By Dr. Laura Godfrey | Ray of Light Chiropractic

Let’s start with this:

Your body is not broken.

It is not falling apart.

It is doing something it was built to do — growing, stretching, shifting, adapting, and preparing to bring a whole new human being into the world.

That is nothing short of extraordinary.

But extraordinary doesn’t always feel comfortable.

If you’ve found yourself Googling things like:

• “Why does my pelvis feel like it’s splitting in two?”
• “Is rib pain normal during pregnancy?”
• “Why does my back hurt so much while pregnant?”
• “Will my body ever feel normal again after having a baby?”

You’re not alone.

As a chiropractor specializing in prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric care, I spend a lot of time helping mothers understand what’s happening inside their bodies during pregnancy and beyond. The more we understand these changes, the less scary they often feel.

My hope is that by the end of this article, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the incredible work your body is doing—and a few practical tools to help support it along the way.

What Your Body Is Actually Doing During Pregnancy (And Why It Sometimes Hurts)

Pregnancy is one of the most remarkable physiological processes the human body can experience.

In a matter of months, your body:

• Grows an entirely new organ (the placenta)
• Expands the uterus dramatically
• Increases blood volume
• Shifts posture and breathing mechanics
• Softens connective tissue
• Adapts the pelvis for birth
• Supports the development of a brand-new human being

It’s beautiful.

It’s also a tremendous amount of work.

The Hormone That Changes Everything: Relaxin

Early in pregnancy, your body begins producing a hormone called relaxin.

And yes—it does exactly what its name suggests.

Relaxin softens and loosens ligaments throughout the body, particularly around the pelvis, helping prepare your body for labor and delivery.

This flexibility is essential.

But here’s the part many women aren’t told:

Relaxin doesn’t just affect the pelvis.

As a circulating hormone, it influences ligaments throughout the entire body.

That means:

• Old injuries may become noticeable again
• Joints may feel less stable
• Muscles must work harder to compensate
• Postural changes become more challenging

Research has shown that relaxin’s effects on the musculoskeletal system are widespread, which helps explain why some women feel discomfort from their neck all the way down to their feet during pregnancy.

Weight Gain, Posture, and Your Changing Center of Gravity

As pregnancy progresses, most women gain approximately 25-35 pounds.

The majority of that weight is carried in front of the body.

As a result:

• The lumbar curve deepens
• The pelvis tilts
• The rib cage expands
• The head often shifts forward
• The center of gravity changes

Your muscles are constantly adapting to keep you upright.

Your low back, glutes, pelvic floor, upper back, and neck are all working harder than usual.

Research suggests that these postural changes contribute significantly to pregnancy-related low back pain, which affects up to 70% of pregnant women.

This isn’t weakness.

It’s physics.

And it’s one reason so many pregnant mothers tell me they feel completely exhausted by the end of the day.

A Love Note to the Sacrotuberous Ligament

I want to take a brief moment to appreciate one of the most overlooked structures in the pregnant body:

The sacrotuberous ligament.

This ligament connects the sacrum to the sit bones and plays a significant role in pelvic stability.

During pregnancy, it experiences tremendous strain.

In many women, irritation of this ligament contributes to:

• Deep low back pain
• Buttock pain
• Pain near the tailbone
• Symptoms that feel similar to sciatica

Gentle soft tissue work, pelvic mobility exercises, walking, and movement on a birth ball can often provide meaningful relief.

This little ligament works incredibly hard throughout pregnancy and deserves some appreciation.

Why Pelvic Balance Matters

One of the reasons I focus so heavily on pelvic balance during pregnancy is because everything is connected.

When the pelvis is balanced:

• Muscles work more efficiently
• Ligaments experience less strain
• Baby often has more room to move
• Walking feels easier
• Everyday movements become more comfortable

A balanced pelvis doesn’t guarantee a perfect pregnancy or birth experience.

But it often helps your body function with less stress and more ease.

The Fourth Trimester: Why Recovery Takes Time

One thing I wish our culture talked about more openly is the reality of postpartum recovery.

The postpartum period is not simply the weeks after birth.

It is a continuation of pregnancy itself.

Your body doesn’t instantly return to its pre-pregnancy state the moment your baby arrives.

Many physiological changes continue for months.

Relaxin levels may remain elevated.

Ligaments remain more flexible.

Posture continues adapting.

Sleep deprivation affects healing.

Feeding and caring for a newborn create entirely new physical demands.

Personally, I consider the postpartum period to be at least twelve months after birth.

You spent nine months creating your baby.

It makes sense to give yourself time to rebuild.

There is no prize for rushing your recovery.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Pregnancy

Pregnancy chiropractic care focuses on helping your body adapt to these changes with greater comfort and balance.

During pregnancy, my care often includes:

Gentle Joint Mobilization

Helping restore motion to areas that have become stiff or restricted.

Pelvic and Sacral Balancing

Supporting comfortable movement and reducing mechanical stress throughout the pelvis.

Webster Technique

The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic analysis and adjustment used during pregnancy.

Its goal is not to “turn babies.”

Instead, it helps reduce tension within the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues, creating a more balanced environment for both mother and baby.

Soft Tissue Work

Addressing tension within the hips, pelvis, ligaments, and surrounding muscles.

Home Care Strategies

Providing practical tools you can use at home to support your changing body.

I also use specialized pregnancy pillows that support the bump, hips, and chest, allowing mothers to relax comfortably throughout treatment.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Postpartum Recovery

The postpartum visits are some of my favorite appointments.

