Dr Monisha Mallik

Prenatal & Postpartum Care in
NYC for Pain Relief, Strength & Recovery

Holistic Support for Pregnancy, Birth, and the Fourth Trimester

Pregnancy is one of the most profound transformations your body will ever experience. Alongside the excitement, it also brings mechanical, hormonal, and emotional shifts that can cause discomfort, from low back pain and sciatica to round-ligament tension, rib tightness, pelvic pressure, headaches, and posture changes.

At our NYC chiropractic clinic, we specialize in Prenatal Chiropractic Care NYC and Postpartum Chiropractic Care New York using a gentle, movement-based, soft-tissue-driven approach that supports your body at every stage. Our treatments are nonpharmacological, safe, trimester-specific, and rooted in evidence-based methods including Active Release Techniques® (ART), gentle chiropractic adjustments, prenatal soft tissue therapy, diaphragmatic breathwork and corrective exercise programs tailored to your week of pregnancy or postpartum recovery.

Why Prenatal & Postpartum Care Matters

Pregnancy changes everything about how your body moves, stabilizes, breathes, and distributes load.

 These changes are natural, but they can also create discomfort:

  • Lower back pain and stiffness
  • Sciatica or radiating leg pain
  • Rib cage or mid-back tightness
  • Pelvic girdle pain
  • Round ligament pain
  • Hip pressure or limited mobility
  • Headaches and neck tension
  • Difficulty finding comfortable sleep positions
  • Postural changes from breast growth or belly expansion
  • Fatigue and muscle strain
  • Core weakness and shifting center of gravity

After Delivery, New Challenges Can Emerge:

  • Pelvic floor weakness or discomfort
  • C-section scar sensitivity
  • Diastasis recti
  • Neck, shoulder, and upper-back strain from feeding and lifting
  • Hip and sacroiliac joint instability
  • Postural fatigue
  • Generalized tension and stress

Our approach honors the full spectrum, pregnancy through the fourth trimester, with tailored care that adapts as your body changes.

Meet Your Prenatal & Postpartum Chiropractor

Dr. Mallik, Chiropractor in Union Square Specializing in Prenatal & Postpartum Wellness. She offers a deeply holistic approach to Pregnancy Pain Relief NYC, Prenatal Chiropractic Care NYC, and Postpartum Pain & Recovery NYC, rooted in movement science, soft tissue therapy, and gentle adjustments. Every treatment plan is shaped around:

Her care is safe, gentle, and adapted weekly or bi-weekly to the physical demands of pregnancy and motherhood.

Prenatal & Postpartum Chiropractor

PRENATAL CARE

A Trimester-Specific, Holistic Approach

Pregnancy is not “one-size-fits-all.” Each trimester brings its own structural, hormonal, and neurological challenges. Your care plan reflects these changes.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)

The first trimester is defined by rapid hormonal change, increased progesterone, ligament softening (relaxin), and shifts in blood volume. While your belly hasn’t yet grown significantly, your musculoskeletal system begins adapting immediately.

Common Symptoms in the First Trimester

  • Tension headaches
  • Neck and shoulder tightness
  • Early low back discomfort
  • Fatigue and muscle aches
  • Increased sensitivity to stress
  • Postural tension from nausea or altered breathing patterns

How We Treat in the First Trimester

Gentle Chiropractic Care

Subtle adjustments support healthy motion of the thoracic spine, rib cage, and neck—reducing stiffness, relieving tension, and improving breathing mechanics during early pregnancy.

Prenatal Soft Tissue Therapy

Slow, targeted myofascial techniques reduce early pregnancy muscle tightness, promote circulation, and calm the nervous system during hormonal shifts.

Prenatal Exercises

Gentle mobility and breath-coordinated movements build foundational stability, support posture, and prepare the body safely without stressing the uterus.

First Trimester
(Weeks 1–13)

The first trimester marks a period of rapid internal change as hormone levels rise and the body begins adapting to pregnancy demands.

Although physical changes may appear subtle externally, the spine, muscles, and ligaments are already adjusting, often leading to early tension, fatigue, and postural strain.

Common Early Discomforts

  • Tension headaches
  • Neck and shoulder tightness
  • Early low back discomfort
  • Fatigue and muscle aches
  • Increased sensitivity to stress
  • Postural tension from nausea

How We Treat in the First Trimester

Gentle Chiropractic Care

Subtle adjustments help maintain healthy motion of the thoracic spine, rib cage, and neck, reducing stiffness and improving breathing.

Postural Support

Care focuses on easing early postural strain caused by fatigue, nausea, and altered breathing patterns.

Nervous System Balance

Gentle techniques support nervous system regulation, helping reduce stress sensitivity and muscle tension.

Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27)

Addressing Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Postural Shifts & Round Ligament Pain.

As the uterus grows and your center of gravity shifts, the second trimester introduces meaningful mechanical changes.

