By Gardner Orthopedics | Fort Myers, FL

Pregnancy is one of life’s most transformative journeys — but it’s also one of the most physically demanding. As your body adapts to support a growing baby, hormonal shifts and biomechanical changes can cause pain, stiffness, or instability, especially in the lower back, hips, knees, and feet.

At Gardner Orthopedics, we work with many women before, during, and after pregnancy to help them stay mobile, manage pain, and prevent lasting joint or spine issues. Here’s what you should know about how pregnancy impacts your musculoskeletal health — and what can be done to support it.

Why Pregnancy Affects Joints and Back Health

Several natural changes occur during pregnancy that directly impact orthopedic health:

1. Hormonal Shifts

  • Increased production of relaxin loosens ligaments and joints to prepare for delivery.

  • While helpful for childbirth, this can lead to joint instability, particularly in the pelvis and lower spine.

2. Weight Distribution

  • As the baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, placing additional strain on your lower back, hips, knees, and feet.

  • Muscles work overtime to compensate for this imbalance.

3. Postural Changes

  • Pregnancy often leads to lumbar lordosis (increased curvature of the lower spine), which can result in low back pain or sacroiliac joint discomfort.

“Pregnancy isn’t an orthopedic problem — but it often reveals or magnifies underlying issues,” says Dr. Ron Gardner, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Gardner Orthopedics. “With the right support, most of these symptoms can be managed conservatively.”

Common Orthopedic Complaints During Pregnancy

  • Lower back pain (affecting up to 70% of pregnant women)

  • Hip pain or sciatica

  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

  • Knee pain from weight gain and hormonal ligament laxity

  • Foot pain or plantar fasciitis due to flattening arches

Conservative Relief Options (No Medication Needed)

At Gardner Orthopedics, we work with expecting mothers using safe, non-invasive approaches that relieve pain and support joint stability. These may include:

  • Custom bracing or pregnancy support belts

  • Postural guidance and movement coaching

  • Targeted physical therapy referrals

  • Low-impact activity modifications

  • Footwear evaluations to improve alignment and reduce stress on the knees and hips

“The right support gear can make a huge difference in how comfortable and mobile you are throughout pregnancy,” says Dr. Gardner.

Nutritional Support: A Hidden Piece of the Puzzle

Pregnancy increases your need for certain nutrients critical for joint health — including magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D.

Many women benefit from IV therapy, especially during the second and third trimesters, to:

  • Replenish depleted stores

  • Support hydration and tissue repair

  • Improve energy and reduce leg cramps

Our Activation Medical IVs are customized for safety and comfort, and administered under medical supervision.

What About After Delivery?

Postpartum recovery is just as important as prenatal care — especially if you’ve experienced:

  • Persistent back or hip pain

  • Pelvic floor instability

  • Shoulder or wrist strain from infant care

  • C-section-related core weakness

A Platinum Physical at Gardner Orthopedics is a great way to evaluate your post-pregnancy musculoskeletal health and catch issues before they become chronic.

Real-World Relief in Fort Myers

A Gardner Ortho Patient, a 36-year-old second-time mother, came to us at 28 weeks pregnant with worsening SI joint pain. After a bracing solution, customized movement plan, and weekly hydration IVs, she was able to stay active through her third trimester and avoid early delivery restrictions. Postpartum, she returned for follow-up and pelvic rehab support.

When to See a Specialist

Contact Gardner Orthopedics if:

  • You’re experiencing joint or back pain that limits movement

  • Symptoms worsen with standing, walking, or sleeping

  • Pain is affecting your daily activities or mood

  • You’ve had prior orthopedic injuries or surgeries

📞 We’ll help you feel stronger — not just during pregnancy, but well into motherhood.

About Gardner Orthopedics

Gardner Orthopedics in Fort Myers, Florida, is a full-service orthopedic clinic led by Dr. Ron Gardner. Our services include orthopedic surgery, pain management, foot and ankle care, regenerative medicine, IV therapy, and wellness evaluations — including support for women during and after pregnancy through personalized, compassionate care.

📍 3033 Winkler Ave. Ste. 100, Fort Myers, FL 33916
📞 Call: 1-239-277-7070
🌐 Visit: www.gardnerorthopedics.com

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