By the third trimester, many of the moms-to-be we see in North and South Austin are dealing with a familiar combination: low back ache, pelvic pressure, and a body that feels increasingly out of balance as delivery approaches. It is common, but that does not mean it has to simply be endured for the next several weeks.
Why the Third Trimester Is So Hard on the Back
Several changes compound at once late in pregnancy. Your center of gravity shifts forward as the baby grows, which pulls the lower back into a more pronounced curve and increases strain on the surrounding muscles and joints. At the same time, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments around the pelvis to prepare for delivery, which can make the joints of the low back and pelvis less stable and more prone to irritation.
The combined effect is a lower back and pelvis working harder, with less structural support, at the exact point in pregnancy when the physical load is greatest.
Common Third Trimester Complaints
- Low back ache that is worse by the end of the day
- Pelvic or hip pain, sometimes described as a “wobbly” feeling in the pelvis
- Sciatic-type pain radiating into the hip or leg if the growing uterus is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
This pattern of pregnancy-related back pain is one of the most common reasons expecting patients seek chiropractic care in the final trimester.
Is It Safe This Late in Pregnancy
Yes. Chiropractic care during the third trimester uses techniques and positioning specifically adapted for pregnancy, including specialized tables that accommodate a growing belly without any pressure on the abdomen. Gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustment techniques are widely used precisely because this is often when back and pelvic discomfort peaks.
Our prenatal and postnatal chiropractic care is specifically designed around these late-pregnancy needs, focusing on pelvic balance and spinal alignment to reduce discomfort safely.
What Chiropractic Care Can Help With
- Reducing low back and pelvic pain through gentle, targeted adjustment
- Supporting pelvic balance, which some patients and practitioners associate with helping the baby find an optimal position for delivery
- Relieving sciatic-type nerve pressure caused by pregnancy-related changes
- Improving overall comfort and mobility in the final weeks before delivery
Simple Things That Help Alongside Care
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and one supporting your belly
- Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes as your center of gravity continues to shift
- Avoid standing in one position for long stretches; shift your weight or take short walks
- Practice gentle pelvic tilts to relieve pressure in the lower back
Talk to Your Provider, Then Get Evaluated
Chiropractic care is a well-established complement to prenatal care, but it is always worth mentioning to your OB or midwife as part of your overall pregnancy plan. From there, an evaluation can determine exactly what is contributing to your discomfort and how care can help through the final weeks.
New patients can get their first visit for $97 (a $297 value). Claim the offer or book an appointment at our North or South Austin office to get relief before your due date.
References:
- American Pregnancy Association, chiropractic care during pregnancy — americanpregnancy.org
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, back pain during pregnancy — acog.org