Pelvic girdle pain

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is when you experience pain in your lower back, around your symphysis pubic area, between your perineum and vagina and/or down into your thighs. It can feel worse when you are doing activities such as walking, climbing the stairs, stepping out of the car, stepping into the bath, turning over in bed, getting dressed or having sexual intercourse.  The pain can feel like grinding or clicking and can impede your daily activities.  The symptoms usually become worse as baby grows due to the additional weight in your uterus and the increase of the hormone ‘relaxin’ being released.  Relaxin is needed in order for your pelvis to be more flexible ready for your baby to be born.  It is not known why some women experience this and others don’t but it is thought that existing back injuries or issues can be a predisposing factor.

If you think you might be suffering with PGP it is most effective to get help straight away.  Your midwife or GP can make a referral to a physiotherapist.  The physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment of your pelvic joints and spine.  Alongside this, many people have found the following tips helpful in managing their PGP: 

• Keep active but listen to your body, avoid movements that could exacerbate the pain
• Rest frequently
• Talk to your friends and family about your PGP and ask for support
• When turning over in bed, keep your knees together
• Try different sleeping positions and use pillows for support
• Try sitting down to get dressed to avoid standing on one leg
• If you are using crutches, try using a backpack to carry things
• Ask someone to bring everything you need downstairs for the day to avoid climbing the stairs
• Try different positions for sex, for example, kneeling or side lying

Possible treatments for PGP:

• Physiotherapy exercises
• A support belt
• A chiropractor or osteopath who specialises in PGP
• Using crutches
• The use of hot and cold packs or TENS machine
• Pain medication, especially at night time if it affects your sleep

More support and information can be found on Pelvic Partnership