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How Physiotherapy Can Help During Pregnancy

By Chloe Lee

Pregnancy brings many physical changes as your body adapts to support your growing baby. These changes can sometimes lead to back pain, pelvic discomfort, reduced mobility, and pelvic floor symptoms. Physiotherapy can help you manage these changes, stay active, and prepare your body for the demands of childbirth and recovery.

1. Managing Back Pain and Pelvic Pain

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As your pregnancy progresses, changes in posture, joint loading, and body mechanics may contribute to lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and discomfort around the hips. These symptoms can make everyday activities, such as walking, standing, turning in bed, or getting dressed, more difficult.

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A physiotherapist with a special interest in pregnancy-related care can assess your symptoms and develop an individualised management plan. This may include appropriate exercises, movement strategies, posture and activity advice, and practical ways to modify daily tasks to help reduce discomfort and maintain mobility.

2. Staying Active During Pregnancy

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Appropriate physical activity can support general health, strength, mobility, and physical wellbeing throughout pregnancy. A physiotherapist can help you choose exercises suited to your stage of pregnancy, current fitness level, symptoms, and individual needs.

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Your program may include gentle strengthening, mobility exercises, and strategies to maintain comfortable movement during daily activities. Exercise recommendations should be tailored to your circumstances, particularly if you have pregnancy-related complications or have been advised to modify your activity.

Prenatal Yoga Session

3. Understanding Pelvic Floor Health

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The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs, and play an important role in bladder and bowel control. Pregnancy can place additional demands on these muscles, and some women experience urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, or difficulty coordinating their pelvic floor.

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Your physiotherapist can discuss pelvic floor health and provide general guidance on appropriate exercises and lifestyle strategies within their scope of practice. Pelvic floor muscles need more than strength alone; coordination, endurance, and the ability to relax are also important.

4. Preparing for Birth and Recovery

 

Physiotherapy can help you understand your changing body and develop strategies for movement, breathing, relaxation, and physical activity during pregnancy. Learning how to manage everyday tasks and respond to your body's needs can also help you prepare for the physical demands of birth and early motherhood.

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Your physiotherapist can provide individualised advice within their scope of practice and, when needed, work alongside your midwife, obstetrician, or other healthcare professionals to support your care.

How Can Physiotherapy Help You?

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You do not need to wait until pain becomes severe before seeking help. If pregnancy-related discomfort or reduced mobility is affecting your daily life, a physiotherapist with a special interest in pregnancy care can help you explore suitable management options.

Every pregnancy is different. Your physiotherapy care should be tailored to your symptoms, health history, stage of pregnancy, and goals. Seek advice from your maternity care team before starting or changing an exercise program if you have concerns or pregnancy-related complications.

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Pregnancy Massage Session
Pregnant Woman Exercising

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​​​In need of help with pain during pregnancy? Or simply want advice and tips on how to stay active during your pregnancy? Our resident Women's Health Physio Chloe can help! If you would like to make an appointment to consult Chloe, click here to make an online booking, or call (07) 3211 7011 to speak with our friendly reception staff. 

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References

  1. Hallam, T. (2019). Introduction to Human Pregnancy and Pregnancy Health Care. Australian Physiotherapy Association, Introductory Women's Health Physiotherapy Level 1 (IWH1.4).

  2. Bø, K., Stuge, B., & Hilde, G. (2019). Specific musculoskeletal adaptations in pregnancy: Pelvic floor, pelvic girdle and low back pain—implications for physical activity and exercise. In R. Santos-Rocha (Ed.), Exercise and Sporting Activity During Pregnancy. Springer.

  3. Kahyaoglu Sut, H., & Balkanli Kaplan, P. (2016). Effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on pelvic floor muscle activity and voiding functions during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 35(3), 417–422.

  4. Hallam, T. (2020). Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Lifestyle Advice for Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Australian Physiotherapy Association, Women's Pelvic Health Level 1 (WPH1.6).

  5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women: Management (NG123). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng123

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