Pregnancy is one of the most physically demanding experiences a woman's body goes through. As your baby grows and your centre of gravity shifts, the changes in your posture, pelvis, and spinal alignment can cause significant discomfort -- and for many pregnant women in Townsville, that discomfort becomes a daily reality that affects sleep, work, and quality of life.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a safe, gentle, and effective way to manage these changes. At Bamboo Chiropractic in Mundingburra, Dr. Paul Shanahan has completed advanced postgraduate training specifically in pregnancy and paediatric chiropractic, including the Webster Technique, the Inspiral Pregnancy and Paediatric Course, and the Steve Williams Pregnancy and Paediatric Program. Pregnancy care is not a sideline for us -- it is one of our core areas of expertise.
The physical changes of pregnancy place enormous demand on the spine, pelvis, and surrounding musculature. From the first trimester through to the final weeks, these changes are progressive and cumulative -- which is why many women find their discomfort increases as the pregnancy advances.
The most common reasons pregnant women visit Bamboo Chiropractic include:
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Lower back pain from postural changes and the shifting centre of gravity
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Pelvic pain, including symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) and sacroiliac joint discomfort
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Round ligament pain
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Sciatic nerve pain radiating down the buttock and into the leg
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Hip pain and tightness
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Upper back and rib pain from postural adaptation and breast changes
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Headaches related to cervical tension and postural change
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General discomfort from restricted spinal and pelvic mobility
These are not simply things to be endured as part of pregnancy. They are mechanical problems that respond well to gentle, specifically targeted chiropractic care.
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic assessment and adjustment protocol developed for pregnant women. It focuses on the sacrum and the surrounding soft tissues of the pelvis, assessing and correcting sacral misalignment and the associated tension in the round ligaments and uterine supporting structures.
Dr. Paul Shanahan is Webster Technique certified, meaning he has completed the specific training required to apply this protocol safely and effectively during pregnancy.
The goal of the Webster Technique is to restore normal biomechanical function to the sacropelvic region. When the pelvis is balanced and moving well, the uterine environment is optimised -- which supports the baby's ability to move into the ideal position for birth. Many pregnant women also notice significant relief from lower back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatic discomfort following Webster Technique care.
It is important to be clear about what the Webster Technique is and is not. It is a chiropractic technique applied to the mother, not a procedure that directly manipulates the baby. The improvements in pelvic balance that the technique produces create a more favourable environment for the baby -- but the technique itself is applied entirely to the sacrum and surrounding soft tissues of the pregnant woman.
Yes. Chiropractic care, when provided by a chiropractor trained in pregnancy care, is safe throughout all three trimesters. At Bamboo Chiropractic, adjustments during pregnancy are always adapted to suit the specific stage and presentation of each patient.
In practical terms this means:
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Techniques that avoid pressure on the abdomen at all times
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Specialised positioning using pregnancy pillows and bolstering to ensure your comfort on the table
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Low-force adjusting methods appropriate to the increased ligament laxity of pregnancy
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Assessment and monitoring throughout each stage of your pregnancy
Paul's approach is always conservative and patient-led. If at any point a clinical presentation requires referral to your obstetrician or GP, he will tell you that clearly and coordinate with your other healthcare providers as needed.
Your first appointment at Bamboo Chiropractic begins with a thorough consultation. Paul will ask about your pregnancy history, your current symptoms, any relevant medical history, and your goals for care. This information directly informs every aspect of the assessment and treatment approach.
The examination is adapted for pregnancy and will typically include a postural assessment, sacropelvic analysis, orthopaedic testing appropriate for pregnant patients, and a review of how your symptoms are progressing through your pregnancy.
Treatment at the first visit may include a gentle Webster Technique assessment and adjustment, soft tissue work on the surrounding musculature, and postural and positioning advice specific to your stage of pregnancy. We will also discuss a care plan that reflects your specific needs -- whether you are looking for relief from an acute issue or ongoing support throughout your pregnancy.
Many patients continue care through each trimester and find that regular appointments become an important part of their pregnancy routine, both for symptom management and for maintaining pelvic balance as the pregnancy advances.
First Trimester
The first trimester is often when postural adaptation begins and early pelvic imbalances can develop. For patients with a history of lower back or pelvic problems, early chiropractic assessment can be particularly valuable in establishing good spinal and pelvic mechanics from the outset.
Second Trimester
As the abdomen grows and the centre of gravity shifts forward, lumbar lordosis increases and the pelvis begins to adapt to the growing uterus. Lower back pain, round ligament discomfort, and beginning sacroiliac joint stress are common presentations in the second trimester.
Third Trimester
The third trimester places the most significant mechanical demand on the pelvis and lumbar spine. Sciatic pain, pelvic girdle pain, and significant lower back discomfort are common. Webster Technique care is particularly relevant in the third trimester for maintaining sacropelvic balance as the body prepares for birth.
The postpartum period is often overlooked as a time when chiropractic care can be valuable. The physical demands of birth -- whether vaginal or via caesarean section -- alongside the postural demands of feeding, carrying, and caring for a newborn, can place significant strain on the lumbar spine, pelvis, and upper back.
At Bamboo Chiropractic we also provide chiropractic care for newborns and infants. A gentle assessment after birth can identify any tension in the upper cervical spine related to the birth process, which is particularly relevant for babies born via forceps, vacuum, or caesarean section.
If you are interested in bringing your baby in for an assessment, please discuss this with Paul at your next appointment.
FAQs | Pregnancy Chiropractic Care in Townsville
Dr. Paul Shanahan holds a Master of Chiropractic from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic and has more than 17 years of clinical experience.
He has completed advanced postgraduate training in pregnancy and paediatric chiropractic through the Inspiral Pregnancy and Paediatric Course and the Steve Williams Pregnancy and Paediatric Program, and is certified in the Webster Technique.
Pregnancy and paediatric care are among Paul's strongest clinical interests -- patient populations where he has seen gentle, specific chiropractic care make a meaningful difference to comfort, function, and quality of life.