 

Common Symptoms in the Second Trimester
  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Hip or glute tightness
  • Round ligament pain
  • Mid-back stiffness
  • Rib flare or discomfort
  • Increased foot and ankle fatigue
Active Release Techniques® for Lower Back & Hips
ART targets deep restrictions contributing to:
  • Sciatic nerve irritation
  • Hip and glute tightness
  • SI joint discomfort
  • Lumbar muscular overload 
ART is highly effective here because it directly addresses the “overworking” muscles compensating for postural changes.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Gentle, side-lying adjustments restore motion to the lumbar spine and pelvis, reducing nerve irritation and improving weight distribution.

Round Ligament Support

We use soft tissue mobilization techniques around the pelvis to reduce tension on the round ligaments, easing sharp pelvic or groin pain.

Prenatal Exercises for Second Trimester

A few key examples (explained, not instructed): Pelvic Tilts to improve spinal alignment, Bird-Dog for deep core activation, Seated Piriformis Stretch to reduce sciatica & Body Mechanics Training to ease daily pressure on the ligaments
Evidence shows moderate prenatal exercise reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and preterm birth, and supports both maternal and fetal health.

Second Trimester
(Weeks 14–27)

Addressing Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Postural Shifts & Round Ligament Pain

As the uterus grows and your center of gravity shifts, the second trimester introduces significant biomechanical and postural changes. Increased spinal load, pelvic rotation, and ligament laxity often force muscles to overwork, leading to pain patterns that require both manual care and movement-based support.

Common Symptoms

  • Low back pain and lumbar fatigue
  • Sciatic nerve irritation
  • Hip or deep glute tightness
  • Round ligament or groin pain
  • Mid-back stiffness from postural load
  • Rib flare or breathing-related discomfort
  • Pelvic instability or SI joint strain
  • Foot and ankle fatigue due to weight shifts

How We Treat in the Second Trimester

Active Release Techniques®

ART focuses on releasing deep muscular restrictions that develop as your body adapts to postural changes.

  • Reduces sciatic nerve compression
  • Relieves hip and glute overuse
  • Supports SI joint stability
  • Decreases lumbar muscle overload

Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Gentle, side-lying chiropractic adjustments restore healthy motion to the spine and pelvis while maintaining comfort and safety.

  • Improves pelvic alignment
  • Reduces nerve irritation
  • Enhances weight distribution
  • Supports posture as pregnancy progresses

Round Ligament Support

Targeted soft tissue techniques help calm tension through the pelvic and abdominal attachments of the round ligaments.

  • Eases sharp or pulling pelvic pain
  • Improves pelvic mobility
  • Reduces compensatory muscle guarding

Prenatal Exercise Guidance

Education-focused movement strategies support spinal stability without overloading sensitive tissues.

  • Pelvic tilts for alignment awareness
  • Bird-dog for deep core activation
  • Piriformis stretching for sciatica relief
  • Daily body mechanics training

Third Trimester
(Weeks 28 - Birth)

Supporting Pelvic Stability, Comfort & Preparation for Birth

During the third trimester, the body experiences its greatest mechanical demand. Increased abdominal weight, pelvic expansion, and ligament laxity place significant strain on the spine, hips, and nervous system. Care during this stage focuses on comfort, mobility, and supporting optimal pelvic balance as the body prepares for labor.

Common Symptoms

  • Persistent low back or pelvic pain
  • Sciatica or nerve compression symptoms
  • Hip, tailbone, or pubic symphysis pain
  • Increased rib pressure or shortness of breath
  • Difficulty sleeping or changing positions
  • Pelvic heaviness or instability

How We Treat in the Third Trimester

Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Gentle, pregnancy-safe chiropractic care focuses on maintaining pelvic balance, spinal mobility, and nervous system function.

  • Reduces pressure on the lower spine
  • Supports pelvic alignment
  • Improves overall comfort and mobility

Pelvic & Sacral Support

Specialized techniques address sacral tension and pelvic joint restriction as ligament laxity increases late in pregnancy.

  • Helps stabilize the pelvis
  • Reduces tailbone and SI joint discomfort
  • Supports optimal fetal positioning

Movement & Comfort Strategies

Education-based guidance helps patients move, rest, and position themselves more comfortably throughout the final weeks.

  • Sleep and positioning recommendations
  • Breathing and posture awareness
  • Daily activity modifications for relief

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–Birth)

Preparing for Labor, Reducing Pressure, and Promoting Comfort. This trimester carries the most significant physical stress. Forward spinal load increases dramatically, the pelvis widens, and the diaphragm becomes compressed as the uterus grows.
Common Symptoms in the Third Trimester
  • Sciatica that intensifies
  • Sharp rib or mid-back pain
  • Pelvic girdle pain
  • Difficulty walking or turning in bed
  • Swelling in legs or ankles
  • Increased low back stiffness 
  • Sleep difficulty
Active Release Techniques® for Deep Hip & Pelvic Strain
This phase often brings the highest overload to the lower back fascia and hip stabilizers.
ART releases deep adhesions in:
  • Piriformis
  • Glutes
  • Hip flexors
  • Lumbar fascia
  • Pelvic stabilizers
ART is particularly effective here for reducing sciatica and maintaining mobility.

