Safe prenatal adjustments for expecting mothers
Pregnancy chiropractic care provides safe treatment for musculoskeletal discomfort during all trimesters at Revibe Mississauga and Markham. Chiropractors use specialized pregnancy tables, modified positioning, and gentle techniques to address back pain, pelvic dysfunction, and postural changes. Treatment accommodates the growing abdomen while restoring spinal alignment and joint mobility affected by hormonal changes and weight distribution shifts.
Pregnancy Biomechanics and Chiropractic Care
Pregnancy creates significant biomechanical changes affecting the spine, pelvis, and surrounding musculature. Relaxin hormone levels increase during pregnancy, peaking in the first trimester and near delivery. This hormone softens ligaments throughout the body, creating joint instability in sacroiliac joints, pubic symphysis, and spinal facet joints. The increased ligament laxity predisposes joints to strain and dysfunction.
The center of gravity shifts forward and superior as the uterus enlarges. Lumbar lordosis increases to counterbalance anterior abdominal weight, elevating facet joint compression. Thoracic kyphosis increases as shoulders round forward. Pelvic anterior tilt increases, shortening hip flexors and straining sacroiliac ligaments. These postural adaptations require chiropractic intervention to maintain proper alignment and reduce pain.
Hormonal Effects
Relaxin hormone affects all body ligaments—not just the pelvis. Increased ligament laxity creates hypermobility throughout the kinetic chain. Sacroiliac joints and spinal facet joints experience greater movement ranges than normal. These effects persist months postpartum as relaxin levels normalize, requiring careful treatment during this extended period of joint instability.
Weight Distribution
Pregnancy weight distributes primarily in the anterior abdomen, creating anterior shear forces on the lumbar spine. L5-S1 bears the greatest load, making this a common site of pregnancy-related pain. Weight-bearing joints experience increased compressive forces. Foot arches flatten from additional load combined with ligament laxity, contributing to plantar fasciitis during pregnancy.
Common Pregnancy-Related Conditions Treated
Our pregnancy chiropractors at Revibe use specialized techniques to address musculoskeletal conditions that develop during pregnancy due to biomechanical changes, hormonal effects, and postural adaptations.
Pregnancy Back Pain Relief
Low back pain affects most pregnant individuals, beginning during the second trimester as biomechanical changes accumulate. Facet joint compression from increased lordosis creates pain worsening with extension—standing, walking, and lying prone. Muscle strain affects erector spinae, multifidus, and quadratus lumborum. These muscles work continuously maintaining posture against anterior weight. Chiropractic adjustments restore spinal alignment and reduce facet joint compression.
Common scenarios:Lower back pain after standing or walking, difficulty sleeping due to back discomfort, pain localizing to lower lumbar region without leg radiation.
Pelvic Girdle Pain and SI Joint Dysfunction
Pelvic girdle pain describes discomfort around the pelvis—including pubic symphysis, sacroiliac joints, or hip joints. Sacroiliac ligament strain produces unilateral pain at the posterior pelvis. Activities involving single-leg loading—stairs, standing on one leg, getting in/out of vehicles—aggravate symptoms. Webster technique and side-lying adjustments address pelvic biomechanics and SI joint restrictions.
Common scenarios:Pain at dimples of Venus (posterior superior iliac spine), difficulty rolling in bed, sharp pain when climbing stairs or standing on one leg.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
The pubic symphysis allows minimal movement normally. Relaxin increases this movement during pregnancy. Excessive movement or misalignment creates sharp anterior pelvic pain concentrating at the pubic bone, radiating into groin or inner thighs. Walking, climbing stairs, spreading legs apart, and rolling in bed provoke sharp pain. The waddle gait pattern develops as individuals minimize hip abduction.
Common scenarios:Sharp pubic bone pain when getting out of cars, difficulty separating legs, pain during intercourse, waddle-style walking pattern.
