In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
Notice the trigger for pelvic or back pain—turning in bed, stairs, standing, lifting—and ask early about tailored physiotherapy or movement advice.
Ask how to access pelvic-health support in your system and whether a referral is needed.
Do not push through sharp pelvic pain in the hope that more exercise will automatically fix it.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Back, hip or pelvic discomfort may start; pacing, posture and tailored movement can help.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
The skeleton continues to harden and body proportions gradually change.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
Pain deserves help even when it is common. Early adjustments can be easier than waiting until walking or sleep is badly affected.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Notice the trigger for pelvic or back pain—turning in bed, stairs, standing, lifting—and ask early about tailored physiotherapy or movement advice.
- Stay active in ways that feel stable and are appropriate for your pregnancy.
- Learn what movement changes should prompt a call later in pregnancy.
Pause and check
What not to do—or what to ask first
- Do not push through sharp pelvic pain in the hope that more exercise will automatically fix it.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Ask how to access pelvic-health support in your system and whether a referral is needed.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Keep frequently used items between knee and shoulder height and share tasks that require twisting or repeated stairs.
Contact your care team
Contact your doctor or maternity team promptly
Some concerns need advice before the next routine appointment even when they do not feel like an emergency. If a symptom becomes severe, sudden or frightening, use urgent care instead.
See when to contact careUrgent or emergency
Urgent signs during pregnancy or within a year after birth
Get medical care immediately for these symptoms. The list is not exhaustive; if something feels seriously wrong, seek help.
Open urgent warning signs