Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your obstetrician or midwife before commencing physiotherapy during pregnancy. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Pregnancy is one of the most physically demanding periods of a woman's life. Pain is common — but it is not inevitable, and it doesn't have to be endured. Physiotherapy provides safe, effective treatment for the most common sources of pregnancy-related discomfort.
Why Pregnancy Causes Pain
The dramatic physical changes of pregnancy — weight gain, altered centre of gravity, postural changes, and the hormone relaxin causing ligament laxity — place significant new demands on the musculoskeletal system. The lumbar spine curves more to accommodate the growing uterus, loading the facet joints. The pelvis widens, straining the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. The shoulders round forward as the breasts grow. These changes accumulate progressively across all three trimesters.
Low Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain
The most common presentations in our clinic during pregnancy:
- Lumbar back pain: Facet joint, disc, and paraspinal muscle pain from postural load. Responds well to manual therapy, exercise, and postural advice.
- Sacroiliac joint pain: Pain over the posterior pelvis, often one-sided, aggravated by rolling in bed, standing on one leg, and walking upstairs. Pelvic belts, manual therapy, and stabilisation exercises.
- Pubic symphysis dysfunction (PGP): Pain over the pubic bone, inner thighs, or groin. Often worse with walking, stairs, and getting in and out of cars. Activity modification and pelvic stability exercises.
Pelvic Floor Health During Pregnancy
A prenatal pelvic floor assessment optimises pelvic floor function before birth and sets up postnatal recovery. Our physiotherapists provide: pelvic floor muscle assessment, teaching correct contraction and relaxation technique (relaxation is as important as strengthening for birth), perineal preparation massage technique instruction, and labour and delivery positioning advice.
Safe Exercise During Pregnancy
A physiotherapist-designed pregnancy exercise program maintains fitness, manages weight gain, reduces gestational diabetes risk, and shortens labour. Programs are adapted for each trimester and individualised to your pre-pregnancy fitness level and any pregnancy complications.
Prenatal Physiotherapy at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
Our women's health physiotherapists see patients throughout pregnancy. We can accept Medicare EPC referrals and private health insurance. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does physiotherapy treat during pregnancy?
Low back pain (extremely common, affecting up to 70% of pregnant women), pelvic girdle pain (sacroiliac joint, pubic symphysis dysfunction), round ligament pain, carpal tunnel syndrome (fluid retention compresses the median nerve), rib pain from rib flare, leg cramps, sciatica, postural pain, and preparation for labour (breathing, positions, pushing technique).
Should I see a pelvic floor physio before giving birth?
Ideally yes. A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment before birth identifies any pre-existing tension or weakness, and can address perineal preparation for reducing tearing risk. It also prepares you for postnatal pelvic floor rehabilitation. Most women benefit from at least one prenatal pelvic floor appointment, particularly if planning a vaginal birth.
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
Yes — exercise is strongly encouraged during uncomplicated pregnancies. Current guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. A physiotherapist can design a safe pregnancy exercise program that adapts as the pregnancy progresses, avoids contraindicated positions and movements, and includes pelvic floor exercise.
What exercises should I avoid during pregnancy?
After the first trimester, avoid prolonged lying flat on your back (compresses the vena cava), high-impact jumping, contact sports, activities with fall risk, deep twisting movements under load, and exercises that cause diastasis recti stress (advanced abdominal exercises in late pregnancy). A physiotherapist will guide you through a safe, trimester-appropriate program.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora