Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Olympia, WA
Pregnancy changes your body quickly. Back pain, pelvic discomfort, and sciatic nerve pain are common — and they are the kind of musculoskeletal problems chiropractic care is well suited to address. Dr. McConnell works with each patient individually, adapting technique and positioning to your stage of pregnancy and your level of comfort. If you are looking for drug-free support for pregnancy-related pain, we would like to talk with you.
Why Your Body Feels Different During Pregnancy
Pregnancy reshapes your body structurally, not just visibly. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, placing new demands on your lower spine, pelvis, and hips. Relaxin — a hormone your body produces during pregnancy — loosens ligaments and joints to prepare for birth. This is necessary, but it also reduces the stability your spine and pelvis rely on for everyday movement.
The result is often lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip tension, and sciatic discomfort. These are not signs that something has gone wrong. They are predictable responses to real mechanical changes. Chiropractic care addresses the musculoskeletal side of those changes — helping restore alignment, reduce joint stress, and make daily movement more comfortable.
Symptoms Prenatal Chiropractic Care May Help With
Dr. McConnell commonly sees pregnant patients for the following:
Lower Back Pain and Lumbar Strain
Pelvic Girdle Pain and SI Joint Discomfort
Sciatica and Radiating Hip or Leg Pain
Round Ligament and Hip Tension
Postural Strain From a Shifting Center of Gravity
Sleep Disruption From Positioning Discomfort
Chiropractic care during pregnancy addresses musculoskeletal discomfort — it works alongside your existing prenatal care, not in place of it.
Is Prenatal Chiropractic Care Safe?
For most patients without high-risk complications, chiropractic care is considered a safe option during pregnancy. Technique and positioning are adapted to your stage of pregnancy and individual comfort at every visit. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or concerns about whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation, speak with your OB or midwife first — we are happy to work with your prenatal care team.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We understand that visiting a chiropractor for the first time during pregnancy involves real questions about safety and physical experience. Here is what a first visit looks like at Back in Action:
A Thorough Conversation Before Anything Else
Dr. McConnell sits down with you first. He discusses your symptoms, your pregnancy history, and your goals before any treatment begins. As one of our patients noted in her Google review: “Before he began to adjust me, he sat down and explained EVERYTHING in detail about the overall objective and target goals of chiropractic care.” That is not an exception — that is how every visit starts. — Kayla D., Google Review
Setup and Positioning Adapted to You
You will not be asked to lie in a position that is uncomfortable or inappropriate for your stage of pregnancy. Dr. McConnell customizes the setup for each patient based on individual comfort and need. He does only what is necessary — no over-treatment, no surprises.
Setup and Positioning Adapted to You
You will not be asked to lie in a position that is uncomfortable or inappropriate for your stage of pregnancy. Dr. McConnell customizes the setup for each patient based on individual comfort and need. He does only what is necessary — no over-treatment, no surprises.
Honest Answers About What Chiropractic Can and Cannot Do
If chiropractic care is not the right fit for your specific situation, Dr. McConnell will tell you. His care is excellent and he only does what is necessary — the goal is for you to leave with a clear understanding of what was done, why it was done, and what to expect going forward.
Ongoing Care Adjusted to Where You Are
Pregnancy changes week to week. Your care plan is not fixed — it is adjusted to your current stage, how your body is responding, and what your goals are at each visit. What works in the second trimester may be modified in the third, and Dr. McConnell will discuss those adjustments with you openly.
Ongoing Care Adjusted to Where You Are
Pregnancy changes week to week. Your care plan is not fixed — it is adjusted to your current stage, how your body is responding, and what your goals are at each visit. What works in the second trimester may be modified in the third, and Dr. McConnell will discuss those adjustments with you openly.
Care by Trimester
Every pregnancy is different, and so is the approach to care at each stage:
First Trimester
Postural strain and lower back tension can appear before the bump is visible. Care at this stage is conservative and low-force, focused on spinal alignment and reducing early muscle compensation. Most patients without complications are good candidates for care.
Second Trimester
The most active window for prenatal chiropractic care. The belly is present, the center of gravity is shifting, and musculoskeletal load is increasing. Back pain, pelvic discomfort, and sciatic symptoms often peak during this period. Care is adapted to accommodate the growing belly while continuing to address alignment and joint function.
Third Trimester
Options depend on the individual patient. Positioning and technique are adapted to belly size and comfort. Some patients continue regular care through the end of pregnancy. Others transition to more targeted, supportive work. Dr. McConnell will assess what is appropriate at your stage and be straightforward about what he can and cannot do.
Every recommendation is based on where you are in your pregnancy, how your body is responding, and what is appropriate for your individual situation.
Working With Your OB or Midwife
We encourage open communication with your prenatal care team. Many OBs and midwives are comfortable with patients receiving chiropractic care for musculoskeletal symptoms during pregnancy — and some actively recommend it. Dr. McConnell can document your care if your provider wants to review it. If your OB or midwife has specific questions about what we do, we welcome that conversation.
Insurance, Cost, and Getting Started
We accept most major insurance plans, including many plans common to military families in the Thurston County area. CareCredit is available for patients without coverage or with high deductibles. Our $95 New Patient Special covers a full exam, spinal X-rays if needed, consultation, and your first adjustment — no hidden fees, no insurance required to get started.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
For most patients without high-risk complications, chiropractic care is considered safe during pregnancy. Technique and positioning are adapted to your stage and comfort level at every visit. If you have concerns or a high-risk pregnancy, consult your OB or midwife before your first appointment.
Will I have to lie on my stomach?
No. Dr. McConnell adapts positioning to each patient’s stage of pregnancy and comfort. You will not be placed in a position that is uncomfortable or inappropriate for where you are in your pregnancy.
Do I need a referral from my OB or midwife?
In most cases, you do not need a referral. However, we encourage you to let your OB or midwife know you are receiving chiropractic care. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage — our team can help you check before your visit.
How many visits will I need?
This depends on your symptoms, how your body responds, and your goals. Some patients find relief in a few visits. Others benefit from ongoing care through the length of their pregnancy. Dr. McConnell will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific situation.
Can chiropractic care help with sciatica during pregnancy?
Sciatica during pregnancy is often related to pelvic and lumbar changes that put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce that pressure and relieve radiating hip and leg pain. Results vary by individual, and Dr. McConnell will assess your specific presentation before recommending care.
Is the first trimester too early to start?
Not necessarily. Postural strain and lower back tension can begin in the first trimester before the visible bump appears. Care at this stage is conservative and low-force. If you are experiencing discomfort early in your pregnancy, a consultation is a reasonable first step.
What if I am in my third trimester?
Third-trimester patients may have more limited positioning options, but that does not mean chiropractic care is off the table. Dr. McConnell will assess what is appropriate for your stage and be straightforward about what he can offer. Come in for a consultation and we will give you an honest answer.
Does Back in Action accept insurance for prenatal chiropractic?
We accept most major insurance plans. Coverage for prenatal chiropractic varies by plan. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment so there are no surprises. CareCredit is also available as a flexible payment option.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing back pain, pelvic discomfort, or sciatic pain during your pregnancy and want to find out whether chiropractic care is a good fit, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Dr. McConnell will listen to what you are dealing with, explain what he can realistically help with, and let you decide how you want to proceed. Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and surrounding Thurston County.