Written by Dr. Liz Purcell, DC

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it also brings dramatic physical and hormonal changes that place new demands on your body. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, your posture changes, and your joints become more mobile to prepare for delivery. While these changes are completely normal, they often lead to back pain, pelvic pain, hip discomfort, sciatica, and muscle tension that can make everyday activities more difficult.

If you're looking for a pregnancy chiropractor in Boulder, you're not alone. Many expectant mothers seek safe, conservative ways to stay comfortable throughout pregnancy without relying on medication.

At Boulder Sports Clinic, Dr. Alyx Brown and Dr. Liz Purcell are both Webster Certified chiropractors with advanced training in prenatal chiropractic care. They provide gentle, evidence-informed care designed specifically for the changing needs of pregnancy, helping women move more comfortably while supporting a healthy, active pregnancy.

Why Does Pregnancy Cause Back and Pelvic Pain?

Pregnancy changes nearly every aspect of your musculoskeletal system.

As your baby grows, your body adapts by:

• Shifting your center of gravity forward
• Increasing the curve of your lower back
• Releasing the hormone relaxin, which increases ligament laxity
• Placing additional stress on the pelvis and sacroiliac (SI) joints
• Stretching the abdominal muscles
• Increasing tension throughout the hips, low back, and upper back

While these changes are necessary for pregnancy, they often contribute to pain and stiffness that can make walking, exercising, sleeping, or even getting out of bed uncomfortable.

Common conditions we treat during pregnancy include:

• Low back pain
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Hip pain
• SI joint pain
• Sciatica
• Round ligament pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Rib pain
• General muscle tension and stiffness

How Can a Pregnancy Chiropractor Help?

Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and helping your body adapt to the physical demands of pregnancy.

Treatment is always modified to accommodate each stage of pregnancy. Specialized pregnancy pillows, side-lying positioning, and gentle adjusting techniques allow treatment to remain both safe and comfortable.

Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy.

As your abdomen grows, your spine naturally compensates by increasing the arch in your lower back. Combined with hormonal ligament changes, this often places additional stress on the lumbar spine and surrounding muscles.

Chiropractic care may help reduce:

• Low back pain
• Muscle tightness
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Pain with changing positions

Many patients notice improved comfort during everyday activities after restoring motion to restricted joints and reducing muscular tension.

Chiropractic Care for Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

Pelvic pain is another common reason women seek prenatal chiropractic care.

The pelvis must adapt throughout pregnancy, and increased mobility combined with changing posture can lead to discomfort around the SI joints, pubic symphysis, or hips.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain when walking
• Pain while rolling over in bed
• Difficulty standing on one leg
• Pain climbing stairs
• Pelvic pressure

Our goal is to improve pelvic mobility, reduce muscular tension, and support normal movement throughout pregnancy.

Can Chiropractic Help Sciatica During Pregnancy?

Yes—many pregnant women experience symptoms consistent with sciatica.

As posture changes and muscles tighten around the pelvis, irritation of the sciatic nerve can produce:

• Pain into the buttock
• Pain down the leg
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning sensations

While every case is different, prenatal chiropractic care often focuses on improving spinal and pelvic mobility while reducing tension in the muscles surrounding the nerve.

Chiropractic Care for Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain commonly develops during the second trimester as the ligaments supporting the uterus stretch.

Many women notice sharp discomfort with:

• Standing quickly
• Rolling over
• Walking
• Coughing or sneezing

Although chiropractic care does not directly treat the ligament itself, improving movement of the pelvis, hips, and surrounding muscles may reduce mechanical stress and improve overall comfort.

Hip Pain During Pregnancy

Hip pain frequently develops as posture changes and weight distribution shifts throughout pregnancy.

Gentle chiropractic care can help improve hip mobility while addressing muscle tension that often develops around the glutes, hip flexors, and lower back.

For many women, this can make walking, sleeping, and exercising much more comfortable.

What Is the Webster Technique?

One of the most recognized prenatal chiropractic techniques is the Webster Technique.

The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic assessment and adjustment protocol developed by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). It is designed to improve pelvic function by addressing joint restrictions and muscular tension that may affect pelvic biomechanics during pregnancy.

