Pregnancy is an amazing journey—but it can come with some not-so-amazing aches and pains. As your body changes to support your growing baby, you might feel discomfort in places you’ve never felt before.

The good news? Physiotherapy can help you feel more comfortable, move better, and prepare your body for birth.

Here are five common types of pregnancy pain and how physiotherapy can make a difference:

1. Round Ligament Pain

What it feels like: Sharp, stabbing, or pulling pain in the lower belly or groin, often on one side. It can happen when you move suddenly, roll over in bed, or stand up too fast.

Why it happens: The round ligaments support your growing uterus. As the uterus stretches, these ligaments can pull and cause pain.

How physio helps: A physiotherapist can show you gentle stretches and safe ways to move that take pressure off the ligaments. They’ll also teach you how to support your belly with better posture and movement.

2. Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

What it feels like: Pain around the hips, lower back, or pelvis, especially when walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of the car.

Why it happens: The joints in your pelvis become more flexible during pregnancy. This can cause instability and pain.

How physio helps: Your physio will assess how your pelvis is moving and give you exercises to strengthen the muscles around it. They might also suggest pelvic support belts or taping to help keep things stable.

3. Pubic Symphysis Pain (SPD)

What it feels like: Sharp or aching pain right at the front of your pelvis, near your pubic bone. It can hurt to walk, stand on one leg, or roll in bed.

Why it happens: The pubic symphysis is the joint at the front of your pelvis. It can become too mobile or misaligned during pregnancy.

How physio helps: Your physio will show you gentle, safe exercises to balance and support the area. They may also use belts or hands-on techniques to ease pain and improve how your pelvis moves.

4. Nerve Pain in the Hip (Like Sciatica)

What it feels like: Shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in your lower back, hip, or down the leg.

Why it happens: As your belly grows, it can put pressure on nerves in your lower back or pelvis, causing irritation.

How physio helps: A physiotherapist can release tight muscles around the nerve, teach you safe positions to reduce pressure, and show you gentle stretches to ease pain.

5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Wrist Pain and Numbness)

What it feels like: Tingling, numbness, or pain in your fingers, hand, or wrist—especially at night or when using your hands a lot.

Why it happens: Extra fluid during pregnancy can put pressure on the nerves in your wrist (the carpal tunnel), causing pain.

How physio helps: Your physio can teach you wrist stretches, show you how to avoid aggravating movements, and recommend splints or supports to wear at night.

Pregnancy pain is common—but it doesn’t have to be something you just “put up with.” A women’s health physiotherapist can help you understand what’s going on in your body and give you the right tools, movements, and support to feel more comfortable and confident.

If you're experiencing any of these pains, don’t wait. Reach out to a one of our Proactive Physios trained in pregnancy care—they’re here to help you move better, feel better, and enjoy your pregnancy as much as possible. Call 07 4053 6222 or book online.