Pregnancy-Related Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, affecting a majority of expecting mothers at some point. At Two Sparrows Family Chiropractic in Whitefish, MT, we offer gentle, pregnancy-specific chiropractic care to help you feel more comfortable through every trimester.
Symptoms We Commonly See
Dull, aching pain in the low back, especially by end of day
Pain that worsens with standing, sitting, or sleeping in certain positions
Stiffness getting up from a seated position
Pain that radiates into the hip or buttock
Understanding Pregnancy-Related Back Pain
Back pain during pregnancy tends to follow recognizable patterns tied to each trimester, which can help you understand what's happening and when to expect changes.
Why It Happens During Pregnancy
As your pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity shifts forward, changing the curvature of your spine. The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments supporting your pelvis and spine in preparation for delivery, which can create instability. Combined with the added weight your body is carrying, this puts new strain on the low back.
How Symptoms Typically Progress by Trimester
First trimester — hormonal changes begin loosening ligaments; some women notice early, mild discomfort
Second trimester — as the belly grows and posture shifts, low back pain often becomes more noticeable
Third trimester — maximum weight and postural change typically means peak discomfort for most women
Common Contributing Factors
Relaxin-related ligament loosening throughout the pelvis and spine
Forward shift in center of gravity changing spinal curvature
Weight gain concentrated in the front of the body
Weakening core muscles as the abdominal wall stretches
Common Types of Pregnancy Back Pain
Lumbar pain — centered in the low back, often related to postural changes
Posterior pelvic pain — felt lower and more to the sides, often related to SI joint or pelvic girdle involvement (see our Pelvic Girdle Pain page)
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Contact your OB or midwife promptly for back pain accompanied by: regular contractions (which could indicate preterm labor), fever, vaginal bleeding, or a sudden significant increase in swelling — these require prompt medical evaluation separate from routine pregnancy-related back discomfort.
Our Approach
We use pregnancy-safe adjustment techniques, including the Webster Technique, to help restore balanced motion in the pelvis and spine. Care is modified specifically for pregnancy — you're never positioned flat on your stomach, and adjustments are gentle and specific rather than forceful.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your OB or midwife about your specific pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, for the vast majority of uncomplicated pregnancies. We recommend discussing chiropractic care with your OB or midwife as part of your overall prenatal care team.
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Many women start as soon as discomfort begins, though starting earlier in pregnancy can help your body adapt gradually.
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This depends on your individual symptoms and how your body responds — we'll discuss a plan tailored to you after your first exam.
— not braced against pain, guarding her movements, or dreading the next twinge as her belly grows.
And sometimes that means looking beyond what you've been told to simply expect, toward gentle, whole-body care that works with your body as it shifts and adapts through pregnancy. Holistic, non-invasive chiropractic care helps to provide a clear and hopeful path forward for you and your baby, meeting you exactly where you are, whether you're in your first trimester or your last. You don't have to have all the answers today — just a willingness to explore what's possible, one gentle step at a time.