Physiotherapy condition

Pregnancy-Related Pain孕期疼痛

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle and lower-back pain can develop as hormonal, postural and mechanical changes affect the body during pregnancy. More than two-thirds of women are estimated to experience these pains.

Book an Appointment Explore the condition

During pregnancy, the body undergoes several physiological changes.

Hormonal Changes

In preparation for childbirth, a hormone called relaxin is released. It relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis and softens and widens the cervix.

Postural and Mechanical Changes

As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts, which may cause the lower back to overarch. Your abdominal muscles also stretch and become less active.

These changes may unfortunately lead to lower back pain or pelvic girdle pain. It is estimated that more than two-thirds of women experience these pains during pregnancy. It is advisable to seek professional help early to manage and reduce existing symptoms, and ensure that they do not affect your quality of life during and after pregnancy.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Pelvic tilts can help relieve backaches.
Pelvic-floor exercises are important for core stability and continence.

Care for Your Back

Understand proper lifting techniques.
Manage loads and distribute them evenly.

Get the Right Gear

A maternity support belt may help relieve pain.
Good footwear can help relieve or prevent foot aches.

Include Physical Activity in Your Daily Routine

Regular exercise helps strengthen muscles in general.
Safe exercises during pregnancy include walking, stationary cycling and swimming.

A physiotherapist can provide:

Education on proper postures and positioning during pregnancy
Advice on relevant maternity supports if required
Pain relief with manual therapy to restore normal joint and soft tissue movement
Targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles
Instructions on how to start or continue general exercise to maintain physical fitness

For more insights on pregnancy-related pain, explore our page on Diastasis of Rectus Abdominis Muscle (DRAM).

Why do you get pelvic and lower back pain during pregnancy?

Pelvic and lower back pain during pregnancy is caused by hormonal change — the hormone relaxin loosening the pelvic ligaments — and postural change as your growing baby shifts your centre of gravity and stretches the abdominal muscles. It affects more than two-thirds of women.

Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?

Yes — safe exercise during pregnancy includes walking, stationary cycling and swimming, along with pelvic tilts and pelvic floor exercises for core stability and continence.

How can a physiotherapist help with pregnancy-related pain?

A physiotherapist helps with pregnancy-related pain through education on posture and positioning, advice on maternity supports, manual therapy to restore normal joint and soft-tissue movement, and targeted strengthening and stretching exercises.