Pregnancy brings many changes to the body. Some are exciting, while others can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. Back pain, swollen feet, pelvic pressure, and fatigue are common. For some women, these symptoms affect daily life and make movement difficult.
Physiotherapy offers safe and effective support during pregnancy. It helps manage discomfort, prepare the body for birth, and promote recovery afterward. With guidance from a trained physiotherapist, many women find pregnancy more comfortable and feel more confident about the changes their body is going through.
How Pregnancy Affects the Body
Pregnancy affects almost every system in the body. These changes are natural, but they can create strain.
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Hormonal changes: The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments to prepare for childbirth, but it can also make joints less stable.
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Postural changes: As the belly grows, posture shifts, which can strain the back and hips.
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Weight gain: Extra weight increases pressure on the spine, pelvis, and feet.
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Circulation changes: Blood volume increases, which may cause swelling in the legs and feet.
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Pelvic floor stress: Carrying a baby puts extra load on the pelvic muscles, which can lead to leakage or discomfort.
Every pregnancy is different, but many women experience some level of back pain, pelvic pain, or fatigue because of these changes.
Common Physical Problems in Pregnancy
Some symptoms are minor and pass quickly. Others may linger or worsen without support.
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Low back pain – often from changes in posture and joint mobility.
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Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) – pain at the front or back of the pelvis, especially when walking or climbing stairs.
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Swelling and circulation issues – heaviness or tightness in the legs.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome – numbness or tingling in the hands and wrists.
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Pelvic floor symptoms – leakage when sneezing, urgency, or heaviness in the pelvis.
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Fatigue and reduced mobility – difficulty keeping up with daily activities.
These symptoms can make pregnancy harder than it needs to be. This is where physiotherapy can help.
How Physiotherapy Helps During Pregnancy
Physiotherapy is about more than just pain relief. It supports overall health and prepares the body for birth and recovery.
1. Pain Relief and Mobility
Physiotherapists use gentle techniques to ease back, hip, and pelvic pain. This may include massage, stretching, posture correction, or safe exercises.
2. Postural Support
As posture shifts during pregnancy, physiotherapists teach strategies to reduce strain. Simple adjustments to sitting, standing, and sleeping positions can make a big difference.
3. Strengthening Exercises
Targeted exercises build strength in the back, hips, and core. This helps carry the extra weight more comfortably and prevents future pain.
4. Pelvic Floor Training
Physiotherapists teach how to correctly activate and relax pelvic floor muscles. This prevents incontinence, supports the growing baby, and aids in recovery after childbirth.
5. Breathing and Relaxation
Breathwork is important for both managing stress and preparing for labor. Physiotherapists may guide gentle breathing and relaxation techniques to ease tension.
6. Safe Physical Activity
Many women are unsure how much they can exercise while pregnant. Physiotherapists provide safe, personalized exercise plans that maintain fitness without risk.
7. Preparing for Birth
Some sessions focus on positions for labor, perineal massage, or relaxation methods to reduce discomfort during delivery.
Benefits of Physiotherapy in Pregnancy
The benefits extend beyond symptom relief.
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Reduced back and pelvic pain.
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Lower risk of pregnancy-related complications like pelvic floor dysfunction.
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Improved sleep and relaxation.
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Better mobility for daily activities.
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Increased confidence in managing body changes.
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Easier postpartum recovery.
For many women, physiotherapy becomes a form of support—both physical and emotional—throughout pregnancy.
Simple Physiotherapy Tips for Pregnancy
Here are a few examples of safe, common strategies physiotherapists recommend:
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Pelvic Tilts – Lying on your back with knees bent (if comfortable), gently tilt the pelvis up and down to relieve back tension.
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Cat-Cow Stretch – On hands and knees, alternate arching and rounding the back. This eases stiffness.
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Pelvic Floor Squeezes – Short squeezes and relaxations of the pelvic floor muscles, performed daily.
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Gentle Walking – Keeps circulation healthy and maintains mobility.
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Supportive Sitting – Use cushions behind the back and sit with both feet flat on the floor.
Every exercise should be cleared by a professional, especially if there are complications or high-risk factors.
Safety Considerations
While physiotherapy is safe for most pregnancies, it’s important to:
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Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
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Avoid high-impact activities or heavy lifting unless guided by a professional.
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Stop any exercise that causes pain, dizziness, or bleeding.
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Work with a physiotherapist experienced in pregnancy care.
Physiotherapy After Pregnancy
Support doesn’t stop once the baby arrives. Many women continue to benefit from physiotherapy in the postpartum stage. Common reasons include:
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Recovery from cesarean or vaginal birth.
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Healing from pelvic floor tears or trauma.
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Ongoing back or hip pain.
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Postural strain from feeding or carrying the baby.
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Guidance on safe return to exercise.
Postnatal physiotherapy helps restore strength, prevent long-term issues, and support overall wellbeing as the body adjusts after childbirth.
Recovery Rehab Physiotherapy’s Perspective
At Recovery Rehab Physiotherapy in Westmead, we see pregnancy as a journey that deserves support. Many women accept pain or discomfort as “normal,” but often there are safe, simple ways to ease symptoms.
Our approach is gentle, respectful, and based on each woman’s unique needs. Some come for back pain, others for pelvic floor training, and some simply want reassurance that they’re moving safely. We work closely with each client to provide exercises, advice, and hands-on care that fit their stage of pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a time of change, and it’s normal for the body to feel different. But pain, leakage, or limited movement don’t have to be part of the journey. Physiotherapy offers safe, practical ways to manage symptoms, prepare for birth, and recover after delivery.
With the right guidance, women can feel stronger, more comfortable, and more confident throughout pregnancy.
