Pregnancy and spinal discomfort

Pregnancy is an incredible journey full of excitement, change, and a growing list of things to think about (including how to tie your shoes!). But for many, it also brings physical discomfort, especially in the spine. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As your baby grows, your body works overtime to adapt, which can sometimes leave your spine feeling the strain. The upside? There are plenty of gentle ways to find relief and keep moving with confidence.

Why Does Pregnancy Affect Your Back?

Your body is doing some amazing behind-the-scenes work to prepare for birth. That includes changes in posture, muscle engagement, and joint mobility—all of which can affect your back. Here’s how:

• Your posture shifts. As your belly grows, your centre of gravity moves forward. This can cause your lower back to arch more than usual, placing extra tension on your spine.

• Your core isn’t as switched on. The deep muscles that usually support your spine and pelvis become less active, meaning your back muscles are picking up the slack.

• Your joints are more flexible. Pregnancy hormones (especially relaxin) help loosen ligaments to get your body ready for birth. Helpful for delivery—less helpful for spinal stability during pregnancy.

• You’re carrying more load. That beautiful bump adds weight, which increases pressure on your back muscles and joints.

Simple Ways to Feel More Comfortable

Back pain might be common during pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it. These small shifts can make a big difference:

• Gentle movement. Walking, stretching, or a bit of prenatal yoga can help keep your spine mobile and reduce stiffness.

• Posture tweaks. Sit with a supportive cushion, stand tall when you can, and try not to stay in one position for too long.

• Smarter sleep set-ups. Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees as it can help keep your spine in a comfy, neutral position.

• Hands-on support. Osteopathic treatment can ease tension, restore movement, and provide tailored strategies to help your body feel more at ease as it adapts.

When to Reach Out for Help

Mild back discomfort is part of the pregnancy package for many—but sharp pain, persistent stiffness, or pain that travels down your legs could be signs your body’s asking for extra support. If it’s making day-to-day life harder, an osteopath can work with you to ease discomfort and improve how you move and feel.

Your body is doing something extraordinary. With the right support, your back can feel just as strong and capable as the rest of you

How Osteopathy Can Help During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of huge transformation—physically, emotionally, and mentally. While it’s a beautiful journey, it can also bring its fair share of aches and challenges, especially around the mid and lower back, pelvis, and hips. That’s where osteopathy can offer real, gentle support.

As an osteopath, my focus is on working with your body to ease discomfort, restore balance, and keep you moving well. Your body is doing something remarkable: making space for your growing baby and sometimes that process brings tension, stiffness, or strain. Through safe, hands-on techniques, osteopathic treatment aims to help relieve pressure and encourages your body to adapt more comfortably to these changes.

Here’s how treatment can support you during pregnancy:

• Ease neck, shoulder, mid and lower back and pelvic tension by improving movement and reducing muscular tightness.

• Support shifting posture as your centre of gravity changes and your belly grows.

• Reduce stress on joints and muscles with techniques that promote ease and flexibility.

• Boost circulation and fluid balance, which can assist with swelling and general wellbeing.

But more than that, osteopathy is about personalised care—tuned in to you as a whole person, not just your symptoms. Whether you’re looking for relief from pregnancy-related pain, support as you prepare for birth, or simple guidance on posture and movement, it’s all about helping you feel calm, strong, and confident in your body as it changes.

If you’re feeling the strain and want support that’s gentle, practical, and tailored to your needs, osteopathy might be just the thing to help you move through pregnancy with a little more ease. At VIP Osteopathy in Keilor, we are here to help!