Maternal health is a cornerstone of public health and a vital measure of a nation’s wellbeing. This year’s World Health Day (WHD) theme, ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’ aims to draw attention and raise awareness of the health of mothers and babies across the world.
Celebrated on 7 April 2025, this year’s WHD will mark the beginning of a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health, urging governments and the health community to increase efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020. Alarmingly, most of these deaths were preventable, with the majority occurring in low-and-middle income nations, where healthcare systems struggle to provide the necessary care.
Among the leading causes of maternal mortality were severe bleeding, infections, high blood pressure during pregnancy, complications from delivery, and unsafe abortions. These are often compounded by several factors, such as delayed access to health services, lack of skilled health professionals, and a limited awareness of warning signs.
In order to reduce these preventable deaths, comprehensive healthcare, strong referral systems, and improved education are key. The WHO stresses the importance of integrated, respectful, and person-centric care throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Crucially for the chiropractic profession, this doesn’t only include necessary medical interventions but also supportive services that promote overall wellbeing—physical, mental, and emotional.
Studies indicate up to 50% of women experience pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or lower back pain during pregnancy in the postpartum period. While many recover after giving birth, approximately 20% report persistent pain for years.
Chiropractors may help manage common pregnancy-related discomforts through tailored, non-invasive techniques that aim to support spinal alignment, posture, and nervous system function. Their services are not only about pain relief—they can also improve mobility, sleep quality, and overall maternal wellbeing. Chiropractors may also provide guidance on exercise, ergonomics, and lifestyle habits that support a healthy pregnancy.
This year, the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) 2025 Connecting Kids Symposium focuses on how the profession can support women and babies, particularly during the 3rd and 4th trimesters of pregnancy.
Featuring seven speakers, the Symposium covers a range of crucial topics, including identifying and addressing the holistic health needs of postnatal families, pelvic floor health and adjusting techniques, and much more.
Under the umbrella of this year’s WHD theme, this year’s Symposium program takes on additional importance. By increasing your understanding of issues related to the 3rd and 4th trimesters in pregnancy, you can position yourself as a key player in improving the health of Australian babies and mothers.
For more information and to register for the 2025 Connecting Kids Symposium, visit chiropractors.org.au/cks.
By contributing your expertise and working within broader healthcare teams, you’ll help ensure that women are empowered, informed, and supported throughout their maternal journey.
As Australia continues to support global efforts to reduce maternal mortality, let’s remember that maternal health is everyone’s responsibility. Whether through direct care or community advocacy, we all have a role to play in promoting healthy, supported pregnancies and safe childbirth experiences. At the Australian Chiropractors Association, we’re proud to be part of this vital mission.