Pain during pregnancy
Pregnancy-Related Pain
Supporting Women Through Every Stage of Pregnancy in Newport, Ascot Vale and Bacchus Marsh
Pregnancy brings about remarkable changes — physically, hormonally and emotionally. While it’s an incredible journey, it can also come with discomfort and pain around the pelvis that affects your sleep, movement, and daily function.
At Alpha Sports Medicine, our team of Osteopaths, Exercise Physiologists, Chiropractors and Myotherapists are here to support you every step of the way with safe, gentle and evidence-informed care. Our team works in partnership with local midwives, pelvic physiotherapists and maternal nurses to ensure you have the best care team around you.
Osteo, Chiro, Exercise Physio, Myotherapy
What is Pregnancy-Related Pain ?
Pregnancy-related pain refers to the various physical discomforts experienced by expectant mothers as the body undergoes significant changes to support the growing baby. These pains can arise from hormonal shifts, postural adaptations, weight gain, and joint and ligament laxity. Common areas affected include the lower back, pelvis, hips, and legs. While pregnancy pain is often a normal part of the process, it can impact mobility, daily comfort, and sleep quality. With the right care, it can be managed effectively to help ensure a more comfortable and active pregnancy.
Common symptoms of Pregnancy-Related Pain
Lower back or pelvic girdle pain, especially in the later trimesters
Sciatic nerve pain causing radiating discomfort down one leg
Hip and groin pain due to joint loosening or baby positioning
Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or turning in bed
Abdominal cramping or muscle strain from a growing uterus
Generalised muscle fatigue or discomfort in the lower limbs
Common Pregnancy-Related Conditions We Treat
Pregnancy pain conditions can occur under various circumstances, including:
The hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause ligament laxity around the pelvis, placing extra strain on the sacroiliac joints (SIJs). This can feel like deep pain on one or both sides of the lower back, often worse when standing, walking, or rolling over in bed. We use gentle hands-on techniques and targeted exercises to stabilise the pelvis and relieve pressure on the joints.
Pain at the front of the pelvis, especially when walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of the car, may be due to pubic symphysis dysfunction. This common condition affects many pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. Our team can help with manual therapy, pelvic support taping, and guided strengthening exercises to minimise pain and improve movement.
Sharp or pulling pain in the lower abdomen or groin — especially with sudden movements — may be related to stretching of the round ligaments that support the uterus. We use soft tissue therapy, postural advice and gentle stretching to help ease this discomfort and reduce recurrence.
As your body changes, your posture often adapts to accommodate the growing belly and breasts, leading to upper back and rib tightness. This can cause pain between the shoulder blades, around the ribs, and even affect your breathing. Our hands-on care targets restricted areas to improve mobility and comfort through the upper body.
A common complaint in pregnancy, lower back pain can be caused by changes in posture, load, core muscle activation, and hormone-related joint laxity. We assess and treat the underlying drivers with manual therapy, movement advice and strategies to manage and prevent flare-ups.
Swelling during pregnancy can compress the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers. Our team can help manage symptoms with wrist mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and ergonomic advice to reduce nerve irritation and improve hand function.
Pregnancy-Related Pain Treatment
How We Help You at Alpha Sports Medicine
We understand that every pregnancy is different, and so is every treatment plan. At Alpha Sports Medicine, we combine a gentle, patient-centred approach with clinical knowledge to help you feel supported and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Our services include:
🤰 Pregnancy-Safe Osteopathy Care
Gentle, low-force techniques to relieve pain, ease tension and improve mobility without putting stress on the baby or mother
🧘♀️ Targeted Exercise Physiology & Movement Guidance
Safe prenatal exercise that supports pelvic stability, core strength and postural control — all tailored to your trimester
💆♀️ Gentle Manual Therapy for Muscle Tension & Discomfort
Soft tissue therapy to address tight shoulders, glutes, back, and leg muscles commonly affected during pregnancy
🪑 Ergonomic & Lifestyle Advice
We guide you on sleeping positions, daily movement, support belts, and how to modify your routine to stay active and pain-free
Pregnancy Pain Treatment
Why Alpha Sports Medicine?
✅ Clinicians experienced in treating pregnancy-related conditions
✅ Individualised, safe and compassionate care
✅ Clinics in Newport, Ascot Vale and Bacchus Marsh, easily accessible from Altona, Williamstown, Footscray, Yarraville, Moonee Ponds, Melton and Ballan
✅ Multidisciplinary support under one roof — manual therapy, rehab, and soft tissue care
✅ Family-friendly clinic environment
Types of Pregnancy-Related Pain
From early hormonal shifts to the physical strain of late-stage pregnancy, each trimester comes with its own set of common aches and pains. Understanding these changes can help you better manage symptoms and know when to seek support from a healthcare professional.
First Trimester Pregnancy Pain
Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and the first trimester can be a time of significant adjustments, often accompanied by various aches and discomforts as the body adapts to support the growing baby.
Second Trimester Pregnancy Pain
The second trimester often brings relief as the body adjusts to the growing baby, though it can still be a time of physical changes and discomfort, as the body continues to shift to accommodate the developing pregnancy.
Third Trimester Pregnancy Pain
In the third trimester, the body experiences increased pressure as the baby grows larger, and many women may feel more physical discomfort, including back pain, swelling, and fatigue, as the body prepares for labor and delivery.
You don’t have to “just put up with it” throughout your pregnancy journey. Whether you’re managing pain, preparing for birth or navigating your return to exercise postpartum, our caring and knowledgeable team at Alpha Sports Medicine is here to support you.
Book your appointment today to feel more comfortable, supported and confident throughout your pregnancy.
Learn More About Hip Pain
What causes neck pain, and how does osteopathy treat it?
Neck pain can result from factors such as poor posture, muscle strain, whiplash injuries, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Osteopathy treats neck pain by using manual therapy techniques to release muscle tension, mobilize stiff joints, and restore optimal function to the neck and surrounding structures.
How can osteopaths help with chronic neck pain?
Osteopaths for neck pain can help by addressing underlying musculoskeletal dysfunctions, improving spinal mobility, reducing pain sensitivity, and restoring overall physical function. Osteopathic treatment aims to break the pain cycle, promote tissue healing, and enhance the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
Can osteopathy be used as a preventive measure for neck pain?
Yes, osteopathy can be used as a preventive measure for neck pain by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances, promoting proper posture and body mechanics, and providing education on ergonomic principles and self-care strategies.
Can stress and tension contribute to neck pain?
Yes, stress and tension can contribute to neck pain by causing muscle tightness, stiffness, and discomfort. Osteopathy can help reduce stress-related tension in the neck and shoulders by releasing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation through manual therapy techniques and stress management strategies.
How long does it typically take to see improvement in neck-related headaches or migraines with osteopathic treatment?
Osteopathic treatment for neck-related headaches and migraines can vary depending on factors like severity of symptoms, the underlying cause of the headaches, and individual response to treatment. Some people may experience significant relief after just a few sessions, while others may require more extensive treatment over time.