Osteopathy for Pregnancy Aches and Pains

Reviewed by Dr John White, Osteopath at Osteoworks. Last updated 1 November 2026.

As your body changes to carry your baby, back pain, pelvic discomfort and postural strain are common, but you do not have to simply put up with them. At Osteoworks in Kangaroo Point, our osteopaths offer gentle, hands-on care adapted to your stage of pregnancy. Book Appointment or call (07) 3217 3131.

Why Pregnancy Causes Aches and Pains

Hormonal changes loosen ligaments to prepare the body for birth, your centre of gravity shifts forward as your baby grows, and posture and sleeping positions change. Together these can overload the lower back, pelvis, hips and upper back.

Common Pregnancy Complaints We Help With

Lower back pain

Often felt across the belt line or to one side, and worse after standing or sitting for long periods. See our back pain page.

Pelvic girdle pain

Pain at the front of the pelvis, at the sacroiliac joints or in the buttocks, often worse when rolling over in bed, climbing stairs or standing on one leg.

Sciatic-type pain

Pain, tingling or numbness travelling into the buttock or leg. See sciatic nerve pain in pregnancy: safe relief options.

Hip and groin pain

Aching around the hip, groin or outer thigh, including stretching pain at the front of the pelvis. See our hip pain page.

Upper back, rib and neck pain

A growing ribcage and breast changes can strain the upper back and neck, sometimes with tension headaches. See our headache treatment page.

How Treatment Is Adapted for Pregnancy

We adjust positioning, pressure and technique to your stage of pregnancy and your comfort, using supported side-lying or semi-reclined positions rather than lying on your front. Care may include gentle soft-tissue work, mobilisation, advice on posture, sleep positions and daily activities, and simple exercises you can do at home. [CONFIRM: name any practitioners with additional pregnancy training.]

Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy?

Osteopathic care is generally regarded as safe in an uncomplicated pregnancy when it is adapted to you. We ask about your pregnancy history at your first visit, and we recommend telling your midwife or obstetrician that you are seeing us. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any complications, check with your midwife or obstetrician before booking.

What You Can Do Now

• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees (see best sleeping positions for back and neck pain)
• Change position regularly rather than standing or sitting for long periods
• Keep gently active, for example walking, within your comfort
• Avoid twisting while lifting, and bring objects close to your body
• Ask your midwife or GP about a supportive belt if pelvic pain limits you

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Contact your midwife, obstetrician or hospital promptly, or call 000 in an emergency, if you have:

• Vaginal bleeding or a leak of fluid
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain or regular contractions
• Reduced baby movements
• A severe headache with vision changes, or sudden swelling of the face or hands
• Pain, swelling or redness in one calf
• Fever, or leg weakness or numbness around the groin

After the Birth

The postnatal period brings its own loads, including feeding positions, lifting and carrying, and sleep disruption. We can help with back, neck, shoulder and wrist or hand discomfort. [CONFIRM: timing and any clearance you require after delivery.]

Pregnancy Osteopathy FAQs

Related Treatments

Back pain | Sciatica | Hip pain | Neck and shoulder pain

Book Appointment or call (07) 3217 3131.