Get Ready to Be Born… in September: Why Moms in Their Third Trimester Should Care About Spinal Health. Did you know more babies are born in September than any other month? In fact, 9 of the 10 most common birthdays fall between September 9 and September 20. That means many of your future neighbors—and potential grandbabies—are conceived in December holidays and making their debut in late summer.(ScienceDirect, TIME)
For expectant mothers in their third trimester, that birthday surge can be more than a fun fact—it’s a reminder that your body is working hard, especially your spine and pelvis. If you’re approaching that final stretch, prioritizing spinal health isn’t just smart—it’s essential for safety, comfort, and an empowered birth experience.
What’s Happening to Your Body in the Third Trimester?
By the last trimester, your baby is gaining most of its birth weight. This shifts your center of gravity forward, causing you to lean back for balance. While natural, this compensation can lead to:
- Postural changes and increased spinal curvature (Wikipedia)
- Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) affecting roughly 25% of pregnant women—and nearly half experience milder symptoms (Wikipedia)
- Increased spinal curvature (lordosis), straining muscles and joints (Wikipedia)
- Sciatic nerve irritation from pressure on the lower spine and hips
- Heightened risk of falling and Balance issues due to muscle and balance shifts. Especially as ligaments loosen due to the hormone relaxin (Wikipedia)
It’s no wonder so many moms-in-waiting feel stiff, sore, or short on energy during this phase.
Is Chiropractic or Physiotherapy Safe in Late Pregnancy?
Yes—when done by professionals trained in prenatal care.
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe during pregnancy, with recommended adaptations and no known contraindications when handled appropriately. The American Pregnancy Association endorses it as a beneficial modality.(carolinarehabandphysicalmedicine.com)
Multiple studies reinforce its safety—a 400-patient third-trimester study using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) showed no increased risk for labor complications, cesarean delivery, or episiotomy, while providing meaningful pain relief.(PMC) Several other reviews have found chiropractic care during pregnancy rarely causes adverse events.(BioMed Central)
On the physiotherapy side, proactive mid- to late-pregnancy exercise—including pelvic stabilization and moderate aerobic activity—is not only safe but beneficial for both mom and baby. Physicians recommend 150 minutes per week of moderate activity, which is associated with improved fitness and better labor outcomes.(ACOG, Wikipedia)
Why Both Matter (Especially as September Babies Approach)
Chiropractic Care Benefits
Chiropractors can use gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments to:
- Improve pelvic alignment
- Ease low back and sciatic pain
- Help you move more freely and sleep more comfortably
Prenatal Physiotherapy Benefits
Within a tailored plan, physical therapy can help you:
- Strengthen core and pelvic muscles
- Find safe, effective stretches and movement patterns
- Reduce back pain, stiffness, and postpartum recovery time(Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Wikipedia)
Combined, these approaches help moms “prepare for their debut,” much like September babies lining up for their big entrance.
Safe, Empowered Moves You Can Start Today
- Pelvic tilt exercises (posterior and gentle anterior tilts) can prevent spinal strain and reduce round ligament pain. They’re safe throughout pregnancy with moderation.(verywellfamily.com)
- Moderate aerobic activity—like short walks or prenatal swimming—supports comfort and stamina.(ACOG, Wikipedia)
- Get evaluated by a prenatal-trained chiropractor or physical therapist to tailor posture, mobility, and comfort strategies.
Final Thought: Your Best Support is the One You Can Control
September may be the most crowded birthday month, but your third trimester doesn’t have to be full of discomfort. With safe spinal support—through gentle chiropractic care and smart physiotherapy—you can carry your baby with balance, strength, and confidence.
Want personalized, pregnancy-safe spinal support in Campbell or San Mateo? Reach out to Bay Area Disc Centers—we’re here to help you finish your journey strong.
Ready to invest in your back? If you are a new patient, see our Consultation Special* to schedule your consultation.
Further reading:
- Spinal Decompression Therapy in Campbell & San Mateo
- Sciatica Pain Relief Therapy in Campbell & San Mateo
- Top Spinal Decompression Chiropractor
- Neuropathy Pain Relief Therapy in Campbell & San Mateo
* IMPORTANT NOTE – This offer is for a consultation and review of patient-provided films only. If you already have X-rays or MRI results, the doctor will be happy to review them with you. However, the offer does not include taking new X-rays or MRI, or providing a spinal decompression session. It also does not apply to Worker’s Comp or Personal Injury/Auto cases.