Back and pelvic pain are common in pregnancy, and pelvic girdle pain affects about 1 in 5 pregnant women. Staying active within your comfort, taking regular breaks and doing suitable exercises may help. Tell your midwife or doctor about your pain, and contact them urgently if you also have bleeding, fever, regular tightenings or reduced baby movements.
What is pelvic girdle pain?
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is pain in the joints at the front or back of the pelvis. It was previously called symphysis pubis dysfunction. You might feel it over your pubic bone, across your lower back or hips, or in your groin or thighs. It can be worse when you walk, climb stairs, stand on one leg or turn over in bed.
The Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy group has a detailed guide for women during and after pregnancy. PGP is not harmful to your baby, but it can be painful and affect your daily life, so it’s worth seeking help early.
Why does back and pelvic pain happen in pregnancy?
Several things can contribute, including your changing body, pregnancy-related stretching of the muscles that support your back and pelvis, and changes in how your joints are loaded. A history of back or pelvic pain before pregnancy has also been linked to PGP. For more on back pain in general, see our guide to lower back pain.
What can help with back and pelvic pain in pregnancy?
- Stay active within your comfort: NHS advice encourages remaining as active as your pain allows and taking regular breaks.
- Exercise your tummy and pelvic floor muscles gently: a physiotherapist or other qualified practitioner can guide you. Rehab exercises may be adapted as your pregnancy progresses.
- Try exercising in water: some women find this comfortable.
- Change how you do painful movements: take stairs one at a time if needed, keep your knees together when getting out of a car or bed, and avoid standing on one leg to get dressed.
- Spread the load: avoid carrying a heavy bag on one side, and ask for help with heavy lifting.
- Use pillows in bed: a pillow between your legs may be more comfortable when you lie on your side.
- Ask about pelvic support belts: some women find them useful, although one review of the research found only limited evidence for them.
- Check before taking medication: ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist what is safe for you to take in pregnancy.
Can you see a chiropractor while pregnant?
This is a decision to make with your midwife, gynaecologist or doctor and your chiropractor. Manual therapy is among the options used for PGP, and NHS leaflets also mention it. A UK clinical paper cites a review that found advice and education to be important and stabilising exercises able to reduce pain and disability during pregnancy, with only limited evidence supporting manual therapy.
If you do see a chiropractor, tell them how far along you are and about any pregnancy complications. They should adapt positions and techniques, explain the benefits and risks of each option, and refer you if your symptoms need obstetric care. You can read more about chiropractic adjustments, and you may decline any technique or ask for an alternative.
When should you contact your midwife or doctor urgently?
Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit immediately if you have back or pelvic pain with any of the following:
- Vaginal bleeding or a leak of fluid
- Regular tightenings or cramps, or pain that comes and goes in a pattern, particularly before 37 weeks
- Reduced or changed baby movements
- Fever, burning when you pass urine, or pain in your side or back with feeling unwell
- Severe or sudden pain, or pain after a fall or accident
- Numbness around your genitals or back passage, new leg weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control
Frequently asked questions
Will pelvic girdle pain stop me from having a vaginal birth?
Most women with PGP can have an active labour and vaginal birth. Tell your birth team so they can help you find comfortable positions and stay within your pain-free range of movement.
Does pelvic pain go away after birth?
Symptoms improve after birth for many women, but they can last longer for some. Speak to your doctor or a health professional if your pain continues, and take advice before returning to sport.
Is exercise safe during pregnancy?
For most women, it is. Some pregnancies need restrictions, so check with your midwife or doctor.
You can read about chiropractic care or get in touch with any questions.
This article is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment by a registered healthcare practitioner or your maternity care team.