Sciatica During Pregnancy
True sciatica—nerve root compression creating radiating leg pain—occurs during pregnancy. The enlarged uterus can compress the lumbosacral plexus. Sciatic pain radiates below the knee following dermatomal patterns—posterior thigh and lateral leg for L5, posterior thigh and lateral foot for S1. Numbness, tingling, or weakness accompanying the pain suggest nerve involvement requiring specific chiropractic techniques.
Common scenarios:Radiating leg pain below the knee, numbness or tingling in foot, weakness affecting walking or standing, pain following specific nerve patterns.
Round Ligament Pain
Round ligaments connect the uterus to the labia majora, supporting the uterus as it enlarges. Rapid stretching creates sharp, brief pain in the lower abdomen or groin. Pain occurs with sudden movements—standing quickly, rolling over, coughing, or sneezing. It lasts seconds to minutes, resolving spontaneously. Chiropractic care addresses associated pelvic imbalances while distinguishing round ligament pain from other conditions.
Common scenarios:Sharp groin pain with sudden movements, brief lower abdominal discomfort when changing positions, pain triggered by coughing or sneezing.
Rib Pain and Mid-Back Dysfunction
The growing uterus elevates the diaphragm, and the rib cage expands circumferentially to maintain ventilation. This expansion stretches intercostal muscles and strains costotransverse joints where ribs articulate with thoracic vertebrae. Pain develops along the sides of the rib cage or between shoulder blades during the second and third trimesters. Deep breathing, rotating the trunk, or reaching overhead aggravates symptoms.
Common scenarios:Pain along rib cage sides, discomfort between shoulder blades, pain worsening with deep breathing or trunk rotation, difficulty with overhead reaching.
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Safe Pregnancy Chiropractic Techniques
Pregnancy chiropractors use modified techniques and specialized equipment to provide safe treatment throughout all trimesters. Each method accommodates the growing abdomen while addressing specific biomechanical dysfunctions:
Webster technique addresses sacral subluxation and associated pelvic biomechanics. Developed by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association specifically for pregnancy, the patient lies in side-lying position with belly supported by pillows. The chiropractor contacts the sacral apex and round ligament insertion at the inguinal region. The combined sacral and ligament work addresses pelvic imbalances and optimizes biomechanics for fetal positioning.
Side-lying positioning accommodates the enlarged abdomen while allowing spinal manipulation. The pregnant patient lies on her side with pillows supporting the belly and positioned between knees. The chiropractor applies HVLA (high-velocity, low-amplitude) adjustments to restricted thoracic or lumbar segments. Side-lying SI joint manipulation involves specific patient positioning and controlled thrusts restoring normal joint motion throughout pregnancy.
Specialized pregnancy tables include abdominal drop-outs—openings allowing the belly to drop through while the patient lies face-down. These tables accommodate prone positioning throughout pregnancy, providing access to spinal segments that would otherwise be inaccessible. When pregnancy tables are unavailable, prone positioning ceases once the abdomen prevents comfortable positioning during mid-second trimester.
Pelvic blocking places wedge-shaped cushions under the pelvis in specific positions. The patient's body weight and positioning create gentle traction and mobilization forces. This low-force technique suits all pregnancy stages, requiring no thrust manipulation. Pelvic blocking addresses sacroiliac dysfunction and pelvic imbalances through sustained, gentle positioning.
Myofascial release addresses muscle tension and fascial restrictions during pregnancy. The chiropractor applies sustained pressure to tight areas including the low back, hips, and upper back. Trigger point therapy deactivates hyperirritable muscle points. Specific stretches address pregnancy muscle tightness—hip flexor stretches, piriformis stretches, and chest stretches counteract postural patterns. Pelvic floor exercises prepare for delivery.
