Condition
Helping you stay comfortable, active and confident throughout your pregnancy
Pregnancy brings remarkable changes to your body as it adapts to support your growing baby. While these changes are completely normal, they can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain around the pelvis and lower back.
For many women, pelvic girdle pain can make everyday activities feel unexpectedly difficult and leave them wondering whether they should simply put up with it until their baby arrives.
The good news is that, while pelvic girdle pain is common, it is not something you necessarily have to struggle through alone.
What is pelvic girdle pain?
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is pain experienced around the pelvis during pregnancy. It may be felt around the front of the pelvis (pubic symphysis), the sacroiliac joints at the back, the buttocks, hips or lower back.
You may notice:
- Pain when walking
- Difficulty turning over in bed
- Pain getting in or out of the car
- Discomfort climbing stairs
- Pain when standing on one leg to get dressed
- Clicking or grinding sensations around the pelvis
- Pain that worsens as the day goes on
Symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to pain that significantly affects your daily life.
Why does it happen?
There is rarely a single cause.
During pregnancy, your body naturally adapts to accommodate your growing baby. Changes in posture, breathing, movement patterns, muscle function, previous injuries, everyday demands and hormonal influences can all affect how comfortably your pelvis copes with these changes.
Pain is not a sign that your body is failing.
More often, it is a sign that your body is working hard to adapt to the incredible changes taking place.
Looking beyond the pelvis
Although the pain is felt around the pelvis, the pelvis itself does not work in isolation.
It works closely with your abdominal muscles, breathing, pelvic floor, hips, spine and the rest of your body. Previous injuries, scars, movement habits and even areas of tension within the abdomen can all influence how your body adapts during pregnancy.
Taking the time to understand these wider influences helps build a clearer picture of why you may be experiencing pain and what is most likely to help.
How I can help
Assessment begins with listening to your story and understanding how your symptoms are affecting your daily life.
Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include:
- Specialist physiotherapy assessment
- Gentle hands-on treatment
- Visceral Manipulation where appropriate
- Movement and activity advice
- Pregnancy-safe exercises
- Breathing and postural strategies
- Education and reassurance
Rather than simply focusing on pain relief, my aim is to help you feel more comfortable, maintain confidence in your body’s ability to adapt and continue enjoying your pregnancy as much as possible.
You don't have to just put up with it
One of the things I hear most often is:
“I thought this was just something I had to put up with until the baby was born.”
While some discomfort can be a normal part of pregnancy, persistent pain should not simply be accepted as inevitable.
Many women find that understanding what is happening in their body, together with the right support and practical advice, allows them to move more comfortably and confidently throughout the rest of their pregnancy.
Looking for ongoing support?
If you’re in your second trimester or beyond, the PhysioNatal® Pregnancy Care Programme provides ongoing support throughout pregnancy, helping you manage aches and pains, prepare your body for birth and feel more confident as your pregnancy progresses.
The programme combines specialist physiotherapy, gentle visceral therapy, birth preparation, pelvic floor education and hands-on treatment, tailored to your individual needs.