Side-Lying Chiropractic Adjustments

This position is the safest and most comfortable during late pregnancy, avoiding vena cava compression and allowing precise pelvic alignment work.

Kinesio Taping (Pregnancy-Safe Support)

Kinesio taping provides gentle, non-restrictive support to the lower back, pelvis, and abdominal region during the third trimester. It helps reduce strain, improve postural support, and relieve pregnancy-related discomfort while allowing natural movement without added pressure on the baby.

Third Trimester Prenatal Exercises

Focus includes: Pelvic stabilization, Diaphragmatic breathing, Mobility for labor & Gentle strengthening to support the spine. Everything is passive-instructional, safe, supportive, and guided.

Postpartum Care
(Fourth Trimester)

Healing, Realignment, and Full-Body Recovery.

After birth, the postpartum period involves significant healing—physically, hormonally, and emotionally.

Whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, your body experiences profound changes that require specialized care.

Common Postpartum Challenges

  • Pelvic floor tension or weakness
  • Low back pain
  • Upper-back & neck fatigue from feeding
  • C-section scar discomfort
  • SI joint instability
  • Hip pain
  • Diastasis recti
  • Postural imbalances
  • Wrist/hand pain from infant care
  • Fatigue and weakened core support
  • Emotional stress and nervous system overload

POSTPARTUM CARE
(FOURTH TRIMESTER)

Healing, Realignment, and Full-Body Recovery.

 

After Birth the postpartum period involves significant healing, physically, hormonally, and emotionally.

Whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, your body experiences profound changes that require specialized care.

Common Postpartum Challenges

  • Pelvic floor tension or weakness
  • Low back pain
  • Upper-back & neck fatigue from feeding
  • C-section scar discomfort
  • SI joint instability
  • Hip pain
  • Diastasis recti
  • Postural imbalances
  • Wrist/hand pain from infant care
  • Fatigue and weakened core support
  • Emotional stress and nervous system overload

How We Support Postpartum Recovery

Supporting Hormonal Shifts, Fatigue, Tension, and Early Discomfort

Active Release Techniques® (ART) for Postpartum Healing

ART helps resolve soft tissue restrictions that developed during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. It is especially effective for:

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Lower back tension
  • C-section scar adhesions
  • Hip tightness
  • Rib and diaphragm mobility
  • Upper-back strain from breastfeeding
  • Abdominal fascial tension contributing to diastasis recti

Services List
Piriformis-related

Postpartum Exercise Programs

Exercises are customized and safe, focusing on healing, not intensity.
We work on:

  • Rebuilding core and pelvic floor synergy
  • Improving diaphragmatic breathing
  • Restoring posture
  • Strengthening hips and glutes
  • Supporting lifting mechanics
  • Reducing fatigue
  • Improving confidence in movement

Services List
Disc-related (Herniations, Bulges, Stenosis)

Gentle Chiropractic Care

Childbirth often leads to spinal and pelvic misalignments. Adjustments help:

  • Reduce low back and SI joint pain
  • Improve rib and mid-back mobility
  • Support posture during feeding and lifting
  • Decrease nerve irritation
  • Restore pelvic mechanics


Services List
Cupping therapy

Graston, DNS, PRI

Depending on your needs, we integrate:

    Cupping to reduce deep tension
  • Graston Technique for scar tissue and fascial restrictions
  • DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) to rebuild core function
  • PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) strategies to correct imbalances created during pregnancy

These modalities create a comprehensive recovery system that supports early healing and long-term strength.

Services List
PRENATAL CARE

Who This Service Helps

Prenatal & Postpartum Chiropractic Care is ideal for individuals experiencing:

Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or months into motherhood, care begins where you are, not where you “should” be.

Why This Approach Works

Our prenatal and postpartum care is effective because it:

This is the foundation of Holistic Chiropractic Care NYC, a compassionate, evidence-based, full-body approach.

postpartum care
Years Experience

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Evidence-Based Techniques
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Real Experiences. Real Relief.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We use gentle techniques that are safe and appropriate for every trimester.

Absolutely. These are among the most common pregnancy pains we treat.

Yes. ART and soft tissue mobilization help reduce scar adhesions and improve comfort.

Yes, trimester-specific prenatally and healing-appropriate postpartum.

Some individuals begin as early as 4-6 weeks postpartum (with medical clearance), while others start later. Care is individualized.

Chiropractic Care

Schedule Your Prenatal or Postpartum Assessment

Feel supported, move comfortably, and navigate pregnancy and motherhood with expert, holistic care.
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Email:

hello@drmonishamallik.com

Hours of Operation:

Monday 1 pm - 6 pm
Wednesday 11 am - 6 pm
Thursday 2 pm - 6 pm
Tuesdays by request

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