Pregnancy Pain Isn't Just Part of the Process - Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Can Help!

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change—emotionally, hormonally, and physically. But too often, when pain shows up, it’s dismissed as something you just have to live with. Discomfort in pregnancy might be common, but it is not normal. And more importantly, it is treatable.

Pelvic health physical therapy addresses the musculoskeletal changes of pregnancy with clinical precision and whole-person care. Whether you're experiencing sharp, lightning-like twinges in the lower belly (round ligament pain), deep aching near the tailbone or SI joint, or a grinding pressure at the pubic bone (pubic symphysis dysfunction), these are all signs that your body may need support adapting to the rapid changes of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, hormonal shifts soften ligaments while your posture, center of gravity, and load on the pelvic girdle change dramatically. This can strain joints and muscles that were once stable. As pelvic health therapists, we assess the body’s alignment, movement patterns, breathing mechanics, and pelvic floor function to create a personalized plan that promotes stability, eases pain, and supports optimal function.

Techniques may include gentle manual therapy, targeted exercises, movement retraining, and education on positioning and body mechanics. These evidence-based approaches don’t just alleviate symptoms—they can also help prepare the body for a smoother delivery and aid in postpartum recovery.

Most importantly, pelvic health PT is not just about the pelvis. It's about helping you move through pregnancy and birth feeling supported, strong, and informed. Pain is a signal, not a sentence. If you're experiencing discomfort during pregnancy, seek out a pelvic health physical therapist who understands the unique demands of this season.

You don’t have to wait until postpartum to feel better—

Pelvic Health PT can begin now.

By: Dr. Veeda Ahmad, PT, DPT