Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnancy changes everything, including the way your body moves, holds itself, and feels. Whether you're dealing with sciatica that started in your second trimester, lower back pain that hit you out of nowhere at 30 weeks, or postpartum hip and back pain that's making it hard to carry your baby comfortably, you don't have to white-knuckle through it. Gentle, pregnancy-specific chiropractic care can dramatically reduce pain, support a healthier pregnancy, and help you recover faster after delivery.

Why pregnancy and postpartum care is different

Treating a pregnant or postpartum patient is not the same as treating any other patient — and it shouldn't be. The body is going through profound changes:

  • Hormones (especially relaxin) loosen the ligaments and joints to prepare for delivery, which can lead to instability and pain

  • The growing baby shifts your center of gravity, changing how your spine and pelvis hold weight

  • The pelvis adapts to make room for delivery, which can put stress on the SI joints and pubic symphysis

  • Postpartum, your body has to recover from those changes while you're carrying, feeding, and lifting a baby — often in awkward positions

All of this means that a one-size-fits-all chiropractic approach won't cut it. Pregnant and postpartum patients need gentle, position-specific techniques and tools that respect what the body is going through.

Common pregnancy-related pain we treat

  • Lower back pain — often from postural changes and ligament laxity

  • Sciatica — sharp, shooting pain down the leg, often worse as the baby grows

  • SI joint dysfunction — deep ache in the lower back/hip, especially when changing positions

  • Round ligament pain — sharp pulls in the lower abdomen as ligaments stretch

  • Pubic symphysis pain — pain in the front of the pelvis, often making walking or rolling over in bed painful

  • Hip and pelvic girdle pain

  • Mid-back and rib pain — common in the third trimester as the baby pushes up against the ribs

  • Pregnancy headaches — often related to upper neck tension from postural changes

If you're feeling any of these, please know they're treatable. You don't have to "just deal with it" until delivery.

Common postpartum issues we treat

The first year postpartum is a marathon for your body. Common issues we see:

  • Lower back pain — from lifting, carrying, and feeding your baby in positions you've never used before

  • SI joint instability — common as ligaments slowly tighten back up after delivery

  • Neck and upper back tension — from nursing, bottle feeding, and constantly looking down

  • Hip and pelvic alignment issues — especially after a long labor or C-section

  • Postural patterns — that compound the longer they go untreated

  • Headaches — often from cumulative neck and upper back tension

We also coordinate with pelvic floor physical therapists in the Lake Minnetonka area for issues like diastasis recti or pelvic floor dysfunction, chiropractic and pelvic floor PT work hand in hand for full postpartum recovery.

Our approach

Every pregnant or postpartum patient at Empower Chiropractic gets:

  • A full 45-minute initial exam — including history, posture and pelvic assessment, and a discussion of your pregnancy and goals

  • Gentle, prenatal-specific adjustments using a pregnancy-friendly table

  • Soft tissue work and modalities tailored to what your body needs at this stage

  • A personalized at-home plan — exercises, stretches, and ergonomic tips that fit into your day

  • A care plan that adjusts with your pregnancy or postpartum recovery

Most prenatal patients see us once a week through the second and third trimesters, with more frequent visits in the final weeks if needed. Postpartum patients often start with a more frequent schedule for the first 6–8 weeks, then taper as their body recovers.

Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as safe and beneficial during pregnancy when performed by a properly trained chiropractor. We use prenatal-specific tables, gentle techniques designed for pregnant bodies, and side-lying or modified positions when appropriate. We never use forceful adjustments on the abdomen, and every treatment is tailored to your stage of pregnancy and what your body specifically needs.

That said, there are a small number of conditions where chiropractic care isn't recommended (such as placenta previa or active preterm labor). We screen carefully at your first visit and coordinate with your OB or midwife if needed.

Why our approach is different

Most chiropractors aren't specifically trained in prenatal or postpartum care, and many use the same techniques on pregnant patients that they use on anyone else. We don't. At Empower Chiropractic, we take the extra time, use the right tools, and tailor every visit to where you are in your pregnancy or recovery. We also believe pregnant and postpartum patients deserve the same 45-minute appointments as everyone else — not a rushed adjustment squeezed between other patients.

Contact Us

Empower Chiropractic & Wellness Center | Excelsior, MN | Serving Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Shorewood, and the surrounding area.