Growing a baby is remarkable, but it’s hard work on your body. Your posture shifts, your ligaments soften, your weight changes and your circulation is working overtime. No wonder back pain, hip pain and swollen legs are some of the most common complaints of pregnancy. The reassuring news is that they’re usually very manageable, and gentle massage and myotherapy can be a real comfort.
Worth knowing: Reviews of prenatal massage have reported reduced back and leg pain and lower anxiety among women who received regular massage during pregnancy, which fits what we see in the clinic.
At MyoFitness we also offer Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a gentle technique that can help the body move excess fluid, which some people find soothing for tired, heavy, swollen legs during pregnancy.
The evidence for hands-on care in pregnancy is encouraging. Research on prenatal massage, including work from the Touch Research Institute, has reported reductions in back and leg pain along with improvements in mood and sleep among pregnant women who received regular massage.
As always, we keep our claims honest. Massage and myotherapy help with the musculoskeletal aches and tension of pregnancy and with feeling more relaxed. They don’t treat medical conditions of pregnancy, and they sit alongside your antenatal care, never in place of it.
Why these aches happen
Back pain
As your bump grows, your centre of gravity moves forward and the curve of your lower back increases, loading the muscles and joints there. At the same time, the hormone relaxin loosens your ligaments to prepare for birth, which can leave your back and pelvis feeling less stable and more prone to aching.
Hip and pelvic pain
That same ligament softening affects the pelvis, and many people feel it as hip pain, or discomfort at the front or back of the pelvis. Side-sleeping, long walks or standing can all stir it up, and it’s a very common part of later pregnancy.
Swelling
Swelling, especially in the feet, ankles and legs, is common as your body holds more fluid and your growing uterus slows the return of blood from your legs. It’s usually worse at the end of the day and in warmer weather, and while it’s typically normal, some swelling needs checking, which we’ll come to.
When swelling or pain needs medical attention
Most pregnancy aches and swelling are normal, but some warning signs need prompt care. Contact your doctor or midwife straight away if you have sudden or severe swelling, swelling in just one leg with pain, redness or warmth, a severe headache with vision changes, or reduced movements from your baby. These can signal problems that need checking. When in doubt, always get it looked at.
The takeaway
Back pain, hip pain and swelling are some of the most common companions of pregnancy, but you don’t have to simply put up with them. Gentle massage and myotherapy, adapted carefully for pregnancy, can ease the tension and help you feel more comfortable, with research pointing to real benefits. Check with your midwife, and let our Melbourne team support you through these months.
Back, hips or legs aching as your bump grows? Our Melbourne team offers gentle, caring support. Check with your midwife, then book with us.
As your bump grows, your posture and centre of gravity change, which can place extra strain on the lower back. Gentle pregnancy-appropriate treatment may help ease muscular tension and everyday discomfort.
Changes in the pelvis and surrounding tissues can contribute to hip and pelvic discomfort during pregnancy. Myotherapy and gentle massage can be adapted to your symptoms and stage of pregnancy.
Fluid retention and changes in circulation can contribute to swelling and heaviness in the feet, ankles and legs. Gentle lymphatic-style techniques may help support comfort when appropriate.
Treatment is adapted to your changing body, with comfortable side-lying positioning, appropriate pressure and supportive techniques designed around your individual needs.
Regular gentle movement, changing positions, side-sleeping with suitable support, elevating your feet and pregnancy-approved exercise may help manage everyday aches and discomfort.
Most pregnancy aches and swelling are common, but sudden or severe swelling, one-sided leg swelling with pain, redness or warmth, severe headache with vision changes, or reduced baby movements should be discussed promptly with your doctor or midwife.
Our North Melbourne (154 Peel St) and Yarraville (231 Hyde St) clinics are easy to reach from across the area, including:
MyoFitness also operates clinics in North Melbourne at 154 Peel Street and Surrey Hills at 296A Canterbury Road. All three clinics offer Watson Headache® Approach assessment and treatment for migraine.
Three well-established clinics across North Melbourne, Yarraville, and Surrey Hills, each delivering the same standard of clinical care.
A clinical team spanning remedial massage, myotherapy, physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and psychology under one roof.
Recognised for clinical outcomes, patient experience, and professional standards across the allied health industry.
Every session begins with a clinical assessment. Treatment is directed at the actual cause of your pain, not just the location where you feel it.
