Physiotherapy for Pregnancy:

Pregnancy is an amazing and exciting time, however it also comes with its challenges including hormonal changes, postural changes and requires greater strength and endurance of the muscular system, as well as a range of conditions that can be experienced during the course of the pregnancy. Physiotherapy for pregnancy can be a crucial inclusion – here are five things you need to know and how physiotherapy can help.

1. Pregnancy-related low back pain, hip pain and rib pain

Low back and pelvic pain are incredibly common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes loosen your joints and ligaments, while your posture shifts as your baby grows. These changes can cause:

• Low back pain
• Sciatica
• Hip pain
• Rib and upper back discomfort
  

What You Can Do

Physiotherapists use safe, hands-on techniques like massage, stretching, and tailored exercises to ease pain and improve posture.

Research has found that 50% of pregnant women suffer from low back pain with 80% experiencing discomfort during daily activities, and unfortunately this can often worsen as pregnancy advances. One factor that may contribute to this pain includes increased weight gain during the pregnancy, which contributes to an increased lumbar lordosis (arching) and therefore more load on the spine.

How can we help? Early interventions like specific strengthening, lumbar mobility exercises and maintaining control of your pelvic muscles can increase resilience and load tolerance as you progress through your pregnancy.

“Women without contraindications should participate in regular aerobic and strength conditioning exercise during pregnancy” – The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists

2. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain

Up to 63% of women at the 30th gestation week develop pelvic girdle pain due to not only the changes that occur naturally with pregnancy, such as changes to your posture, increased pressure on your pelvis due to the growth of your baby and hormonal changes which soften the ligaments that support the pelvis. Pelvic girdle pain is pain in the pelvic joints that may develop during or after pregnancy and can often impact sitting, walking, standing as well as other activities such as turning in bed.

Pelvic Floor Problems

Your pelvic floor muscles do a lot of heavy lifting during pregnancy. They support your bladder, bowel, and uterus. But as your baby grows, these muscles can weaken. This can lead to:

• Urinary incontinence (leaking when you sneeze or cough)
• A heavy feeling in your pelvis
• Pain during sex
  
  

What You Can Do

Pregnancy focussed physiotherapy can teach you specific pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen these muscles and prevent issues. It’s never too early (or too late) to start.

How can we help? We can help supply you with a compression garment or support belt, prescribe strengthening exercises for the hip, pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles and utilise soft tissue massage or trigger points to release painful muscles.

“Women should be advised that there is NO evidence that regular exercise during an uncomplicated pregnancy is detrimental to the woman or fetus” – The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists

3. Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)

As your belly expands, your abdominal muscles stretch and sometimes separate. This is called diastasis recti. It can cause a visible bulge in your stomach and may lead to core weakness or back pain.

What You Can Do

Your physio can check for abdominal separation and give you safe, effective exercises to help close the gap and rebuild strength in your core.

4. Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal complaints

Many musculoskeletal conditions or injuries associated with ligament laxity, which occurs due to the increased levels of oestrogen and relax may result in an increased risk of muscle strains and joint sprains, as well as other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. 

How can we help? We understand and support the growing indication of benefits of regular exercise for the prevention and management of maternal-fetal conditions, complaints and diseases. The prescription of a well-guided, evidence based progressive exercise program should be part of your pregnancy journey. 

5. Shorter & less complicated labour

Regular exercise during pregnancy has also been associated with shorter and less complicated labour, as well as fewer neonatal complications (although the evidence is not conclusive). Regarding the offspring, animal studies have demonstrated benefits of maternal exercise for glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and body composition in offspring, but studies in humans are limited to some preliminary evidence for beneficial effects of maternal exercise on childhood body composition and infant cardiac autonomic control.

Nevertheless, participating in an early, well-guided strengthening program will provide many benefits to both you and your baby – without causing complications or adverse effects.

Recovery After Birth

Just because your baby has arrived doesn’t mean the work is over. Your body still needs time and support to heal. You might experience:

• Continued pelvic floor weakness
• Abdominal separation
• Neck and shoulder pain from feeding or lifting
  

What You Can Do

Postnatal physiotherapy helps you ease back into exercise, rebuild strength, and manage pain. A six-week post-birth physio check is a great way to start your recovery right.

“Indeed, pregnancy may be one of the most important times to adopt a routine of regular exercise given that lifestyle during pregnancy imprints the future health of the child”

FAQs About Physiotherapy for Pregnancy

What does a pregnancy physiotherapist do?

They help manage pain, improve pelvic health, and support safe movement before and after birth.

Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?

Yes! Physiotherapy is gentle and adapted to each stage of pregnancy. A qualified physio will make sure all treatments are safe for you and your baby.

When should I see a physiotherapist during pregnancy?

Anytime! You can start in your first trimester to prevent issues, or later if you’re already feeling discomfort.

Can physiotherapy help with labour preparation?

Yes. Physios can teach you birthing positions, breathing strategies, and exercises to help during labour.

What if I had a caesarean birth?

Physio is still helpful! Post-surgery rehab includes scar care, core exercises, and support for safe return to activity.

FAQs About Sydney Muscle & Joint Clinic

Where are you located?

We have multiple clinics across Sydney. Visit our website for the location nearest to you.

Do you offer pregnancy and postpartum physiotherapy?

Yes! Our pregnancy focussed physiotherapy offers personalised care during and after pregnancy.

Do I need a referral to book an appointment?

No referral is needed. Just give us a call or book online.

Is the service covered by private health insurance?

Yes, most private health funds cover physiotherapy. We can swipe your card on the spot.

Pregnancy doesn’t have to be painful. With the right support, you can feel strong, confident, and ready for each new stage. If you’re in Sydney and looking for help, the team at Sydney Muscle & Joint Clinic is here for you.

Book an appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier pregnancy.