Dismiss Modal

Management

Tailor Sit, Trunk Turn 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.


Tailor sit

This exercise makes your thigh, pelvic, and hip muscles more flexible.

  1. Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together. Your back should be straight.

  2. Gently lean forward until you feel a mild stretch in your hip and thigh muscles. Your back should remain straight. Don’t push down on your legs with your hands.

  3. Hold and count to 5, then relax.

    Pregnant woman sitting on floor doing tailor sit exercise.


Trunk turns

This helps make your trunk (from your shoulders to your hips) more flexible.

  1. Sit on the floor with your legs crossed. Your back should be straight.

  2. Put your left hand on your right knee. Rest your right hand on the floor to support yourself and help you balance.

  3. Slowly twist right. To do this, turn your head, shoulders, and chest as far right as you comfortably can. Keep your hips, knees, and feet in place.

  4. Hold for 5 counts. Then change sides and slowly twist left.

Pregnant woman sitting on floor doing tailor sit exercise.

Featured in

© 2000-2026 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.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location
Related Articles
Read article
OB/GYN
Back Pain During Pregnancy: Moving Safely

Learning the correct ways to bend, lift, and carry objects may help relieve back strain. It will also help you protect your back after your baby is born. Remember, if you’re having trouble protecting your back, it’s OK to ask the people around you for help!

Read article
OB/GYN
Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby

Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

Read article
OB/GYN
Adapting to Pregnancy: Second Trimester

Keep up the healthy habits you started in your first trimester. You might be a little more tired than normal. So plan your day wisely. Look at the tips below and choose the ones that suit your lifestyle.

Read article
OB/GYN
Alcohol and Pregnancy

Drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a baby. In addition, the risk for miscarriage and stillbirth increases with alcohol consumption. Read on to learn more.