Back and pelvic pain are among the most common complaints in pregnancy, and what you can safely do about them shifts as the weeks go by. An ibuprofen you took without thinking at 8 weeks may not be the right call at 24. Below is a trimester-by-trimester guide to what is generally considered safe, the symptoms that need a call to your OB, and five chiropractic offices near Draper, starting with Draper Spinal Care.
Why does pregnancy cause back and pelvic pain?
Two changes do most of the work: looser ligaments and a shifting center of gravity. The hormone relaxin softens the ligaments that hold the pelvis together, and the growing belly pulls the lower back into a deeper curve. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that back pain affects more than half of pregnant people.
Pelvic girdle pain is a related but separate problem. It is pain at the back of the pelvis near the sacroiliac joints, at the front over the pubic bone, or both. It often flares when walking, climbing stairs, or rolling over in bed. European guidelines published by Vleeming and colleagues put its prevalence at roughly 20 percent of pregnancies.
What’s safe for back pain in the first trimester?
Gentle movement and simple comfort measures are generally safe in weeks 1 to 13. ACOG recommends about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week for most healthy pregnancies, and walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga all count. Skip hot tubs and saunas, since raising your core temperature above about 102 degrees Fahrenheit early in pregnancy is linked to neural tube defects. A heating pad on low for short periods is a reasonable alternative.
What changes in the second trimester?
Around weeks 14 to 27, the belly starts to load the lower back, and a few rules shift. The FDA advises avoiding NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen at 20 weeks or later because of rare but serious kidney problems in the baby, so ask your OB before taking any pain reliever. ACOG also suggests avoiding exercises done flat on your back after the first trimester. For sleep, lie on your side with a pillow between your knees to keep the pelvis level.
What helps in the third trimester?
In weeks 28 to 40, pelvic pain often peaks, and small changes in how you move matter most. Try these:
- Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car or rolling over in bed
- Take stairs one at a time, leading with the less painful leg
- Sit down to put on pants and shoes instead of standing on one leg
- Ask your provider about a pelvic support belt for longer periods on your feet
Which back pain symptoms mean you should call your OB right away?
Some back pain is not musculoskeletal. Contact your provider promptly if pain comes with:
- Cramping or tightening that comes and goes in a regular rhythm, which can signal preterm labor
- Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- Fever, painful urination, or pain on one side below the ribs, possible signs of a kidney infection
- Sudden swelling, a severe headache, or vision changes
Which chiropractic offices near Draper can you contact?
These five practices are within a short drive of Draper:
- Draper Spinal Care
- Atomic Pilates and Chiropractic
- Colarusso Family Chiropractic
- Revive Health and Chiropractic
- Canyon Chiropractic
Whichever office you choose, get clearance from your OB or midwife first and tell the chiropractor how far along you are.
1. Draper Spinal Care
Draper Spinal Care in Draper is led by Dr. Joshua Stockwell, D.C., and centers its care on NUCCA, an upper cervical technique. NUCCA corrections use light, precise pressure at the top of the neck with no twisting, popping, or cracking of the spine. The goal is to improve alignment from the head down through the hips, which matters when pregnancy is already changing how your weight is carried.
The practice can help with:
- Low back pain, hip pain, and sciatica that runs into the leg
- Neck and shoulder tension, along with headaches
- A detailed postural and spinal assessment before any care begins
Some therapies the office offers to other patients, such as spinal decompression and hyperbaric oxygen, are generally not used during pregnancy, so ask which options fit your stage. Results vary by patient. A complimentary consultation is available to talk through your situation before you commit to care.
2. Atomic Pilates and Chiropractic
Atomic Pilates and Chiropractic is a Bluffdale business that offers both Pilates classes and chiropractic care.
3. Colarusso Family Chiropractic
Colarusso Family Chiropractic is a family chiropractic office in Riverton.
4. Revive Health and Chiropractic
Revive Health and Chiropractic is a chiropractic practice in South Jordan.
5. Canyon Chiropractic
Canyon Chiropractic is a chiropractic office in Highland, in northern Utah County.
How can you stay ahead of pregnancy back and pelvic pain?
Keep moving most days, adjust how you get up, sit, and sleep as each trimester changes your body, and check with your OB before adding any medication or new treatment. Pain that limits walking, sleep, or work is common, but you do not have to push through it alone. Bring it up at your next prenatal visit and ask about safe, hands-on care that fits where you are in pregnancy.
