Last updated October 2026
Back, hip and pelvic discomfort are some of the most common complaints in pregnancy. As your baby grows, your posture shifts, your centre of gravity moves forward and pregnancy hormones loosen the ligaments around your pelvis. It is no surprise that many expectant mums in Timaru start wondering whether a chiropractor could help.
★View the Best Chiropractors in Timaru→If you are thinking about it, here is what to know before you book, and the questions worth asking.
Your midwife comes first
In New Zealand, your Lead Maternity Carer, usually a midwife, is your main point of contact during pregnancy. Mention to your midwife that you are thinking about seeing a chiropractor, especially if your pregnancy is considered higher risk or you have had complications before.
Some symptoms need your midwife or the maternity unit straight away rather than a chiropractor. Contact your midwife first if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
- Severe, sudden or constant pain in your back or abdomen
- Fewer baby movements than usual
- Headaches, swelling or changes in your vision
- Pain with fever, or pain that wakes you at night and keeps getting worse
Are chiropractors safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractors in New Zealand are registered health practitioners, and their training includes working with pregnant patients. A careful chiropractor will take a full history, ask about your pregnancy and adapt the way they work as your bump grows.
That does not mean every technique suits every pregnancy. A good chiropractor will tell you if something is not suitable for you, and will refer you back to your midwife or GP if your symptoms need a different kind of care. You can check that any chiropractor is registered and holds a current practising certificate on the Chiropractic Board register.
How soon to tell your chiropractor you are pregnant
As soon as you know, or think you might be. Even in the first weeks, your chiropractor will want to know so they can choose positions and techniques with your pregnancy in mind, and avoid things like X-rays.
If you already see a chiropractor for back or neck pain, there is usually no need to stop just because you are pregnant, but let them know at your next appointment so they can adjust your care.
How sessions change as your pregnancy progresses
- First trimester
- Full history, gentler positioning, no X-rays
- Second trimester
- Side-lying positions, pillows or a table with a section that drops away for your bump
- Third trimester
- Shorter sessions, more time getting on and off the table, positions that keep you comfortable
- After the birth
- A fresh check-in once you feel ready, often with your baby along
Many chiropractors also use low-force tools such as handheld instruments, or drop tables, where a section of the table gives way slightly as a gentle adjustment is made. Ask what techniques they use and what each one feels like.
Chiropractor, physiotherapist or pregnancy massage?
Each offers something different, and plenty of women use more than one.
Chiropractor
- What it involves
- Assessment of the spine, pelvis and joints, with gentle adjustments
- Worth knowing
- Registered health practitioner, no referral needed
Physiotherapist
- What it involves
- Assessment, exercises, taping, support belts and advice
- Worth knowing
- Some specialise in pelvic and women’s health
Pregnancy massage
- What it involves
- Relaxation and muscle tension relief, with side-lying positions
- Worth knowing
- Choose a therapist trained in pregnancy massage
If you are unsure where to start, your midwife can suggest what is most likely to suit your symptoms.
Things you can do at home
- Keep moving. Walking and swimming are gentle ways to stay active through pregnancy.
- Sleep with support. A pillow between your knees and under your bump can make side-sleeping more comfortable.
- Take care when lifting. Bend your knees, keep loads close and ask for help with heavy things, including toddlers where you can.
- Watch your shoes. Low, supportive shoes are kinder to your back than heels or flat jandals.
Questions to ask before you book
- Do you regularly see pregnant patients, and what extra training do you have?
- How do you adapt positions and techniques as the pregnancy progresses?
- What happens at the first appointment, and how long is it?
- Is there anything in my history that means I should check with my midwife first?
- Do you offer care after the birth, and do you see babies?
Where Lough St Chiropractic fits
Lough St Chiropractic is a clinic on Lough Street in West End, Timaru, run by Dr Michelle Behr, a registered chiropractor with nearly ten years of experience. Michelle offers chiropractic care during pregnancy, using a range of techniques from gentle adjustments with handheld instruments to hands-on adjustments on drop tables.
A first appointment runs for around an hour and covers your health history, orthopaedic and neurological tests and your range of motion, followed by a Report of Findings to talk through your care plan. Michelle also sees babies and children, and the clinic is Southern Cross affiliated. You can book online or call 03 661 4310.
