Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is common, but it is not something you have to “just live with.” Pain in the hips, low back, groin, or pubic bone can affect sleep, walking, and daily activities. Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy is safe, gentle, and tailored to your trimester. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving stability, and helping you stay active and comfortable throughout pregnancy.
Understanding Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings rapid changes to the body, so many people are told that discomfort is “just part of the process.” While mild soreness can be expected, persistent pelvic pain is often misunderstood and frequently dismissed.
In our clinic, we regularly meet postpartum patients who explain that they experienced pelvic or back pain during pregnancy and were reassured it would resolve after delivery. For some, that happens. For many others, the pain lingers because the root cause was never addressed.
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is common, but that does not mean it is normal or untreatable. Pain that interferes with walking, sleep, exercise, or daily tasks is your body’s way of signaling that it may need support.
Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a safe, non-invasive approach to understanding and improving these symptoms.
What Is Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
Pelvic pain is a broad term used to describe discomfort felt in or around the pelvic region. This pain does not always stay confined to one specific spot. Instead, it may appear in the hips, low back, groin, lower abdomen, or deep within the pelvic floor muscles.
Some individuals describe pelvic pain as sharp or stabbing, while others report a dull ache, burning sensation, pressure, or a feeling of instability. Symptoms may be constant or occur only with certain movements.
A hallmark sign that pelvic pain is becoming problematic is when it begins to interfere with normal daily activities. Many pregnant individuals notice pain when:
rolling over in bed
getting dressed
climbing stairs
walking longer distances
getting in and out of the car.
These movements require coordinated support from the pelvis, hips, and core, which can become more challenging as pregnancy progresses.
Understanding the location, quality, and triggers of pelvic pain helps a pelvic physical therapist determine the structures involved and design an effective treatment plan.
Why Does Pelvic Pain Happen During Pregnancy?
Pelvic pain during pregnancy develops for several interconnected reasons. These changes are natural and expected, but they can still lead to discomfort.
Hormonal Changes
One major factor is the hormone relaxin. Relaxin increases during pregnancy to soften ligaments and prepare the pelvis for childbirth. While this flexibility is essential, it can also reduce joint stability. When the joints become more mobile, the surrounding muscles must work harder to provide support.
Over time, this increased demand can lead to muscle fatigue, tension, and pain. Muscles that are constantly working to stabilize the pelvis, including the glutes, deep core, and pelvic floor, may become tight or irritated.
Postural Adaptations
As the baby grows, the center of gravity shifts forward. To maintain balance, the spine and pelvis adjust. These adaptations may alter how weight is distributed through the hips, low back, and pelvic joints.
Even subtle postural shifts can increase stress on certain areas of the body, especially when combined with prolonged sitting, standing, or repetitive movements.
Movement Pattern Changes
Pregnancy can also change the way a person walks, bends, lifts, and transitions between positions. A shorter stride length, wider stance, or guarded movement pattern may develop as the body tries to protect sensitive joints.
While these adjustments are protective, they can sometimes create new areas of strain and tension.
Muscle Imbalances
As the abdomen expands, some muscles lengthen while others tighten to compensate. This shift can disrupt normal coordination between the core, hips, and pelvic floor.
When muscles are not working together efficiently, movement may become uncomfortable or unstable.
Joint and Pelvic Girdle Stress
Pregnancy places increased load on the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis. These joints are designed to transfer forces through the pelvis, but hormonal changes and mechanical stress can make them more sensitive.
Irritation in these areas may produce pain in the low back, buttocks, groin, or pubic bone.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Pelvic PT During Pregnancy
Pelvic therapy can address a wide range of pregnancy-related pain conditions. These often include:
pelvic girdle pain
sacroiliac joint pain
pubic symphysis pain
hip discomfort
groin pain
pelvic floor muscle tension.
Many pregnant individuals experience overlapping symptoms, as the pelvis functions as a connected system rather than isolated parts.
Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Safe During Pregnancy?
Pelvic PT is considered safe during pregnancy when provided by a trained clinician. Treatment is always adapted to the patient’s trimester, symptoms, medical history, and comfort level.
Therapy sessions are designed to be gentle, supportive, and collaborative. Positions, exercises, and techniques are modified as needed. A pelvic therapist continuously monitors patient response to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Exercise During Pregnancy
A common concern is whether exercise is safe. Current research supports appropriate physical activity during pregnancy for most individuals. Movement can improve:
circulation
maintain strength
support mental well-being
prepare the body for labor.
The key is choosing exercises that match the body’s changing needs.
Internal Pelvic Floor Treatment
When appropriate and not medically restricted, internal pelvic floor treatment may be used to address muscle tension and pain. This approach is always optional and performed only with informed consent.
Internal work is never required to benefit from pelvic PT.
How Physical Therapy Helps Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pelvic physical therapy focuses on identifying and addressing the factors contributing to pain.
Treatment often begins with a comprehensive assessment of posture, movement, muscle function, joint mobility, and pelvic floor coordination. This evaluation helps determine whether pain is driven by muscle tension, weakness, joint irritation, movement habits, or a combination of factors.
Therapy may include:
gentle manual techniques
mobility work
strengthening exercises
breathing retraining
movement education.
Patients also learn strategies to reduce strain during daily activities such as getting out of bed, lifting, walking, and exercise. The goal is not only pain relief, but also improved stability, confidence, and comfort throughout pregnancy.
When Should You Start Physical Therapy?
There is no “perfect” time to begin pelvic PT during pregnancy. Some individuals seek care at the first sign of discomfort, while others wait until pain becomes more limiting.
Earlier treatment often leads to faster improvements because the body has had less time to develop compensation patterns. However, meaningful progress can be made at any stage.
Can Pelvic Pain Get Worse Without Treatment?
Pelvic pain may increase as pregnancy progresses due to continued hormonal influence, growing physical load, and evolving movement demands.
Untreated pain can affect sleep, mobility, activity tolerance, and emotional well-being. It may also limit exercise, which plays an important role in preparing for labor and postpartum recovery.
Pelvic Pain vs Normal Pregnancy Discomfort
While general soreness and fatigue can be expected, pain that is sharp, worsening, or interfering with function is not something to ignore.
If discomfort begins to change how you move, avoid activities, or disrupt sleep, it may be time for evaluation.
When to Seek Help
Pelvic floor PT may help if pain affects walking, bed mobility, dressing, stair use, exercise, or daily tasks. You do not need to wait until after delivery to address symptoms.
Get Help for Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is common, but relief is possible. Pelvic therapy can help reduce pain, improve stability, and support your body through the physical demands of pregnancy.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have questions about insurance, cost, or whether pelvic floor therapy is right for you, we are here to help.
You are welcome to:
Book a discovery call
Call the clinic with questions
Learn more about our pelvic floor therapy services
If you are looking for pelvic floor PT in Northwest Chicago, near Park Ridge IL, Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness is here to support you with transparent guidance and compassionate care.
Book a discovery call or submit a contact form today.
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