Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy: When to See a Physiotherapist

If you are pregnant and experiencing sharp or aching pain in your hips, lower back, or pubic bone, you may be dealing with pelvic girdle pain. This condition affects an estimated 1 in 5 pregnant women, and while it is common, it is not something you simply have to endure until delivery. With the right assessment and treatment, most patients experience meaningful relief and improved mobility.

At Milton Pelvic Physiotherapy, we work with pregnant patients throughout all trimesters to manage pelvic girdle pain safely and effectively. Our team, including Faiza Mastan, who brings over eight years of experience and specialized training in prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy, understands the unique demands pregnancy places on the body.

What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) refers to pain experienced in the joints and ligaments of the pelvis during or after pregnancy. The pelvis is a ring-shaped structure made up of three joints: two sacroiliac joints at the back and the pubic symphysis at the front. PGP can affect any or all of these joints.

Unlike general low back pain, pelvic girdle pain is specifically related to the pelvic joints and is often made worse by activities that load one side of the body at a time, such as walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed.

Common Symptoms

Pelvic girdle pain can present differently from person to person, but typical symptoms include:

Pain at the front of the pelvis (over the pubic bone), sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction
Pain at the back of the pelvis, near one or both sacroiliac joints
Pain that radiates into the buttocks, hips, or inner thighs
A clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvic area
Difficulty walking, especially after sitting or lying down for a period
Pain when standing on one leg, such as when getting dressed
Increased discomfort when turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car

Symptoms often develop gradually during the second or third trimester, though some patients notice them as early as the first trimester.

What Causes Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy?

Several factors contribute to pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Understanding these causes helps explain why physiotherapy is effective for managing the condition.

Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, the body produces increased levels of the hormone relaxin, which loosens ligaments and joints in the pelvis to prepare for delivery. While this is a normal and necessary process, it can reduce the stability of the pelvic joints, leading to pain and discomfort during weight-bearing activities.

Increased Load and Postural Changes

As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus shifts the body's center of gravity forward. This change in posture places additional stress on the pelvic joints, lower back, and hip muscles. The muscles that normally stabilize the pelvis may struggle to compensate, especially if they were not optimally conditioned before pregnancy.

Muscle Imbalance and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The pelvic floor muscles, deep abdominal muscles, and hip muscles work together to stabilize the pelvis. When one or more of these muscle groups is weak, tight, or poorly coordinated, the pelvic joints bear more load than they are designed to handle. This is one of the reasons why pelvic girdle pain responds well to targeted physiotherapy rather than rest alone.

How Physiotherapy Helps Pelvic Girdle Pain

Research supports physiotherapy as a first-line treatment for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. A combination of manual therapy, targeted exercise, and education has been shown to reduce pain and improve function in pregnant patients with PGP.

Assessment and Diagnosis

At your first appointment, we perform a thorough assessment to identify which pelvic joints are affected, evaluate your muscle strength and coordination, and understand how the pain impacts your daily life. This assessment guides an individualized treatment plan rather than a generic approach.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue release, joint mobilization, and myofascial work can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility. These techniques are safe during pregnancy and are adapted to your comfort at every stage.

Strengthening and Stability Exercises

We prescribe exercises that target the deep stabilizing muscles of the pelvis, including the pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, and gluteal muscles. These exercises help restore the muscular support that the loosened ligaments can no longer fully provide. If you are looking for guidance on safe exercise during pregnancy more broadly, our guide on pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy covers what to do and what to avoid by trimester.

Activity Modification and Education

Sometimes small changes make a significant difference. We provide practical strategies for daily activities that commonly aggravate pelvic girdle pain, such as how to get in and out of bed, how to manage stairs, and how to adjust your sleeping position. Understanding your condition and knowing how to manage it day to day is an important part of recovery.

Support Belts

For some patients, a pelvic support belt can provide additional stability and symptom relief during weight-bearing activities. We can advise whether a belt is appropriate for your situation and how to use it correctly.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Many patients wait until their pain becomes severe before seeking help. However, early intervention typically leads to better outcomes. You should consider booking an assessment if you:

Experience pain in your pelvis, hips, or lower back that is interfering with daily activities
Have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed
Notice that pain is getting progressively worse as your pregnancy advances
Want to stay active during pregnancy but find that movement is becoming painful
Have had pelvic girdle pain in a previous pregnancy and want to manage it proactively this time

Pelvic girdle pain does not have to limit your ability to move, work, or prepare for delivery. With appropriate treatment, most patients see improvement within a few sessions.

What About After Delivery?

For many patients, pelvic girdle pain resolves within the first few months after birth as hormone levels normalize and ligaments regain their tension. However, some patients continue to experience symptoms postpartum, particularly if the underlying muscle imbalances were not addressed during pregnancy.

Our prenatal and postpartum program supports patients through both stages, ensuring continuity of care from pregnancy into recovery. Postpartum physiotherapy can address any lingering pelvic girdle pain alongside other common concerns such as pelvic floor weakness and diastasis recti.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Pelvic girdle pain can vary in severity and presentation, and the most effective treatment approach depends on individual assessment. If you have concerns about pelvic pain during or after pregnancy, we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.

Get Help for Pelvic Girdle Pain in Milton

At Milton Pelvic Physiotherapy, located at 400 Bronte St S, Unit 205, Milton, ON L9T 0L3, our team provides specialized assessment and treatment for pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy. We take an individualized, evidence-based approach to help you move more comfortably and confidently throughout your pregnancy.

You do not have to accept pelvic pain as a normal part of pregnancy. With the right support, relief is possible.

Ready to address your pelvic girdle pain? Book an appointment with our team, or call us at (905) 876-8885 to discuss how we can help.

Reviewed by: Priyanka & Faiza Mastan, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist