What is it?
Pelvic girdle pain is pain at the front of the pelvis, or at the back of the pelvis about 8 cm above the tailbone on either side. It can also cause pain in other areas such as your hips, thighs or
your back. The pain usually occurs when you are doing activities that involve more pressure on
one side than the other, such as; walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car or rolling over in bed.
We used to think that pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain was related to the hormone relaxin, that softens your pelvis so that the baby can come out. However, more recent studies suggest it is more likely caused by increased pressure on your pelvis, due to the weight of your baby and the stretching of your tummy muscles.
Pelvic girdle pain is extremely common affecting about 20% of women during their pregnancies. Without
treatment even a small amount of pain may get worse so it is important that you seek help as soon as you notice something not quite right. The treatment is non-invasive and safe at all stages in pregnancy.
Am I at risk?
You are more likely to suffer from pelvic girdle pain if you have a previous history of back or pelvic girdle pain or have previously had injuries to your hips or your pelvis. You are also more likely to suffer if you do physically demanding work, suffer from depression or have a high BMI.
What is normal?
While pelvic girdle pain is common it is not normal for you to be experiencing this kind of pain during your pregnancy. Please seek help, pelvic physiotherapy can help.
Will this continue after my pregnancy?
Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain rarely lingers after birth. Some women (around 22-30% depending on which study you read) do report ongoing discomfort following their deliveries. If this is you, please seek treatment. Studies show that this type of pain can linger for years after delivery. If you’ve already had your baby and you don’t get it treated it is very unlikely to go away on its own.
Will I get this in my next pregnancy?
You are more likely to get it in your next pregnancy if you have had it before but this is not a
guarantee. This is all the more reason to see a physiotherapist now, rather than continuing to
suffer in the future. If you are planning to have another baby, improving your strength and
muscle control before getting pregnant again will make a huge difference to your symptoms.
Can it hurt my baby?
No. Please don’t worry. Your little one is not at any extra risk because of this condition.
Can I still give birth vaginally?
Yes, there is no reason that pelvic girdle pain should prevent you having a vaginal birth.
Will it affect my ability to breastfeed?
No. There is no reason why it would affect your ability to breastfeed, if this is what you have chosen to do.
Quick tips!
While you are waiting for your pelvic health physiotherapy appointment, try to avoid aggravating
the symptoms as much as possible. If it bothers you while you are walking, try to take small
steps. Take stairs one at a time, placing both feet on each step or if this doesn’t work try going
up sideways, try to get in and out of the car with both feet on the ground and use the steering
wheel and the roof of your car for balance. If you need to pick something off the ground, try to
stand up, pressing equally through both legs. Most women find a one knee kneeling position
with legs fairly close together the most comfortable (think a proposal kneel).
Where can I get help?
Right here!
How we can help!
Services we offer include;
● Pelvic floor assessment programs.
● Pre and post natal assessments and exercise programs.
● Age specific management programs for incontinence in children and adults.
● Pessary fitting.
● Pre and post operative gynecological surgery assessment and management.
● Management and rehab of post birth injuries, such as peroneal tears and pelvic floor
muscle injuries.
● Management of pelvic pain, sexual pain and endometriosis related pain.
Citations and sources:
Beales, D. et al. (2020) ‘Understanding and managing pelvic girdle pain from a person-centred
biopsychosocial perspective’, Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 48, p. 102152.
doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102152.
Burani, E. et al. (2023) ‘Predictive factors for pregnancy-related persistent pelvic girdle pain
(PPGP): A systematic review’, Medicina, 59(12), p. 2123. doi:10.3390/medicina59122123.
Mackenzie, J., Murray, E. and Lusher, J. (2018) ‘Women’s experiences of pregnancy related
pelvic girdle pain: A systematic review’, Midwifery, 56, pp. 102–111.
doi:10.1016/j.midw.2017.10.011.
Wiezer, M. et al. (2020) ‘Risk factors for pelvic girdle pain postpartum and pregnancy related low
back pain postpartum; a systematic review and meta-analysis’, Musculoskeletal Science and
Practice, 48, p. 102154. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102154.