Trimester-Specific Prenatal Chiropractic Care
First Trimester (Weeks 1-13): Treatment remains relatively unrestricted as the abdomen hasn't enlarged significantly, allowing prone positioning. Morning sickness, fatigue, and breast tenderness affect treatment tolerance, requiring shorter, gentler sessions. Chiropractors screen for ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage risks. Monthly visits address early postural changes and prepare the pelvis for upcoming biomechanical demands.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27): Reduced nausea and increased energy characterize this period. The abdomen enlarges significantly, requiring prone position modifications or specialized pregnancy tables. Low back pain and pelvic discomfort begin as biomechanical changes accumulate. SI joint dysfunction and pubic symphysis pain emerge during this trimester. Bi-weekly treatments address progressive postural adaptations and maintain pelvic alignment.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40): Treatment addresses maximal biomechanical stress as the abdomen reaches largest size, creating peak lumbar lordosis and anterior weight shift. Multiple pillows support the belly and position between knees during side-lying adjustments. Preparation for labor becomes a treatment focus—pelvic alignment optimizes fetal positioning. Weekly treatments throughout final weeks maintain pelvic mobility and address increasing musculoskeletal strain.
Chiropractic Assessment for Pregnancy
Initial consultations last 45-60 minutes, documenting pregnancy week, previous pregnancies, current symptoms, and medical history. Chiropractors obtain obstetric clearance information and identify contraindications. Visual postural assessment identifies increased lumbar lordosis, anterior pelvic tilt, forward head posture, and rounded shoulders characterizing pregnancy posture.
Palpation of pelvic landmarks—anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS), posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS), and iliac crests—identifies asymmetries suggesting sacroiliac or pubic symphysis dysfunction. The standing flexion test assesses SI joint mobility. Provocation tests including FABER, thigh thrust, and sacral compression identify SI joint involvement while accommodating the pregnant abdomen.
Range of motion testing measures lumbar and hip mobility, which decreases during pregnancy. Muscle palpation identifies hypertonicity in erector spinae, upper trapezius, and hip flexors. Trigger points in quadratus lumborum refer pain to the SI region. Assessment findings guide treatment planning specific to each trimester and individual presentation.
Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care
Between chiropractic sessions, specific modifications support treatment and reduce musculoskeletal strain. Side-lying sleep with pillows between knees maintains neutral pelvic alignment. A full-length body pillow provides support for the belly and upper leg. Left side sleeping optimizes maternal-fetal circulation.
Ergonomic seating maintains lumbar lordosis through lower back support. Lumbar rolls or small pillows fill the space between lower back and chair. Feet flat on floor with knees and hips at 90 degrees distributes pressure evenly. Proper standing posture distributes weight evenly over both feet—maintaining slight knee bend reduces lumbar stress.
Squat lifting mechanics protect the low back during pregnancy. Bending knees and hips while maintaining neutral spine prevents excessive lumbar loading. Avoiding heavy lifting reduces injury risk. Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic floor muscles supporting the bladder, uterus, and rectum—contracting and lifting for 5-10 seconds, repeating 10 times, performed 3 times daily.
Postural Guidelines
• Sleep on left side with pillow between knees
• Use lumbar support when sitting
• Keep feet flat on floor, knees at 90 degrees
• Stand with weight distributed evenly
• Avoid locking knees when standing
• Wear supportive footwear with arch supportActivity Modifications
• Use squat lifting technique, not back bending
• Avoid heavy lifting throughout pregnancy
• Take frequent breaks from prolonged sitting
• Practice pelvic floor exercises daily
• Maintain gentle exercise routine as tolerated
• Modify activities causing pain or discomfort
Treatment Frequency and Duration
Treatment frequency varies by trimester and symptom severity. Asymptomatic patients seeking preventive care attend monthly throughout pregnancy. Those with acute symptoms require more frequent visits—1-2 times weekly initially until symptoms improve.
Standard protocols involve monthly visits during the first trimester when biomechanical changes are minimal, bi-weekly visits during the second trimester as postural adaptations accumulate, and weekly visits during the third trimester addressing maximal biomechanical stress. Increased frequency during final weeks prepares the pelvis for labor and maintains optimal alignment.
