Condition guide
Pelvic Girdle Pain Physiotherapist Care in Pregnancy
Pelvic girdle pain, often shortened to PGP and sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD, is pain in the joints of the pelvis during or after pregnancy. It can make walking, stairs, turning in bed and getting dressed hard work. Seeing a pelvic girdle pain physiotherapist early can help you manage daily tasks more comfortably, with exercise and practical advice that suits your stage of pregnancy. This page is general information rather than a diagnosis, and an assessment is the sensible next step if your symptoms are not settling.
What is Pelvic Girdle Pain?
The pelvis is a ring of bones joined at the front by the symphysis pubis joint and at the back by the two sacroiliac joints. In pregnancy, hormonal changes, a growing baby and changes in how you move all alter the load through these joints. For some people this causes pain at the front of the pelvis, at the back near the buttock dimples, in the groin or down the inner thigh. PGP is common and is not harmful to your baby. It usually settles after birth, although some people continue to have symptoms afterwards.
Typical Symptoms
- Pain over the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis
- Pain at the back of the pelvis, in the buttocks or across the lower back
- Pain spreading into the groin, inner thighs or between the legs
- Pain standing on one leg, climbing stairs or getting in and out of a car
- Pain turning over in bed or parting the legs
- A clicking or grinding feeling in the pelvis
Common Causes & Triggers
- Hormonal changes in pregnancy that affect the ligaments
- Changes in posture and load as the baby grows
- Uneven movement of the pelvic joints
- A previous pelvic injury or PGP in an earlier pregnancy
- Physically demanding work or lifting
How We Treat Pelvic Girdle Pain at Bluebell
- 1
A conversation about your pregnancy, symptoms and the daily tasks you find hardest.
- 2
Assessment of the pelvis, hips and lower back, adapted to your stage of pregnancy.
- 3
Practical advice on turning in bed, getting dressed, stairs, the car and keeping the knees together for awkward movements.
- 4
Exercise for the pelvic floor, tummy, back and hips, kept within comfortable limits.
- 5
Hands-on treatment where it helps, advice on pacing and support for planning labour positions with your midwife.
Honest Recovery Timeline
Pelvic girdle pain varies a lot between pregnancies. Many people find symptoms easier to manage with advice and exercise, and most improve after birth. If pain continues after your baby is born, physiotherapy can continue into the postnatal period. Your physiotherapist will explain what is realistic for you.
Women's health physiotherapy
Our women's health service lists pregnancy-related pain alongside pelvic floor problems and postnatal recovery. Our page for new and expectant mothers explains the other problems that often appear in pregnancy and after birth. If your pain sits at the back of the pelvis and continues after birth, our SI joint pain guide may also help.
Booking a pelvic girdle pain appointment
Please bring your maternity notes if you have them. Appointments are at Warren Road, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham ME5 9RD, with free parking, Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm. You can self-refer online or call 01634 757123.
When Pelvic Girdle Pain Needs Urgent Medical Attention (Not Physio)
- •Vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, tummy pain or reduced baby movements, contact your maternity unit straight away.
- •Calf pain with swelling or redness, or breathlessness or chest pain, call 999 or seek same day medical care.
- •Severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, contact your maternity unit or call 999.
- •Pelvic pain with fever or pain passing urine, contact your midwife or GP the same day.
Pelvic Girdle Pain — Common Questions
What does a pelvic girdle pain physiotherapist do?
They assess your pelvis, hips and back, then give you exercise and practical advice for daily tasks such as stairs, dressing and turning in bed, adapted to your stage of pregnancy.
Is pelvic girdle pain harmful to my baby?
No. PGP can be very uncomfortable for you, but it is not harmful to your baby.
Is SPD the same as pelvic girdle pain?
SPD, or symphysis pubis dysfunction, describes pain at the front of the pelvis. Pelvic girdle pain is the wider term that includes pain at the front, back or both.
Will pelvic girdle pain go away after birth?
For most people it improves after birth, although some continue to have symptoms. Physiotherapy can carry on into the postnatal period if needed.
What affects the cost of treatment?
The number of appointments you need is the main factor. Ask the clinic for current fees when you book, and check with your insurer if you have a policy.