Dismiss Modal

Management

Pelvic Tilt, Leg Lift for Back Pain During Pregnancy

Choose a preferred language

Before trying these exercises, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure they are safe for you. Ask your healthcare provider how many times to do each exercise.


Pelvic tilt

This exercise stretches muscles in your buttocks and lower back. It also makes your stomach stronger and helps set up good posture.

  1. Get on your hands and knees with your back straight. A mat can help cushion your knees.

  2. Try to pull your stomach muscles in. Tuck in your buttocks. This will tilt your pelvis up. As your pelvis tilts, your back will rise toward the ceiling.

  3. Hold and count to 5, then relax.

Pregnant woman on all fours doing pelvic tilt exercise.


Leg lifts

This makes the muscles of your back, buttocks, and stomach stronger.

  1. Get down on your hands and knees. Put your arms directly under your shoulders. Keep your knees shoulder-width apart.

  2. Round your back. Then lift your left knee and gently bring it toward your elbow. Look at your knee as you raise it. (Stop moving your knee if you feel pressure in your stomach.)

  3. Keeping your knee slightly bent, extend your leg. Lift your leg until you feel a stretch in your low back. Don’t lift your leg higher than your hip.

  4. Hold for 5 counts, then lower your left leg. Repeat the exercise with your right leg.

Pregnant woman on all fours doing leg lift exercise.

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
OB/GYN
Pregnancy: Your Weight

The weight you gain now is not just extra fat. It is also the weight of your baby. And it is the increased blood and fluids to support the baby.

Read article
OB/GYN
Nutrition During Pregnancy

What you eat matters to your baby and your health. Here's a helpful guide to what's safe for you to eat during pregnancy.

Read article
OB/GYN
TOLAC (Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery)

You've had a cesarean section birth. Now you may wonder if you can try vaginal birth with your next baby. It's likely you can. The attempt to have a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is called a trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC). It's often a success. To find out more about TOLAC, read this health sheet.

Read article
OB/GYN
Labor and Childbirth: Your Body Prepares

Learn about the physical changes that often signal that your baby will soon be born.