Practitioners adjust frequency based on individual response and presentation. Some patients require more intensive initial treatment for acute flare-ups, then transition to maintenance care. Treatment continues throughout pregnancy—stopping chiropractic care allows biomechanical dysfunctions to worsen as pregnancy progresses.
Safety and Contraindications
Chiropractic care during pregnancy uses modified positions, specialized tables, and gentle techniques proven safe when administered by trained practitioners. Adjustments affect the mother's spine and pelvis, not the baby directly. Techniques use controlled, low-force applications appropriate for pregnancy.
Absolute contraindications include vaginal bleeding of unknown origin, placenta previa (placenta covering cervical opening), severe preeclampsia with elevated blood pressure, premature rupture of membranes, and active labor. These conditions require immediate obstetric evaluation before any chiropractic treatment.
Relative contraindications include high-risk pregnancies with multiples, history of preterm labor, or cervical incompetence. These conditions require obstetric clearance and extra caution. Treatment proceeds conservatively if cleared by the obstetrician. Severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) may make treatment temporarily intolerable.
Postpartum Chiropractic Care
Postpartum musculoskeletal issues persist or develop during recovery. Relaxin levels remain elevated months postpartum, maintaining ligament laxity and joint instability. Labor and delivery stress the pelvis, creating new misalignments or exacerbating existing dysfunction. Prolonged pushing, forceps delivery, or epidural positioning affect musculoskeletal alignment.
Postpartum care addresses residual pregnancy-related issues and new problems from caring for newborns. Nursing positioning creates upper back and neck strain. Carrying infants and car seats loads one side asymmetrically. Treatment begins 1-2 weeks postpartum once acute delivery recovery subsides. The pelvis and spine require realignment after nine months of adaptation.
Revibe provides integrated postpartum services including chiropractic care, pelvic floor physiotherapy, massage therapy, and naturopathic medicine. Coordinated treatment addresses the complex musculoskeletal and functional changes following delivery, supporting recovery and preventing chronic dysfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Chiropractic
Chiropractic care during pregnancy uses modified positions, specialized tables, and gentle techniques to accommodate pregnancy. Practitioners trained in prenatal techniques provide safe care throughout all trimesters. Adjustments affect the mother's spine and pelvis using controlled, low-force applications that protect the abdomen and baby.
Starting at any point provides benefits. Some patients begin preconception to address pelvic alignment before pregnancy. Others start when symptoms develop during the second trimester. Regular care throughout pregnancy addresses progressive biomechanical changes most effectively. Early treatment prevents dysfunction from worsening as pregnancy advances.
Chiropractic care does not turn breech babies directly. Webster technique addresses pelvic biomechanics that may affect fetal positioning. By optimizing pelvic alignment and reducing restrictions, the technique creates favorable conditions for optimal fetal position. Multiple factors affect fetal position—chiropractic care addresses the biomechanical component.
Frequency varies by symptoms and pregnancy stage. Typical recommendations include monthly visits during the first trimester, bi-weekly during the second trimester, and weekly during the third trimester. Acute symptoms may require more frequent initial treatment—2-3 times weekly. Your chiropractor adjusts frequency based on your response and presentation.
Chiropractic adjustments affect the mother's spine and pelvis, not the baby directly. Pregnancy techniques emphasize gentle approaches using specialized tables and positioning that protect the abdomen. Temporary muscle soreness may occur after treatment, similar to post-exercise soreness, resolving within 24-48 hours. The baby remains protected throughout treatment.
Pelvic alignment optimizes biomechanics for fetal descent and delivery mechanics. Regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, particularly the third trimester, maintains pelvic mobility and proper alignment. This may facilitate smoother labor by ensuring optimal pelvic positioning, though individual birth experiences vary based on multiple factors.
