Pelvic Girdle Pain during pregnancy

1 in 5 women experience pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy

Our bodies are amazing transformers. Our pelvis expands to make room for our babies to grow and engage into a birthing position.

But, as these changes occur and baby gets heavier, it can put a lot of pressure on our pelvic joints (particularly the sacroiliac joint), resulting in stiffness, instability or misalignment.

The severity of PGP ranges from mild discomfort, to extreme pain (though this isn't too common). Most of those who have experienced PGP symptoms will be able to identify certain activities or movements which trigger their discomfort or pain.

Common triggers of PGP include:
++   walking for long periods of time, on uneven surfaces or on an incline
++   going up stairs
++   standing on one leg (for example when you’re getting dressed)
++   turning over in bed, or getting out of bed
++   getting in or out of the car, or a low seat
++   having sex

PGP can commonly present as lower back pain or pain in the hips, thighs and knees - basically anywhere around where baby is growing.

PGP is sometimes confused with sciatica, as the symptoms are similar - always best to check with your healthcare provider.

If the discomfort is mild, symptoms are often brushed off as "pregnancy aches and growing pains" - which they are, but definitely don't need to be ignored!

PGP is a structural issue, and responds well to manual manipulation - so worth a trip to a physiotherapist or chiropractor who specialises in treating pregnant women.

​Working in some movement therapy like prenatal yoga into your exercise routine, is a fantastic way to stretch and strengthen the muscles, and help with alignment.

So if you are experiencing any kind of pain around the pelvis, glutes, lower back or thighs, visit your healthcare provider or physio to get some tailored guidance on PGP and how to manage your symptoms.