Back or pelvic-region pain during pregnancy can make sleep, walking and everyday tasks difficult. Physical therapy may help with movement strategies and an activity plan, while your obstetric care provider remains central to decisions about exercise and pregnancy-related symptoms.
One-on-one PT with Dr. Emily Warren, DPT, Cert. MDT. No referral needed. In-person care in Holladay, serving Greater Salt Lake City, and virtual coaching from anywhere.
Mindful Movement PT offers in-person appointments in Holladay, serving Greater Salt Lake City, and virtual visits when suitable. Contact the clinic to discuss whether your needs fit the service.
Back pain and pelvic girdle pain can overlap
Pregnancy changes how daily activities feel and how much load is comfortable. Pain in the lower back, buttock, pubic region or hips can have different contributors. It should not automatically be attributed to one hormone, a weak core or abdominal separation.
An assessment considers where pain occurs, what activities change it, your stage of pregnancy, relevant medical advice and your goals.
What a PT plan may address
- Comfortable strategies for getting out of bed, sitting and changing positions.
- Ways to adjust walking, work and household tasks.
- Appropriate strength or movement exercises.
- Activity pacing and a manageable home plan.
- Whether pelvic-health or other specialist care is needed.
A plan should be adapted as pregnancy progresses and as your symptoms change. A generic exercise list cannot account for pregnancy complications or individual restrictions.
Meet Dr. Emily: an introduction to online care and coaching
Get to know Dr. Emily through her introduction to hybrid care and coaching. This is an overview of an appointment format, not a demonstration of treatment for a particular condition.
Making daily tasks easier during pregnancy
When activity is appropriate for your pregnancy, small changes can help you find a more manageable day. Try sitting to dress if balancing on one leg is painful, use support when changing position and divide heavier household tasks into smaller parts. Discuss positions and supports that feel comfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
Dr. Emily can assess how back and pelvic symptoms respond to movement and adapt the examination accordingly. McKenzie principles may help with selected back symptoms, but pregnancy-related pain does not call for a standard press-up or abdominal routine.
Pain education helps you understand the findings without blaming your symptoms on “bad posture” or a weak core. The plan may include suitable strength, movement and pacing, with obstetric or pelvic-health input when needed. Tell us which task is hardest and what your pregnancy care team has advised; that is a more useful starting point than a generic list of exercises.
Exercise and your obstetric care team
Talk with your obstetric care provider before starting or changing an exercise program. When activity is appropriate, choose a tolerable starting point and review exercises that cause pain or other symptoms.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers guidance on pregnancy-related back pain and activity.
When to contact your pregnancy care provider
Do not assume new or severe pain is simply a musculoskeletal issue. Contact your obstetric care team promptly for severe back pain, bleeding, fluid leakage, painful contractions, fever or urinary symptoms, or other new concerns. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms such as chest pain, major breathing difficulty or new significant neurological changes.
PT can support suitable activity and function, but it does not replace assessment of pregnancy complications.
Preparing for an appointment
Bring any exercise restrictions or recommendations from your care team, and describe the tasks you most want help with. Virtual care can support discussion and guided movement when appropriate; parts of an examination may need an in-person visit.
For broader information, see our back-pain physical therapy service.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to a PT appointment for pregnancy-related back pain?
Bring any activity restrictions or advice from your obstetric team and describe the task that is most difficult, such as walking, dressing or turning in bed. Dr. Emily can adapt the assessment and movement plan to your symptoms and stage of pregnancy.
Can my exercise plan change as pregnancy progresses?
Yes. Comfort, symptoms and daily demands can change, so the plan should be reviewed and adjusted. Coordinate activity decisions with your pregnancy care provider and tell Dr. Emily about any new medical guidance or symptoms.