Why pregnancy can bring new aches
Pregnancy changes the body quickly. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, the curve of your low back often deepens, and your posture adapts to carry the extra weight. Hormones such as relaxin also loosen ligaments around the pelvis to prepare for birth.
These are normal changes, but they can leave the low back, hips, pelvis and rib cage feeling sore. Many pregnant women notice aching after standing, pain at the back of the pelvis when rolling over in bed, or discomfort at the front of the pelvis when climbing stairs.
Prenatal chiropractic care aims to ease that musculoskeletal discomfort with gentle, adapted techniques. It is not a substitute for prenatal medical care, and it does not treat pregnancy complications. Your OB or midwife remains your primary pregnancy provider throughout.
Pregnancy discomforts care may help with
Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on muscle and joint discomfort. Common reasons pregnant women seek it include the following.
- Low back pain
- Aching across the low back is one of the most common complaints of pregnancy, especially later on. Gentle care and posture advice may help ease it.
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Pain at the back of the pelvis or over the pubic bone, often worse with walking, stairs or turning in bed, may respond to gentle joint and soft tissue care plus movement tips.
- Sciatic-type leg pain
- Pain that travels into the buttock or leg can come from irritated joints or tight muscles around the pelvis. See sciatica for more, and report any numbness or weakness to your OB.
- Hip discomfort
- Changes in posture and gait can make the hips ache, particularly at night. Soft tissue work and position advice may help you rest more comfortably.
- Mid back and rib discomfort
- As the baby grows, the rib cage and upper back can feel tight. Gentle mobilization and stretching may bring some relief.
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Changes in posture, sleep position and, later, feeding and carrying a newborn can all load the neck and shoulders.
What a prenatal visit looks like
Every step is adapted to your stage of pregnancy and your comfort. You are encouraged to speak up at any time.
Health history and OB coordination
You share your pregnancy history, due date, any complications and what your OB or midwife has advised. Please let your pregnancy provider know you are considering chiropractic care before your first visit.
Gentle examination
Dr. Okhowat assesses your posture, pelvis, low back and hips using comfortable positions. Anything that suggests a pregnancy-related medical issue is referred back to your OB or midwife promptly.
Adapted, low-force care
Positioning is modified, for example lying on your side, so there is no pressure on your abdomen. Techniques are gentle and low-force, and soft tissue work and stretching are often used more than quick adjustments.
Home strategies
You may receive simple tips for sleep positions, getting in and out of bed or the car, and gentle stretches approved for your stage of pregnancy.
Potential benefits
Every pregnancy is different and no outcome can be promised. Gentle prenatal care may help in these ways.
- May ease low back and pelvic discomfort during pregnancy.
- Can help you move, sleep and get through the day more comfortably.
- Offers a drug-free option for musculoskeletal aches when many medications are limited.
- Provides practical posture and movement strategies for each trimester.
- May help with neck, shoulder and back strain after your baby arrives.
Is this right for me?
Gentle chiropractic care is generally considered a reasonable option for musculoskeletal discomfort in an uncomplicated pregnancy, with your OB or midwife's agreement. Care is modified for pregnancy and can be stopped at any time.
It is not appropriate in some situations. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, placenta previa or placental abruption, a history of preterm labor, unexplained bleeding or any condition your OB has flagged, talk with your pregnancy provider before considering chiropractic care.
Often a good fit
- Low back, hip or pelvic aches in an uncomplicated pregnancy
- Your OB or midwife is comfortable with chiropractic care
- You want gentle, drug-free options for musculoskeletal discomfort
- Postpartum neck, back or shoulder strain
See a physician first
- Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- Regular contractions, cramping or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling of the face or hands
- Calf pain, warmth or swelling in one leg
- Fever, or a noticeable decrease in your baby's movements
- Numbness in the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control
If you have any of these, please see a physician or go to urgent care before booking. In an emergency, call 911.
How Dr. Okhowat approaches prenatal care
Prenatal care here is provided by a chiropractor with over 19 years of experience. Dr. Omid Okhowat completed his Doctor of Chiropractic training at Cleveland Chiropractic College, holds a California license from the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and belongs to the California Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association.
His training as a Diplomate of the American Association of Integrative Medicine's College of Manipulative and Body Based Practices supports a wide range of hands-on options, from gentle mobilization to soft tissue work. During pregnancy, that means choosing the lightest effective approach and avoiding anything that does not feel right to you.
Your OB or midwife stays at the center of your pregnancy care. The office on Wilshire Boulevard is a short drive from Beverly Hills, and the aim of every prenatal visit is the same: comfort, safety and clear communication, with soft tissue therapies and simple exercises supporting gentle adjustments.
- DC, Cleveland Chiropractic College
- AAIM Fellow
- AAIM Diplomate, Manipulative and Body Based Practices
- Over 19 years of experience
Questions patients ask
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
For an uncomplicated pregnancy, gentle chiropractic care from a licensed chiropractor is generally considered low risk when techniques are modified and there is no pressure on the abdomen. Talk with your OB or midwife first, and avoid care if you have any condition they have flagged.
Which trimester can I start?
With your pregnancy provider's agreement, care can often begin in any trimester. Many women seek it in the second and third trimesters, when postural changes are greatest. Techniques and positioning change as your pregnancy progresses.
Will I have to lie on my stomach?
No. Positioning is adapted so there is no pressure on your belly, most often by lying on your side or sitting. Pillows or other supports may be used to keep you comfortable.
Can a chiropractor turn a breech baby?
No. Chiropractic care is not a treatment for breech position, and questions about your baby's position belong with your OB or midwife. You may come across pregnancy-focused techniques, such as the Webster technique, that work gently around the pelvis; any such care is aimed at musculoskeletal comfort only.
Does chiropractic care make labor easier?
There is no promise that chiropractic care will change labor or delivery. The goal is to help you feel more comfortable during pregnancy by easing muscle and joint aches.
What if my pain is severe or comes with other symptoms?
Contact your OB or midwife right away for severe pain, bleeding, fluid leakage, contractions, headache with vision changes, or reduced baby movement. These need medical attention, not chiropractic care.
Can I come in after my baby is born?
Many new parents have back, neck and wrist strain from feeding and carrying a baby. After birth, especially after a cesarean, check with your OB about when it is safe to resume treatment, and care will be adapted to your recovery.
How often will I need visits?
It depends on your symptoms and how you respond. Visits can be arranged around flare-ups or scheduled more regularly as your body changes, depending on what you and your pregnancy provider prefer. The plan is reviewed often and adjusted to your stage of pregnancy.