How a Pregnancy Chiropractor Can Help Ease Prenatal Pain Safely
When pregnancy aches become part of everyday life! Ask any mum-to-be around Brisbane and chances are she’s quietly dealing with some kind of physical discomfort be it lower back aches, pelvic tension or that familiar stiffness after a short drive across town. Pregnancy may be a special time, but it can take a toll on your body in ways you didn’t quite expect. In fact, a study found that the point-prevalence of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) in a large random sample of Australian women was 44%. The research also identified several risk factors associated with PPGP, including parity, country of birth, extended periods of standing, a history of low back and/or pelvic girdle pain and a family history of PPGP.
For women in their 30s to early 50s, especially those juggling work, family and day-to-day errands across the suburbs, those little niggles can build up quickly. The changes in weight distribution, shifting posture and increased pressure on joints make discomfort almost inevitable.
But that doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it. Visiting a pregnancy chiropractor can be a gentle and effective way to manage these changes without the need for medication or invasive treatments. In this article, we’ll look at how chiropractic care supports pregnant women, what’s involved and how it fits naturally into life in Brisbane.
Why prenatal pain is so common
During pregnancy, your body goes through rapid changes to make space for your growing baby. Hormones like relaxing loosen your ligaments to prepare for birth, which also means your joints have less support. Add in the extra weight and changes to your centre of gravity and it’s no surprise your back, hips and pelvis start feeling the strain.
Common complaints we hear from expectant mums include:
Lower back pain, especially after standing or walking
Pelvic or pubic discomfort
Sciatic-type pain radiating down the leg
Upper back tension from changes in posture
Sleep disturbances due to discomfort when lying down
Living in Brisbane, where driving is often a daily necessity and our summer heat adds to swelling and fatigue, these physical stresses can feel even more intense. That’s where gentle chiropractic support comes in.
How a pregnancy chiropractor supports your changing body
At Tan Chiro, we recognise that no two pregnancies are alike. Our approach is tailored, gentle and completely non-invasive. As a pregnancy chiropractor, the goal is to support your body’s natural changes and ease discomfort, not “crack” things into place or make big, jarring adjustments.
We start with a careful assessment, looking at your spinal alignment, pelvic position and any postural shifts that might be contributing to the pain. We also take the time to chat through your routines - how you sleep, move, work and rest - so we can offer practical advice alongside hands-on care.
Chiropractic adjustments for pregnancy are light and precise, often using tables or cushions designed to accommodate your bump comfortably. By restoring proper alignment, we can take pressure off sensitive areas and help your muscles relax into better patterns of movement.
Improving pelvic balance may also help the baby settle into a better position for birth, particularly in the later stages. Many expectant mothers also notice they sleep more comfortably and feel more stable when walking or getting out of the car.
What to expect from treatment sessions
The first thing to know is that you’re in control at every step. We’ll always check how you're feeling and adapt the session to suit your comfort levels and stage of pregnancy.
Here’s what your care might look like:
A full consultation to understand your symptoms and routines
Gentle spinal or pelvic adjustments using low-force techniques
Muscle release for tight or overworked areas (like the lower back or glutes)
Supportive pillows and positioning to keep you comfortable throughout
Tips for posture, sleeping and movement that fit your daily life
We’ll also suggest safe stretches or light exercises you can do at home. Just simple movements that can ease tension between sessions. And if you’re experiencing nerve pain that feels like sciatica, we may include additional support around that.
See also: Sciatica treatment in Brisbane
Each appointment is designed to support and not overwhelm you. Whether you’re early in your pregnancy or approaching the third trimester, we adjust the approach based on what your body needs.
Everyday tips for easing prenatal pain
While hands-on care can make a noticeable difference, your daily habits also play a big role in managing discomfort. Here are a few real-world strategies that Brisbane mums-to-be have found helpful:
Use a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side to take pressure off the hips
Avoid standing for too long. Take breaks when out shopping or cooking
Sit with support behind your lower back, especially during long drives
Swap heavy lifting for gentle squats (when safe) or ask for help with heavier loads
Stay active with low-impact movement like walking in shaded parks or swimming in cooler pools
Brisbane’s warm climate means staying hydrated and cooling down regularly also makes a difference as heat can aggravate swelling and tension.
A calm body makes for a more comfortable pregnancy
Pregnancy might come with its fair share of aches, but that doesn’t mean you need to just push through it. Gentle chiropractic care offers a natural way to bring relief, improve how your body moves and help you feel more in control as your pregnancy progresses.
Whether you’re expecting your first or chasing after toddlers while pregnant again, it’s okay to get support. A few adjustments, some helpful stretches and real conversations about what your body is doing can make a world of difference.
If you’re based in Brisbane and dealing with prenatal pain, you might want to chat to someone about it. We’re here to help you feel more at ease, one step (and one bump) at a time.
Book a consultation now or write to us at hello@tanchiro.com.au