Back and Hip Pain in Pregnancy

Lower back and hip pain is very common during pregnancy. As your belly grows, your body's weight distribution and the way you move change, which affects the load on the tissues around your lower back and pelvis. But the pain can't always be explained by weight gain alone. Previous back pain, daily activities and other individual factors can also play a role. You may feel the pain in your lower back, on one or both sides of your hips, or at the front of your pelvis. It may become more noticeable when you walk, climb stairs or turn over in bed. If your symptoms affect your daily life, it is important to understand the cause and find the approach that is right for you.

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Back and Hip Pain in Pregnancy: Why Does It Happen and What Does It Feel Like?

What Causes Back and Hip Pain in Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, pain around the lower back and hips may get worse when you walk, climb stairs, turn over in bed or stand on one leg. Sometimes the pain is also felt in the groin, the back of the hip or the thighs.

What Is Assessed During a Physiotherapy Evaluation?

Your physiotherapist finds out which movements trigger the pain and how it affects your daily life. Your hip and back movements, muscle function and movement habits are assessed, and a plan suited to you is prepared.

Physiotherapy for Back and Hip Pain in Pregnancy

Physiotherapy aims to ease pain, make movement easier and help you carry on with daily activities more comfortably. Your plan includes personalized exercises, advice on adapting movement, and pregnancy-safe manual therapy techniques.

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Common and Treatable

The prevalence of pain involving the lower back and pelvic region during pregnancy is 63%.

"When I walk, I get pain running from my lower back to my hip."

"My lower back gets really tired when I stand for a long time."

"I can't sleep comfortably because of the pain."

Hong S, Chen L, Zhuang H, ve ark. Prevalence of lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2024;103(2):225–240.

Back and Hip Pain in Pregnancy FAQ

Is back and hip pain normal during pregnancy?

Pain in the lower back and pelvic area is common in pregnancy. But that doesn't mean you have to live with it. If the pain affects your daily tasks, walking or sleep, you can talk to your healthcare provider and ask for a physiotherapy assessment.

How do I know if I have pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy?

Pelvic girdle pain is felt in the lower back, around the hips, in the groin or in the thighs. It commonly gets worse when you turn over in bed, climb stairs, walk or move your legs apart. A clinical examination is needed for a definite assessment.

What happens during a physiotherapy assessment?

First, we discuss where the pain is, when it started and which movements make it worse. Your physiotherapist assesses your movement and the function of your lower back and hip area, then tailors exercises and daily-life advice to your needs.

Can I exercise with back and hip pain in pregnancy?

The choice of exercise should be based on your week of pregnancy, your health and the movements that make your pain worse. Your physiotherapist will show you how to adapt movements. If you have a specific pregnancy-related health condition, share your exercise plan with your doctor as well.

When should I see a physiotherapist for back and hip pain?

If the pain is getting worse, clearly limits your movement or makes daily life difficult, you can book an early assessment. Appropriate advice and a treatment plan early on make it easier to cope with pain and keep up your daily activities.