Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy: What Actually Helps

Pelvic Pain in pregnancy: how to think about it

NHS guidance describes pelvic girdle pain, sometimes still called symphysis pubis dysfunction, as pain in the joints of the pelvis that affects a substantial minority of pregnancies. The pain is typically felt over the pubic bone at the front, across the lower back, between the legs or across the hips, and is characteristically worse with movements that load one leg at a time: stairs, turning in bed, getting out of a car, standing on one leg to dress. Some people notice a grinding or clicking sensation. The cause is mechanical rather than dangerous, involving pregnancy-related ligament laxity and altered load through the pelvic joints, and it does not harm the baby. The important part of the guidance is that it is treatable. NHS recommends referral to a physiotherapist specialising in obstetric pelvic pain, who can provide exercises, manual therapy and sometimes a support belt, and notes that treatment is more effective started early.

Pelvic Pain: safer choices

• Asking your midwife for a physiotherapy referral. NHS guidance is explicit that PGP is treatable and that physiotherapy should be offered, ideally early.
• Keeping your knees together when turning in bed or getting in and out of a car, which reduces the movement that provokes the pain.
• Sitting down to dress rather than standing on one leg, and taking stairs one at a time or sideways.
• Using a pillow between the knees when sleeping on your side, and avoiding positions that make the pain worse.
• Asking about a pelvic support belt, which physiotherapists sometimes recommend.
• Asking about pain relief, since paracetamol is the usual first choice and a physiotherapist can advise on what else is appropriate.

Pelvic Pain: what to avoid or double-check

• Do not assume it is ordinary back pain that has to be endured. NHS treats it as a distinct condition with distinct treatment.
• Avoid standing on one leg, wide leg movements, heavy lifting, and carrying a toddler on one hip, all of which typically aggravate it.
• Avoid long periods standing or walking beyond what your pain allows, and stop before the pain escalates rather than after.
• Do not start ibuprofen or other NSAIDs on your own for pelvic pain, particularly from 20 weeks. Ask first.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can check the pain relief options people consider for pelvic pain, including paracetamol, topical anti-inflammatories, heat products and supplements, so you can see what is in a product before using it.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

• NHS pelvic pain in pregnancy
• NHS back pain in pregnancy
• ACOG back pain during pregnancy