What we help with in pregnancy
- Lower back pain as the curve of the lower back changes and the load increases.
- Pelvic girdle pain: pain at the front of the pelvis, in the buttocks or at the sacroiliac joints, often worse turning in bed, climbing stairs or standing on one leg.
- Sciatica-type leg pain, rib and mid-back discomfort as the ribcage expands, and neck and shoulder tension.
- After the birth: back and pelvic pain from feeding positions, carrying and lifting, and the return to exercise.
Some things are not ours to treat, and we say so: any pregnancy complication, high blood pressure, bleeding, reduced movements or concerns about the baby go to your midwife or doctor. We do not make any claims about the position of the baby, labour or birth outcomes.
What happens at your first appointment
Your first appointment takes about 30 to 40 minutes. In pregnancy it includes:
- Your history. How far along you are, how the pregnancy is going, your midwife or LMC's name, any complications, and what is hurting.
- A gentle physical examination. How your lower back, pelvis and hips are moving, which positions and movements provoke the pain, and neurological checks if there is leg pain.
- Posture analysis, adapted to pregnancy, when it is useful.
- An explanation. What we think is causing the pain and what we can do about it.
- Your first treatment, when clinically appropriate.
We do not X-ray during pregnancy. If something needs a medical opinion, we contact your midwife or GP with your permission.
How we treat pregnancy-related pain
- Gentle, low-force techniques for the lower back and pelvis, using positioning that keeps you comfortable at every stage.
- Soft tissue work for the buttock, hip and lower back muscles.
- Simple exercises for the pelvis, hips and core that are safe in pregnancy, and advice on turning in bed, getting in and out of the car, lifting toddlers and sleeping positions.
- Support belts or pillows are discussed where they help.
Care continues after the birth if you want it, with the plan adjusted for feeding, carrying and getting back to activity.
When to get pregnancy-related pain looked at
Pelvic and back pain in pregnancy is common and usually manageable, and it is worth having it assessed rather than waiting it out. If pain is stopping you sleeping, walking or working, or it started after a fall, book an assessment.
If you have been searching for a pregnancy chiropractor near me in Auckland, we see expectant parents at both clinics, Remuera and Henderson, seven days a week.
- Vaginal bleeding, fluid loss, or regular contractions before 37 weeks.
- Reduced or changed movements from the baby.
- A severe headache, visual disturbance, sudden swelling of the face or hands, or pain under the ribs.
- A fall or accident with pain that is severe or getting worse.
- Numbness around the groin or buttocks, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
ACC during pregnancy
Pregnancy is not an injury, so pregnancy-related pain is not covered by ACC. If you have a fall or another accident while pregnant, that injury may be; see how ACC works. Health insurance cover, including Southern Cross, depends on your policy.