Low back and pelvic girdle pain are common in pregnancy, particularly from the second trimester as posture and load change. Many women look for hands-on care because their medication options are limited. This article explains what a chiropractor on the Sunshine Coast can and cannot offer during pregnancy, and how a visit is adapted.
What we see pregnant patients for
The usual reasons are musculoskeletal: low back pain, pain around the sacroiliac joints or pubic symphysis, mid-back and rib discomfort, and neck tension or headaches linked to posture and sleep position. Our role is to assess and manage those aches and pains. We do not treat the pregnancy itself, and chiropractic care is not a way to influence labour, birth outcomes or your baby's position.
How a visit is adapted
- Positioning. Pregnancy cushions or side-lying positions are used so there is no pressure on your abdomen, and positions are changed as your pregnancy progresses.
- Technique. Low-force methods such as Activator, drop table and SOT blocking are commonly chosen, along with soft-tissue work. These are described in our guide to chiropractic techniques.
- No X-rays. Imaging is not used during pregnancy.
- Self-care. You will be shown positions, supports and simple exercises to use at home and at work.
Who you would see
All of our chiropractors treat pregnant patients. Jenna Smith and Julie Hunter at our Nambour clinic both have a particular interest in pregnancy care, and Jenna has completed postgraduate training in paediatric chiropractic.
Need to see someone on the Sunshine Coast?
Our chiropractors and physiotherapists consult in Mooloolaba and Nambour six days a week — same-day appointments are often available.
Working alongside physiotherapy
Pelvic floor concerns, abdominal separation and exercise planning for pregnancy and after birth sit with women's health physiotherapy. Because our physiotherapists work in the same clinics, the two can be combined in one plan. There is more in our article on pregnancy physiotherapy.
When to see your midwife, GP or obstetrician first
Contact your maternity care provider promptly, before booking with us, if you have any vaginal bleeding or fluid loss, regular contractions or abdominal pain, reduced movements from your baby, severe headache with visual changes or sudden swelling, calf pain or swelling, or back pain with fever or urinary symptoms. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, check with your obstetric team before starting any manual therapy.
Booking
Tell us how many weeks you are when you book so we can allow for positioning. Call (07) 5441 4768 for Nambour or (07) 5478 2333 for Mooloolaba, or book online.
