the sacroiliac joints at the back of the pelvis or at the pubic joint at the front, that develops as the body adapts to a growing baby. It is very common and often comes with sciatica-type pain down one leg. The hormone relaxin loosens the pelvic ligaments in preparation for birth, which also makes the lumbar and sacroiliac joints less stable. As the baby grows, the centre of gravity moves forward, the lower-back curve deepens and the facet joints at the back of the spine take more load, which can irritate the lumbar nerve roots. Pain is often worse with walking, stairs, turning in bed or standing on one leg. At Bewell's clinic, opening soon in Novena, a Gonstead chiropractor uses a pregnancy-specific assessment, checking the spine and pelvis segment by segment by hand, with modified positioning and no pressure on the abdomen. Any adjustment is gentle and adapted to your stage of pregnancy, to support comfort and mobility through each trimester. Please keep your obstetrician informed, and see a registered doctor promptly for diagnosis if you have bleeding, fever, abdominal pain or sudden severe pain.

About this page

Before you book

Prepared by the Bewell Chiropractic team.

Care at Bewell Chiropractic Novena is led by DC Michiko Liew, founder and principal chiropractor and Ambassador of the Gonstead Chiropractic Society Australia, with DC Lim C. Y. Both hold Doctor of Chiropractic qualifications and are not registered medical practitioners in Singapore.

This page is educational and not a diagnosis. Seek urgent medical care for severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or trauma.

Root Causes

What Causes Back & Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy?

Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy has identifiable mechanical contributors. Understanding them helps you and your care team decide what support makes sense.

Relaxin & Ligament Laxity

Relaxin, released from the first trimester, loosens the pelvic and spinal ligaments so the pelvis can widen for birth. This reduces joint stability, so the sacroiliac joints and lower-back facet joints are more easily strained under load.

Shifting Centre of Gravity

As the uterus grows, the body's centre of mass shifts forward. The lumbar spine compensates with increased lordosis, placing sustained compressive load on the posterior facet joints and intervertebral discs.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The SI joints transfer the weight of the upper body into the pelvis. Relaxin-related laxity combined with uneven loading in pregnancy can strain one or both SI joints, causing pain at the back of the pelvis.

Sciatic Nerve Compression

The expanding uterus and shifted lumbar alignment can compress the L4–S1 nerve roots or the sciatic nerve directly, producing the characteristic shooting leg pain of pregnancy-related sciatica.

Round Ligament & Pubic Symphysis Pain

Relaxin-driven separation of the pubic symphysis and stretching of the round ligaments produce sharp lower abdominal and groin pain — particularly with position changes and walking.

Sleep Position & Postural Adaptation

Side-sleeping without enough support, and finding it harder to change position later in pregnancy, keeps the spine loaded unevenly through the night and adds to discomfort during the day.

Progression

Spinal Changes Through Each Trimester

The demands on the spine and pelvis change from trimester to trimester. Knowing what is happening at each stage helps guide how care is adapted.

Stage 1Mild

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

Relaxin rises early, loosening ligaments before much weight has been gained, so existing back problems can become noticeable. Nausea and tiredness also change posture. Care at this stage focuses on comfort and on checking how the spine and pelvis are moving.

Stage 2Moderate

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–26)

The uterus rises above the pelvis and the centre of gravity moves noticeably forward. The lower-back curve deepens and the SI joints take more load. Low back pain and round ligament pain often begin here. Positioning for care is usually still straightforward.

Stage 3Moderate

Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40)

The lower back and pelvis carry the most load. Sciatica, pelvic girdle pain and pubic symphysis pain are most common now. Care continues in side-lying and supported positions, with no pressure on the abdomen; please keep your obstetrician informed.

Stage 4Moderate

Postpartum Recovery

Relaxin stays raised for months after birth, especially while breastfeeding, and feeding, carrying and bending add new strain. Once your doctor has cleared you after delivery, a gentle check of the lower back and pelvis can help you understand what is contributing to any discomfort.

Care is adapted to every trimester, including the third.

Modified positioning and pregnancy-specific techniques mean no pressure is placed on the abdomen. Your chiropractor will ask about your pregnancy first, and will advise you to see your obstetrician if anything needs medical attention.

Recognition

Do You Experience These Symptoms?

Back pain and pelvic discomfort in pregnancy are common, and their mechanical contributors can be assessed at every trimester, alongside your obstetric care.

Low back & sacral pain

A deep ache in the lower back or sharp pain over the sacrum, one of the most common complaints in pregnancy

Pelvic girdle pain

Pain across the posterior pelvis, SI joints, or pubic symphysis that worsens with walking, stairs, or turning in bed

Sciatica down the leg

Shooting or burning pain from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg — from lumbar nerve root compression

Wrist & hand tingling

Pregnancy-related fluid retention can precipitate carpal tunnel syndrome — median nerve tingling in the thumb and fingers

Neck pain & headaches

Upper thoracic and cervical strain from postural changes and breast growth — common from the second trimester onwards

Visit Us

Where to find us in Singapore

Bewell offers precise, hands-only Gonstead chiropractic care at Novena Regency on Thomson Road, opening soon.

Bewell Chiropractic Novena

275 Thomson Road #01-19
Novena Regency
Singapore 307645

+65 8859 7326 Get directions

Book ahead

Opening soon in Novena

Bewell's Gonstead clinic opens soon at Novena Regency, 275 Thomson Road. WhatsApp or call +65 8859 7326 to enquire or book ahead.

WhatsApp us Find us

Bewell Chiropractic Novena · 275 Thomson Road #01-19, Novena Regency · near Novena MRT (NS20)

Frequently Asked

Common questions

Gonstead care in pregnancy uses modified positioning and gentle, specific adjustments, with no pressure on the abdomen. The chiropractor asks about your pregnancy and examines you first, will tell you if adjustment is not suitable, and will refer you to your doctor or obstetrician when needed.

We first ask about your pregnancy and assess whether the discomfort appears related to how the spine and pelvis are moving. Any adjustment is gentle, by hand and only where suitable, in side-lying or supported positions with no pressure on the abdomen, and the aim is comfort and mobility. Pain with bleeding, fever or contractions needs your doctor straight away.

You can come when discomfort begins, or earlier if you would like your spine and pelvis checked during pregnancy. Care is always based on your symptoms and stage of pregnancy, and your obstetrician should be kept informed.

Many mothers have their back and pelvis checked after delivery, because pregnancy, birth and caring for a newborn all put strain on them. Wait until your doctor has cleared you, especially after a caesarean; care is then gentle and adapted to your recovery.

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