Pregnancy is an exciting and deeply personal journey, but it can also bring unexpected challenges –especially in a physically demanding job like physiotherapy, massage therapy or nursing. As your body changes, so too might your comfort, energy levels, and physical capacity throughout the day.
But being pregnant doesn’t mean having to step away from your role as a clinician. With the right modifications, many physiotherapists can continue working safely and effectively throughout their pregnancy.
At our clinic, we believe that supporting the health of our team is just as important as supporting the health of our clients. We’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful, simple adjustments to daily tasks, whether it’s modifying a manual transfer, using a stability ball for charting, or being mindful of your physical limits, can make a big difference in staying safe, reducing fatigue, and preventing injury.
In this blog, we’ll share practical strategies for navigating work during pregnancy, including what to adjust, what to avoid, and how to advocate for yourself along the way. Whether you’re newly pregnant or well into your third trimester, these tips are designed to help you continue doing what you love –comfortably and confidently.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Body During Pregnancy
- What are Reasonable Accommodations?
- 5 Simple Solutions To Work More Comfortably While Pregnant
- Exercise is Essential for Pregnant People
- Conclusion: Working Smarter, Not Harder
Understanding the Body During Pregnancy
Pregnancy affects more than just your belly. As the uterus grows, it brings major changes to your muscles, joints, and posture, which is something every clinician should understand when working on their feet or with clients/patients.
- Hormonal shifts: The increase in relaxin during pregnancy doesn’t guarantee discomfort, but it can lead to more joint movement to accommodate your growing baby, which may make you more prone to pain or instability, especially in the pelvis or lower back. Studies have shown that relaxin helps loosen ligaments in the pelvic girdle and throughout the body, increasing joint play to aid childbirth…but this also brings a trade-off: less stability and a higher chance of aches or pelvic girdle pain in some –but not all– expecting people.
- Posture changes: As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward, increasing the curve in your lower back and making standing/walking more tiring.
- Weight gain & swelling: Extra blood volume and fluid retention can lead to swollen legs and feet—OTs, nurses, PTs all feel this strain.
- Core and pelvic floor stress: Your abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate baby, which can affect your balance and contribute to diastasis recti; plus, the pelvic floor carries more weight, increasing strain.
Why it matters for healthcare professionals: If you’re on your feet all day standing, lifting, transferring patients, these changes can make you more prone to fatigue, pain, and even injury. Awareness of these shifts helps you adjust your posture, choose the right footwear, and take breaks before discomfort shows up.
What are Reasonable Accommodations?
Under Ontario law, pregnant workers are entitled to reasonable accommodations to help them stay safe on the job. That means changes to work duties, schedules, or physical setups that reduce risks and support your health are not just helpful, but they are often legally supported. You shouldn’t have to choose between your well-being and your ability to work. Open communication with your employer, paired with guidance from your healthcare provider, can help identify changes that make your day-to-day responsibilities more manageable.
5 Simple Solutions To Work More Comfortably While Pregnant
1. Modify Transfers
Even if you’ve been doing transfers independently for years, pregnancy is the time to adapt. Use proper lifting mechanics–engaging your core, bending at your hips and knees, and keeping the load close to your body. For clients who need more support or are heavier, ask for help or use gait belts and slide boards to reduce the physical load. Your centre of gravity shifts with pregnancy, so what once felt easy might feel more taxing now…and that’s okay.
- Consider using a sliding board
- Get assistance from a colleague, even though you did not require it before you were pregnant
- Limit awkward postures
2. Soft Tissue and Manual Work
Physiotherapists who do manual therapy might find it more fatiguing during pregnancy. Many hands-on techniques can be modified to ease the pressure on your body. One strategy is adjusting your positioning. Try placing one foot up on the treatment bed’s foot bar or a step stool to offload your low back. You might find that sitting while doing some techniques, especially when working on the lower limbs, is more comfortable than standing. Instead of relying on small joints like thumbs or fingers, try using your forearms or elbows for deeper pressure to preserve energy and reduce strain.
3. Take a Seat When You Can
Standing for a long period of time can often put a strain on the low back. Sitting is recommended for 30 minutes at a time to give yourself a break. Some seating surfaces are better recommended than others. Below are some recommendations:
- Use a stability ball when charting or explaining exercises
- Alternate between sitting or standing (every 20-30 minutes) to prevent discomfort
- Try gentle pelvic tilts during a break in work
Charting at the end of the day or after a long session? Still try switching up your usual setup and sit on a stability ball or an ergonomic stool. If you prefer to stand, elevate one foot slightly on a block or step to offload the low back.
4. Supportive, Adjustable Footwear
When you’re on your feet all day as a nurse, OT, PT, or another hands-on professional, your shoes really matter. Opt for supportive sneakers or clogs that offer arch support, cushioning, and slip-resistant soles. Many healthcare workers love brands like Hoka, Asics, Skechers, or Brooks during long shifts because of their shock absorption and padding. Adjustable styles like lace-ups, clogs, or slip-ons with elastic are ideal during pregnancy, as they can adapt to swelling and changes in foot shape. Steer clear of flimsy flats or heels and choose ergonomic options that support your feet and back throughout your shift.
5. Compression Garments for Legs & Pelvis
Pregnancy often brings swelling and leg fatigue –especially when you’re moving, standing, or lifting. Light to moderate graduated compression socks (15–20 mmHg) help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Nurses and therapists commonly wear them during long shifts for that extra support. You can also discuss with your provider id pelvic or abdominal compression shorts early in pregnancy would be appropriate. These can ease pelvic girdle discomfort by gently supporting the belly and stabilizing the pelvis.
Exercise is Essential for Pregnant People
There’s no shortage of people demonstrating prenatal exercises online—but for many healthcare workers, the real value lies in intentional movement. Strength training, pelvic floor work, and mobility-based exercises aren’t just “nice to have” during pregnancy—they’re essential for many of us to keep doing our jobs effectively.
Hip mobility work, pelvic floor strengthening, walking and general strength training helps most pregnant individuals stay feeling good during their pregnancy as they help support posture, and makes a difference in how you feel at work! It is important to note every pregnancy is different, so it is important to check in with your healthcare provider on which exercises would be best for you.
It’s easy to fall into the “keep pushing” mentality –especially in healthcare- but pregnancy calls for a different kind of awareness. Fatigue, shortness of breath, or new aches are signs to pause and reassess. Don’t be afraid to reduce your caseload, ask for help, or say no to tasks that aren’t essential. It’s also helpful to revisit your schedule every few weeks to check in with how you’re feeling and what might need to shift.
Conclusion: Working Smarter, Not Harder
Pregnancy doesn’t mean stepping away from what you love, it just means approaching it differently. With the right adjustments, support from your team, and a focus on movement that supports you, it’s entirely possible to keep working comfortably and confidently. Whether it’s tweaking your body mechanics, using equipment to reduce load, or maintaining a fitness routine, these small shifts can make a big difference.
Your body is doing important work alongside and outside of work, so give it the same care and consideration you give your patients or clients!
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