Pregnancy and postpartum pelvic girdle pain: what it is, why it happens, and what helps
Pelvic pain during or after pregnancy that is limiting your daily life?
The myBackPain assessment identifies pelvic girdle pain and distinguishes it from lumbar back pain — guiding you toward the management that actually helps. Results in minutes.
What is pelvic girdle pain?
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) affects approximately 1 in 5 pregnant women and is one of the most common causes of back and pelvic pain in women of childbearing age. It can also persist or develop after delivery. PGP is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated — many women are told it is a normal part of pregnancy and will resolve. For many it does, but for a significant minority appropriate treatment makes a substantial difference.
Why it happens
The hormone relaxin, produced during pregnancy, loosens the ligaments of the pelvis to allow the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis to accommodate the growing baby and facilitate delivery. This ligamentous laxity, while necessary, can make the SIJ and pubic symphysis hypermobile and painful, particularly under load. The altered pelvic mechanics and changed centre of gravity further increase demand on the surrounding muscles.
Relaxin levels remain elevated for several months after delivery — particularly during breastfeeding. This means postpartum PGP can persist or worsen before it improves.
What does it feel like?
- Pain at the posterior pelvis, sacrum, or pubic symphysis
- Pain worse with walking, particularly on uneven ground
- Pain with asymmetric loading: climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, standing on one leg
- A clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvis
- Pain that improves with lying down and symmetrical positions
- In postpartum: pain worse with lifting the baby, particularly when flexed forward
PGP is a specific clinical entity caused by hypermobility and instability at the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. It is distinct from lumbar back pain in pregnancy and requires different management. An SIJ belt, pelvic stability exercises, and avoiding asymmetric loading are the specific interventions — not generic back pain advice.
What helps?
SIJ belt
A sacroiliac belt provides external pelvic compression that significantly reduces pain for many women. Worn during activities that aggravate symptoms. Simple, immediate, and highly effective for most presentations.
Pelvic stability exercises
Specific exercises to strengthen the deep stabilising muscles of the pelvis and lumbopelvic region. The foundation of recovery. Guided by a physiotherapist or osteopath experienced in obstetric presentations.
Manual therapy
Gentle SIJ mobilisation, soft tissue work, and specific techniques are safe and effective in pregnancy. Choose a practitioner experienced in obstetric presentations. Postpartum, more assertive treatment is appropriate as ligaments firm up.
Activity modification
Avoiding asymmetric activities, wide leg movements, and prolonged standing or walking reduces load on the unstable pelvis. Practical guidance on posture when feeding, lifting, and carrying the baby is a key part of postpartum management.
Pelvic pain during or after pregnancy?
The myBackPain assessment identifies the pelvic girdle pain pattern and provides personalised guidance on the management approaches most likely to help.