Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain

Physio&SoleClinic Pelvic Floor, Physiotherapy, Pre & Postnatal March 25 2022

What is Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) refers to pain felt in the front and/or back of the pelvis. This condition is also known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).

How common is PGP?

PGP is a common condition during pregnancy. A number of studies have reported about 45% of women have experienced PGP during pregnancy. About a third of them started to experience PGP before 20 weeks of pregnancy. The occurrence of pelvic pain increases to about 60-70% in the third trimester. PGP usually resolves six weeks after the baby is born.

What causes PGP?

The exact reason that leads to the occurrence of PGP remains unknown. It is thought that the hormonal and postural changes during pregnancy contribute to the development of PGP in pregnant women.  Pregnancy hormones such as relaxin softens your ligaments in your pelvis, causing uneven movement in your joints. Additionally, postural changes caused by weakening of core abdominal muscles increase the pressure and stress on your pelvis, therefore increasing the risk of developing pelvic girdle pain. 

What are the symptoms of PGP in pregnancy?

Symptoms of PGP vary in women. The common symptoms include:

• Pain over the pubic bone
• Pain at the side of the buttocks
• Having a sensation of deep pain in the pubic area and groin
• Pain may extend to the inner thighs and lower back area
• Grinding or clicking sensation in the pubic area

Most pregnant women report pain being more noticeable during movements such as turning in bed, getting in or out of the car, walking, and going up or downstairs.

How do I manage Pelvic Girdle Pain?

You may be able to ease your pain by observing the following:

• Avoid movements that worsens your pain.
• Keep your knees together when getting in and out of bed.
• Refrain from standing on one leg.
• Take one step at a time when taking stairs.
• Get dressed sitting down.
• Avoid prolonged walking or standing.
• Take rests in between when walking long distances.

How can Physiotherapy help?

A Women’s Health Physiotherapist will be able to perform a thorough assessment and prescribe the appropriate exercises, together with adjunctive therapy to relieve your pain, improve your pelvic joint stability, and normalise function. The management plan will include a combination of the following:

• Patient education
• Posture correction
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Deep core abdominal exercises
• Gait aid
• Transcutaneous nerve stimulator (TENS)
• Pelvic support belts

Do not continue suffering with pelvic girdle pain! Our Women’s Health Physiotherapists are here to help! Feel free to contact us for more information or to arrange an appointment.  

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