The Webster Technique is:

• Gentle
• Pregnancy-specific
• Evidence-informed
• Comfortable throughout pregnancy

It is important to understand that the Webster Technique is not a treatment for breech presentation and is not intended to turn a breech baby. Instead, its purpose is to optimize pelvic function and reduce mechanical stress, helping create an environment that supports normal movement and positioning.

Both Dr. Alyx Brown and Dr. Liz Purcell have completed Webster Technique certification and incorporate these principles when appropriate during prenatal care.

Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?

For most healthy pregnancies, chiropractic care is considered safe when provided by a chiropractor with training in prenatal care.

At Boulder Sports Clinic, we modify every treatment based on your stage of pregnancy and comfort level.

Your visit may include:

• Pregnancy-specific adjusting techniques
• Specialized pregnancy tables and positioning
• Side-lying adjustments
• Gentle soft tissue treatment
• Mobility exercises
• Home stretching recommendations

If needed, we are also happy to coordinate care with your OB-GYN, midwife, or other healthcare providers to ensure a collaborative approach.

A Natural, Drug-Free Option for Pregnancy Pain

Many expectant mothers prefer conservative treatment options before considering medication.

Prenatal chiropractic care may be one part of a comprehensive wellness plan that also includes:

• Prenatal massage
• Regular exercise
• Walking
• Strength training
• Mobility exercises
• Pelvic floor physical therapy when appropriate
• Guidance from your obstetric provider or midwife

The goal isn't simply pain relief—it's helping you remain active and comfortable throughout pregnancy.

Why Choose Boulder Sports Clinic for Prenatal Chiropractic Care?

Finding the right pregnancy chiropractor matters.

At Boulder Sports Clinic, expecting mothers receive care from two Webster Certified chiropractors with advanced prenatal training.

Our team understands how pregnancy changes the body and tailors every treatment to your individual needs.

Patients commonly visit us for:

• Pregnancy-related low back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Hip pain
• Sciatica
• Round ligament pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• General stiffness

One of the advantages of our clinic is our integrated healthcare approach. In addition to prenatal chiropractic care, we offer prenatal massage therapy, allowing your chiropractor and massage therapist to communicate directly about your symptoms, treatment goals, and progress. This coordinated approach helps ensure your treatments complement one another while providing consistent care throughout pregnancy.

Having two Webster Certified chiropractors also offers greater scheduling flexibility and continuity of care throughout every trimester.

We proudly care for expecting mothers throughout Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Superior, and the surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

For most uncomplicated pregnancies, chiropractic care is considered safe when performed by a chiropractor trained in prenatal care. Treatment techniques are modified to ensure comfort throughout every stage of pregnancy.

When should I start chiropractic care during pregnancy?

Many women begin care during the first trimester, while others seek treatment later when discomfort develops. Chiropractic care can often be beneficial throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Can chiropractic help pelvic pain during pregnancy?

Many pregnant women seek chiropractic care for pelvic girdle pain, SI joint discomfort, hip pain, and general pelvic tension. Treatment focuses on improving joint mobility and reducing muscular tension.

Does the Webster Technique turn breech babies?

No. The Webster Technique is not a breech-turning procedure. Its goal is to improve pelvic biomechanics and reduce mechanical restrictions that may influence comfort and movement during pregnancy.

Can I receive chiropractic care during the third trimester?

Yes. Treatment techniques are modified throughout pregnancy to keep you comfortable, including side-lying positioning and specialized pregnancy supports.

Schedule an Appointment with a Pregnancy Chiropractor in Boulder

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, and you don't have to manage the aches and pains alone.

Whether you're experiencing back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica, hip discomfort, or round ligament pain, our experienced prenatal chiropractors are here to help you stay active and comfortable throughout every stage of pregnancy.

If you're looking for a pregnancy chiropractor in Boulder, contact Boulder Sports Clinic to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alyx Brown or Dr. Liz Purcell. Our goal is to help you enjoy your pregnancy with greater comfort, confidence, and support every step of the way.

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