Pregnancy Chiropractic Care Treatment in Harborne, Birmingham

Pregnancy changes your body in ways that are remarkable and, for many women, painful. As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward, the curve in your lower back increases, your ligaments soften under the influence of the hormone relaxin, and your pelvis has to accommodate an increasing load that it was never designed to carry in quite that way. The result, for a significant number of pregnant women, is lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip pain, and sometimes sharp pain in the ribs as everything shifts and stretches. Some estimates suggest that up to 70 per cent of women experience back pain during pregnancy. It is one of the most common complaints during the second and third trimesters, and yet many women assume they simply have to put up with it. They do not. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe, gentle, and effective. The NHS acknowledges manual therapy as an option for pregnancy-related back pain, and our approach is specifically adapted for pregnant patients — no forceful manipulation, no lying face down (we use pregnancy pillows and side-lying positions), and no techniques that would put any pressure on the abdomen. Elizabeth has treated hundreds of pregnant patients at our Harborne clinic over the past decade. She understands the specific mechanical changes that happen during each trimester and how to adapt treatment accordingly. Many of our patients tell us that their chiropractic sessions are the only time during their pregnancy when they feel genuine relief from the aching and stiffness. If pregnancy-related pain is affecting your sleep, your ability to work, or your enjoyment of what should be an exciting time, we can help.

  • Lower back pain during pregnancy
  • Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) — pain at the front or back of the pelvis
  • Pain when turning over in bed
  • Difficulty walking or a waddling gait
  • Hip pain, particularly at night
  • Rib pain or a feeling of pressure under the ribs

How We Treat Pregnancy Chiropractic Care

Gentle Pregnancy-Specific Adjustments

All treatment during pregnancy is adapted to be gentle and safe. We do not use forceful spinal manipulation on pregnant patients. Instead, we use low-force mobilisation techniques that improve joint movement without sudden thrusting. For the pelvis, we use specific techniques to address sacroiliac joint dysfunction — one of the most common causes of pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain. These techniques are performed in comfortable positions, usually lying on your side, and are adjusted throughout your pregnancy as your body changes. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help your body adapt to the physical demands of pregnancy.

Pelvic Balancing

As pregnancy progresses, the ligaments that hold the pelvic joints together soften and stretch. This allows the pelvis to move more than usual, which is essential for birth but can cause pain when the movement becomes uneven or excessive. Pelvic balancing techniques help restore symmetry and stability to the pelvis. We assess the alignment of the sacroiliac joints, the pubic symphysis, and the surrounding muscles, then use gentle hands-on techniques to correct any imbalances. Many patients with pelvic girdle pain or SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction) find that pelvic balancing provides significant and immediate relief.

Soft Tissue Work

The muscles around your lower back, pelvis, and hips work much harder during pregnancy. The gluteal muscles, hip flexors, piriformis, and lower back muscles all tend to tighten up as they try to stabilise a pelvis that is becoming increasingly mobile. Soft tissue work releases this tension, reduces pain, and improves your ability to move comfortably. We use massage, trigger point therapy, and gentle stretching techniques. Many of our pregnant patients say the soft tissue work is the part of treatment they look forward to most — it provides genuine relief in areas that have been aching for weeks.

Pregnancy Pillow Positioning

Getting comfortable on a treatment table when you are pregnant can seem impossible. We use specially designed pregnancy pillows that allow you to lie face down safely, even in the third trimester, by supporting your bump in a way that takes all pressure off the abdomen. We also use side-lying positions and seated techniques where appropriate. The right positioning makes treatment more effective and more comfortable. We also advise on sleeping positions at home — how to use pillows to support your bump, your back, and your hips to reduce pain at night. Poor sleep positioning is one of the most common aggravating factors for pregnancy-related back pain.

Exercise and Self-Management Advice

We give you specific exercises to do between appointments. These focus on maintaining pelvic stability, stretching tight muscles, and keeping your body as comfortable as possible as it changes. The exercises are simple, safe for pregnancy, and take only a few minutes. We also advise on daily activities — how to get in and out of bed without aggravating pelvic pain, how to adjust your posture at work, and how to stay active without overdoing it. Many of our patients find that the combination of treatment and the right exercises at home gives them much more control over their symptoms.

