Pregnancy is one of the most physically demanding experiences a body goes through. As your belly grows and your centre of gravity shifts, it’s completely normal to experience back pain, pelvic pressure, swollen joints, and general discomfort. But just because these symptoms are common doesn’t mean you have to push through them on your own.
Pregnancy physiotherapy is a safe, effective, and often overlooked option for expecting mothers who want to stay comfortable, active, and well-supported throughout their pregnancy and beyond. At Baseline Health and Wellness in Burnaby, our registered physiotherapists work with patients at every stage of pregnancy to address pain, improve movement, and prepare the body for labour and postpartum recovery.
What Is Pregnancy Physiotherapy?
Pregnancy physiotherapy involves hands-on treatment and guided exercise from a registered physiotherapist who understands how pregnancy changes the body. It’s not just for high-risk pregnancies or serious injuries. Many expecting mothers benefit from physiotherapy simply because their body is working harder than ever before and needs some extra support along the way.
Sessions are safe throughout all trimesters and are tailored to wherever you are in your pregnancy. Your physiotherapist will assess your posture, movement, pelvic floor function, and any areas of pain to build a treatment plan that fits your stage and your goals.
Common Pregnancy-Related Conditions Physiotherapy Can Help With
Lower back and pelvic girdle pain As your uterus grows and your posture shifts to accommodate the extra weight, the muscles and joints of your lower back and pelvis come under significant strain. Pelvic girdle pain, in particular, is experienced by a large number of pregnant women and can make walking, climbing stairs, and even turning over in bed feel difficult. Physiotherapy can help by releasing tight muscles, improving joint alignment, and giving you exercises to better support your pelvis.
Pelvic floor dysfunction The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, and uterus. During pregnancy, the weight of your growing baby places constant pressure on these muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps you understand how to properly activate and relax these muscles, which can reduce leaking, manage pelvic pressure, and prepare your body for labour. This is one of the most impactful things you can do during pregnancy for your long-term pelvic health.
Round ligament pain Sharp or aching pain on the sides of the lower abdomen is common in the second trimester as the round ligaments stretch to support the uterus. A physiotherapist can help identify contributing factors and provide manual therapy and movement strategies to reduce discomfort.
Sciatica and nerve pain As your baby grows, increased pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause shooting pain, tingling, or numbness running from your lower back down through your legs. Physiotherapy addresses the root cause by releasing tight muscles around the nerve and improving how your pelvis and spine are positioned and supported.
Wrist and hand pain (carpal tunnel) Fluid retention during pregnancy can compress the carpal tunnel and cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hands. Physiotherapy can provide splinting guidance, gentle nerve mobilization techniques, and exercises to manage symptoms through the remainder of your pregnancy.
Postural changes and upper back tension As your belly grows, your shoulders round forward and your upper back takes on more strain. This is especially common for people who work at a desk. Physiotherapy addresses this through postural correction, strengthening exercises, and soft tissue work.
How Physiotherapy Prepares You for Labour and Birth
Beyond managing symptoms, physiotherapy during pregnancy plays an active role in preparing your body for birth. Your physiotherapist can teach you:
- How to breathe and bear down effectively during labour
- Positions and movement strategies to support progress during birth
- How to relax your pelvic floor during delivery to reduce the risk of tearing
- Exercises to strengthen the muscles that support labour and recovery
Many patients find that having a clear understanding of their pelvic floor and breathing mechanics makes the birth experience feel more manageable and within their control.
Postpartum Recovery Starts During Pregnancy
The work you put into your body during pregnancy pays dividends after birth. Physiotherapy helps you build a strong foundation so that postpartum recovery is smoother and faster. Your physiotherapist can also guide you through the transition into postnatal care, helping you safely return to exercise, address any pelvic floor changes after delivery, and manage conditions like diastasis recti (abdominal separation).
Is Physiotherapy Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. Physiotherapy is safe throughout all three trimesters when provided by a registered physiotherapist who is experienced in prenatal care. Your physiotherapist will always adapt techniques to your stage of pregnancy and avoid any positions or interventions that are contraindicated. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or have been advised to limit physical activity by your doctor or midwife, let your physiotherapist know before your first appointment so your plan can be adjusted accordingly.
Pregnancy Physiotherapy in Burnaby
At Baseline Health and Wellness in Burnaby, we offer pregnancy physiotherapy for expecting mothers at every stage. Whether you’re in your first trimester dealing with pelvic discomfort or in your third trimester managing back pain and preparing for birth, our team is here to support you.
You don’t need a referral to book an appointment. Most extended health benefit plans cover physiotherapy, so check your plan details before your first visit.
Book a free consultation at Baseline Health and Wellness in Burnaby