High-risk pregnancies require obstetric clearance before chiropractic treatment. Some conditions contraindicate treatment while others allow modified approaches with medical approval. Always inform your chiropractor of any complications, high-risk factors, or concerns. Practitioners coordinate with your obstetric care team to ensure safe, appropriate treatment.
Postpartum chiropractic care addresses ongoing musculoskeletal issues and new problems from infant care. Nursing mothers commonly develop upper back and neck pain from feeding positions. Chiropractic treatment is safe during breastfeeding and addresses postpartum alignment issues, nursing-related strain, and carrying-related dysfunction.
Extended health insurance plans typically cover prenatal chiropractic care under general chiropractic benefits. Coverage amounts and limits vary by provider and plan. Revibe provides direct billing for accepted insurance plans and receipts for submission. Verify your specific coverage details before beginning treatment.
First appointments last 45-60 minutes including consultation, examination, and initial treatment if appropriate. The chiropractor documents your pregnancy week, symptoms, medical history, and obstetric information. Physical examination includes postural assessment, pelvic alignment evaluation, and range of motion testing. Treatment plans are customized to your trimester and presentation.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Dr. Morgan is fantastic! He is not only skilled in chiropractic care, but also very friendly and put me at ease throughout the entire process. He take the time to listen to my concerns and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses my specific needs. The adjustments are gentle yet effective, and the stretched and exercises recommended helped me maintain my progress between appointments. I visit Dr. Morgan with my husband once every 4-5 weeks and we enjoy our session with Dr. Morgan.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Trevor for the past few months for chiropractic care, and it’s been a great experience. He’s professional, friendly, and truly attentive. My back and neck pain have noticeably improved, and I always leave feeling better. Highly recommend him if you’re looking for genuine and effective care!
I’ve been seeing Dr. Morgan for chiropractic sessions over the past three years, and he’s been such a huge support in helping me manage my back pain and TMJ issues. You’ll truly be taken care of here. Highly recommend booking a visit if you’re in the GTA area!
I had an amazing experience with Dr. Trevor! From the moment I walked in, he was professional, welcoming, and clearly knew exactly what he was doing. I came in with pain and discomfort in my back, and after just one session, I felt such a huge difference. Dr. Trevor was super patient and took the time to show me exercises to ease my pain. He also did follow ups to make sure I was ok. I highly recommend Revibe and Dr. Trevor for all your chiro need and if you are looking for quick results !
Book Your Appointment in Mississauga, Markham or Burlington
Revibe operates clinics in Mississauga (serving Streetsville, Erin Mills, Meadowvale, and surrounding areas) and Markham (serving Unionville, Thornhill, Buttonville, and surrounding areas). Both locations provide comprehensive assessment and treatment services for your health and wellness needs.
Mississauga Clinic
Location: 2290 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 1Z4
Phone: 905-783-8423
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
New patient visits include comprehensive assessment and first treatment session (75 minutes). Bring previous imaging reports, medical diagnoses, and lists of current symptoms. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to treatment areas.
Serving: Streetsville, Erin Mills, Meadowvale, Churchill Meadows, Lorne Park, Port Credit, Clarkson, and surrounding Mississauga neighborhoods. Convenient access from Highway 403, QEW, and Erin Mills Parkway.
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Markham Clinic
Location: 220 Torbay Rd, Markham ON, L3R 1G6
Phone: 905-783-8423
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
Insurance coverage varies by provider. Extended health plans often include manual therapy and wellness services. Direct billing available for plans that Revibe accepts. Receipts provided for insurance submission or tax purposes.
Serving: Unionville, Thornhill, Markham Village, Buttonville, Milliken, Cornell, Angus Glen, and surrounding Markham and Richmond Hill areas. Easy access from Highway 7, Highway 404, and Major Mackenzie Drive.
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Burlington Clinic
Coming Soon
We're excited to announce that our Burlington location will be opening soon. Stay tuned for updates on our new clinic serving the Burlington, Oakville, and surrounding areas.