What to Expect

Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes. We start by understanding where you are in your pregnancy, your symptoms, your medical history, and any concerns you have. We ask about your obstetric history and whether your midwife or GP has raised any issues we should be aware of. The physical examination is adapted for pregnancy — we assess your spinal movement, pelvic alignment, and muscle tone using positions that are comfortable for you. We use pregnancy pillows that allow you to lie face down safely if needed, or we work with you lying on your side. Treatment in the first session is gentle — soft tissue work to release tight muscles, careful mobilisation of stiff joints, and pelvic balancing techniques. We will also show you exercises and positions that can help manage your symptoms between appointments. Many patients feel noticeably more comfortable after their first visit. Your first appointment is £55, including assessment and treatment.

1

Initial assessment — 45 minutes

2

Treatment begins in your first appointment

3

Ongoing plan — most patients need 6 sessions

Common Questions About Pregnancy Chiropractic Care

Is chiropractic treatment safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe when performed by a practitioner experienced in treating pregnant patients. We use gentle, low-force techniques — no forceful spinal manipulation. The NHS recognises manual therapy as an option for managing pregnancy-related back pain. Elizabeth has treated hundreds of pregnant women over the past decade and adapts every technique to suit your stage of pregnancy and comfort level.
When should I start treatment during pregnancy?
You can come at any stage. Some patients come early in pregnancy with existing back problems that they want to manage before they worsen. Most patients first come to us in the second or third trimester when pregnancy-related pain develops. There is no stage that is too early or too late — we adapt treatment to wherever you are in your pregnancy. If you are experiencing pain now, there is no benefit in waiting.
Can you help with SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction)?
Yes. SPD is one of the most common conditions we treat in pregnant patients. It causes pain at the front of the pelvis, around the pubic bone, and can make walking, climbing stairs, and turning in bed very painful. Pelvic balancing techniques, soft tissue work, and specific exercises can significantly reduce SPD pain in most cases. We also advise on a pelvic support belt if appropriate.
Do you have pregnancy pillows for the treatment table?
Yes. We have specially designed pregnancy pillows that allow you to lie face down comfortably, even well into the third trimester. The pillows support your bump so there is no pressure on the abdomen. We also use side-lying positions and can adapt any technique to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
Most pregnant patients benefit from around four to six sessions, though this varies. Some patients with mild symptoms feel significantly better after two or three visits. Others with more persistent pelvic girdle pain or SPD may benefit from regular sessions throughout the remainder of their pregnancy. We will recommend a plan based on your individual situation at your first appointment.
Can I bring my other children to the appointment?
We understand that childcare is not always easy to arrange. You are welcome to bring children with you, though please be aware that you will need someone to supervise them in the waiting area during your treatment. If you have a partner or family member who can wait with them, that works well. We are a friendly clinic and children are welcome.
Dr Elizabeth Falco

Your Practitioner

Dr Elizabeth Falco

MChiro, DC, GCC Registered

Elizabeth co-founded Harborne Chiropractic Clinic in 2013 and has a special interest in treating pregnant patients. Over the past decade, she has helped hundreds of women manage pregnancy-related back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and SPD. Elizabeth understands the anxieties that come with seeking treatment during pregnancy — concerns about safety, about positioning on the treatment table, about whether it will actually help. She adapts every aspect of the appointment to suit the stage of your pregnancy, using pregnancy pillows, side-lying positions, and gentle techniques that are comfortable and effective. Elizabeth is a mother herself and brings both clinical expertise and personal understanding to her treatment of pregnant patients. She works closely with local midwives and GPs in the Birmingham area to ensure coordinated care.

What Patients Say

Elizabeth was brilliant throughout my pregnancy. I developed pelvic girdle pain at around 24 weeks and could barely walk to the end of the road. After three sessions the pain had reduced dramatically and I was able to walk to Harborne High Street again without stopping. She explained everything clearly and I always felt safe and comfortable during treatment. Would recommend to any pregnant woman dealing with back or pelvic pain.

Sophie L. ★★★★★

Second pregnancy and the back pain was much worse this time. My midwife suggested trying chiropractic and I am so glad I did. Elizabeth used pregnancy pillows so I could lie face down which was the most comfortable I had been in weeks. The relief after each session lasted longer and longer. I went every two weeks from about 28 weeks until delivery and it made the last trimester manageable.

Priya N. ★★★★★

I had SPD from about 20 weeks and was struggling to turn over in bed or get out of the car. Elizabeth treated me with gentle pelvic techniques and gave me exercises and advice on how to move to reduce the pain. Within a month I was so much better. She also helped with rib pain later in the pregnancy. Really knowledgeable and caring — I felt completely at ease the entire time.

Emma R. ★★★★★

Book Your Pregnancy Chiropractic Care Assessment

Same-week appointments available. No GP referral needed.

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