There is something incredibly meaningful about caring for mothers during this season.

Postpartum chiropractic care often focuses on:

• Pelvic recovery
• Postural changes from feeding and babywearing
• Low back and neck tension
• Core stability
• Nervous system regulation
• Support alongside pelvic floor therapy

Many mothers are surprised to learn how interconnected the pelvic floor, diaphragm, core, and nervous system truly are.

When one area struggles, the others often compensate.

Supporting them together frequently creates better outcomes than addressing them separately.

The Nervous System Connection

One of the reasons I love chiropractic care extends far beyond joints and muscles.

I care deeply about the nervous system.

Pregnancy and early parenthood place enormous demands on the body.

Your nervous system helps regulate:

• Sleep
• Stress responses
• Hormones
• Recovery
• Emotional regulation
• Healing

Research suggests chiropractic adjustments may influence autonomic nervous system function, helping the body shift from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state toward a more parasympathetic (rest-and-restore) state.

This may help explain why so many patients report:

• Better sleep
• Reduced tension
• Improved mood
• Greater resilience
• A sense of calm after care

When the nervous system feels safe, the entire body functions differently.

Three Things You Can Do Right Now

1. Improve Your Sleep Setup

Use pillows strategically.

Support your head, knees, and growing belly.

A proper sleep position can significantly reduce strain on the pelvis and spine.

2. Keep Moving

Gentle walks can improve circulation, mobility, mood, and pelvic stability.

Even ten minutes counts.

Small movements add up.

3. Reconnect With Your Pelvic Floor

This isn’t about doing endless Kegels.

It’s about awareness.

Learning to contract and relax the pelvic floor can be incredibly valuable during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Whenever possible, I encourage mothers to work alongside a qualified pelvic floor therapist as part of their care team.

You Deserve Care Too

There is a version of pregnancy and postpartum support that centers your experience as much as your baby’s.

That’s what I want for every mother who walks through our doors.

You don’t need to wait until the discomfort becomes unbearable.

You don’t need to prove how much pain you can tolerate.

You are allowed to receive support.

You are allowed to feel better.

And taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury.

It’s part of caring for your family.

Ready to Feel More Comfortable in Your Pregnancy or Postpartum Journey?

Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, low back discomfort, rib pain, posture changes, or simply want additional support for your nervous system during this season, chiropractic care can help you feel more balanced, supported, and connected to your body.

At Ray of Light Chiropractic, we specialize in pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractic care for families throughout Topsfield and the North Shore.

If you’re ready to experience a more comfortable pregnancy, a smoother recovery, or simply want a trusted partner in your wellness journey, we’d be honored to support you.

Start Your Care Journey today and discover how gentle, family-centered chiropractic care can help you feel your best through every stage of motherhood.

Schedule your visit with Ray of Light Chiropractic Online Here
Topsfield, MA
978-887-9889

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

For most uncomplicated pregnancies, chiropractic care is considered safe when provided by a chiropractor trained in prenatal care. Specialized techniques, pregnancy pillows, and modified positioning help ensure comfort throughout each trimester.

When should I start seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy?

Many women begin chiropractic care during the first trimester, while others seek care later when discomfort develops. Chiropractic care can be beneficial throughout pregnancy and is often used to support pelvic balance, posture, and overall comfort.

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic analysis and adjustment used during pregnancy. Its goal is to reduce tension in the pelvis, sacrum, and surrounding soft tissues to help create a more balanced environment for both mother and baby.

Can chiropractic care help with pelvic pain during pregnancy?

Many pregnant women seek chiropractic care for pelvic pain, pubic symphysis discomfort, sacroiliac joint pain, and low back pain. Improving motion and balance within the pelvis may help reduce strain on surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Why does pregnancy cause so much back pain?

Pregnancy creates significant changes in posture, weight distribution, ligament stability, and muscle function. As your center of gravity shifts and relaxin affects connective tissues, additional stress is often placed on the low back and pelvis.

Can chiropractic care help with round ligament pain?

Many women find that improving pelvic balance and reducing tension in surrounding muscles can help decrease strain on the round ligaments and improve overall comfort during pregnancy.

Is postpartum chiropractic care beneficial after a C-section?

Yes. Mothers who have delivered by cesarean section often experience significant postural changes, core weakness, scar tissue restrictions, and compensatory movement patterns. Gentle chiropractic care can support recovery and comfort during the postpartum period.

How long should postpartum recovery take?

Healing timelines vary for every mother. While many women expect recovery to take only a few weeks, the body continues adapting for many months after birth. Many healthcare providers now recognize the fourth trimester as an important period of physical and emotional recovery.

Can chiropractic care support nervous system regulation?

Many patients report feeling calmer, sleeping better, and experiencing less tension after chiropractic adjustments. Research continues to explore the relationship between spinal function, nervous system regulation, and overall well-being.

Do I need pelvic floor therapy in addition to chiropractic care?

In many cases, chiropractic care and pelvic floor therapy work beautifully together. Chiropractic care can help improve pelvic alignment and movement, while pelvic floor therapy focuses on restoring strength, coordination, and function.

Can I bring my baby to my appointment?

Absolutely. At Ray of Light Chiropractic, babies are always welcome. We understand the realities of new parenthood and strive to create a supportive, family-centered environment for both moms and little ones.

How do I know if chiropractic care is right for me?

If you’re experiencing pregnancy discomfort, postpartum aches, pelvic pain, low back pain, posture changes, or simply want proactive support during this season of life, a consultation can help determine whether chiropractic care is a good fit for your goals.