One such pain is pelvic girdle pain which affects about 80% of pregnant women. The pain might impact your daily activities,, and in some women might lead to a chronic condition later (1). MomJunction gives you insights into the causes and symptoms of pain, along with precautionary measures to manage it effectively.
What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain?
The pelvis, which is the largest bone of the skeleton, is where the hip bones are situated. The pubic symphysis joins them at the front, and two sacroiliac joints link it at the back. A strong network of ligaments surrounds these joints, keeping the bones intact. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) refers to the pain anywhere from the front of the pelvis to the back, buttocks or down the leg, groin, lower abdomen, inner thigh, and vaginal area. The pain can be mild to severe. Severe pain might limit your mobility. It may begin anytime during pregnancy or when you are nearing labor. It can develop after delivery as well (2).
When Does PGP Develop In Pregnancy?
You might feel the pain during early pregnancy (or first trimester) or a few days before labor.
There might be pain and discomfort in the later stages of pregnancy (or third trimester) as the baby moves down into the pelvic region.
You might also feel the pain during the postpartum period (3). Keep reading to know why you experience this pain during pregnancy.
What Causes Pelvic Girdle Pain?
The primary cause of pelvic girdle pain is the low positioning of the fetus in the pelvic region. The increasing size of the fetus puts pressure on the pelvic bones, joints, and ligaments, leading to discomfort. However, the pain might increase due to a combination of factors such as (4) (5):
Uneven movements of the pelvic joints
Changes in the way the pelvic muscles work to support the girdle
Abnormal functioning of one pelvic joint, which stresses the other joints
Increasing maternal weight
Change in the center of gravity as the fetus grows
Pregnancy hormones affecting the connective tissues in the pelvic region
Prior injury or trauma to the pelvic region, from an accident or a fall
Repetitive or strenuous physical activities
Exercise routines that strain the pelvic movements
The position of the fetus putting pressure on the pelvic area
History of lower back or pelvic pain
Physically demanding work routine
So, how do you know if it is PGP and not something else?
What Are The Symptoms Of Pelvic Girdle Pain?
The location and severity of pain vary from woman to woman. The pain can only be on one side, move from one side to another, or it can be a general ache or shoot up suddenly and disappear. The common signs and symptoms of PGP include:
Pain in the lower back, hips, knees, groin, pubic region and thighs
Grinding or clicking in the pelvic region
Pain is noticeable during movements such as – walking on rough surfaces or for long distances, climbing stairs, sitting or standing for a long time, moving your knees while getting in and out of the car or a bathtub, lying on the bed in some positions and sexual intercourse
Pain might increase at night if you are active throughout the day. Symptoms may aggravate with the increasing weight of the baby and change in the center of gravity. It occurs due to the relaxin hormone, which usually softens the ligaments, allowing the pelvis to widen and make room for the baby (6).
How Is Pelvic Girdle Pain Diagnosed?
If you happen to feel any discomfort in the pelvic region, go to the doctor. The doctor will examine you thoroughly, and ask you about the origin of the pain and its severity. Provide all the relevant information about your activities or movements that may be causing the pain, so that the doctor can make the right diagnosis. Pelvic girdle pain may be mistaken as sciatica pain. A physiotherapist can differentiate between both the conditions as they take a detailed look at the pelvic muscles and joints.
Treatment For Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy
PGP is treatable, and you can manage the pain with a few home care tips. Specific exercises and lifestyle changes can help in easing the pain and make the pregnancy better (4). A physiotherapist usually treats pelvic girdle pain. Treatment includes:
Advice on avoiding movements that aggravate the pain, best positions for resting and movement, and pacing your activities to reduce your pain.
Exercises that can relieve your pain, and help you move comfortably. They help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to improve your balance and make the spine stable.
Manual therapy that includes manual realignment of joints is done in multiple visits until the muscles become stronger enough to hold the joints.
Pain relief methods such as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
Hydrotherapy, which involves exercising in water, can provide relief to a certain extent.
Acupuncture from an experienced acupuncturist
A warm bath, heat and cold packs
Pelvic support belts or crutches
If you have severe pain that is limiting your mobility, your doctor will prescribe pain relief medication such as paracetamol or topical analgesics or topical oils.
Exercises That Help Relieve Pelvic Girdle Pain
Some exercises help relieve the pain but check with your doctor before trying them. Stretching and strengthening the muscles of your lower back, hips, and quads can help (7).
You can also do pelvic floor exercises such as pelvic tilts, kegels, cat stretch and hip bridge. Stability ball exercises will also help.
How To Cope With Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy?
You can manage the pain before and after treatment, with the below measures (8):
Stay active as much as the pain allows you to, and rest whenever possible.
Try alternating the positions from sitting to standing during an activity.
Sleep on a side, with a pillow to support your belly and upper leg.
Explore different ways of climbing stairs. While using the staircase, use the pain-free leg first and then the other leg.
Avoid activities such as bending to lift something or carrying anything, as they put stress on the pelvis.
Indulge in safe sex positions such as kneeling on all the fours, or lying on one side.
While walking, take shorter steps rather than longer strides.
Avoid sitting down in a cross-legged position
Be alert while involving pelvic floor muscles before laughing, coughing or sneezing.
Use chairs that have a backrest, or use a cushion for supporting your lower back.
Keep your knees together while getting out of the bed.
Use footwear with low heels and that have arch support.
Get a prenatal massage from a specialized therapist.
Following these tips can help keep the pain away during pregnancy. That brings us to the next question.
Does Pelvic Girdle Pain Affect Your Labor?
PGP will not affect your labor in any way. But if you are apprehensive about your delivery, talk to your doctor about the birth options. They might suggest a few positions for vaginal delivery:
Sitting upright or in a kneeling position
Side-lying with knees or pillows against the chest
Avoid lying down with your back
In some cases, PGP can make it difficult to open your legs up during delivery. If natural birthing is ruled out due to pain, your doctor would recommend a cesarean section.
How Soon Does Pelvic Girdle Pain Reduce?
PGP will go away within a few weeks or months after birth. The chances of postpartum pelvic girdle pain usually exist if the condition was severe during pregnancy (4). Mild pain might recur before periods, as the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that act upon the menstrual cycle might affect as the pregnancy hormones do.
Does PGP Recur In Your Next Pregnancy?
PGP might recur in the subsequent pregnancy, but it can be managed effectively if you remain fit and healthy. Consider having a gap between pregnancies, and try to stay fit and lose weight to lessen the pelvic girdle pain. Strengthening the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles will lessen the chances of PGP in the following pregnancy. Next, we answer some frequent queries about PGP.
