Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain during pregnancy: physiotherapy focused on pelvic instability, lower back pain and recovery after birth.
What is it?
Pelvic pain during pregnancy, sometimes called pelvic girdle pain or pelvic instability, is a common complaint. It often feels like a dull or sharp pain around the pubic bone, lower back, or one side of the pelvis, usually worse with walking, climbing stairs, turning over in bed, or standing for a long time.
The complaint develops because hormones such as relaxin loosen the ligaments around the pelvis, combined with a shifting centre of gravity and extra load on the pelvic girdle. This is a normal part of pregnancy, but it can still be uncomfortable and limiting in daily life.
At Physical Studio we look at how your pelvis, back and core work together during movement. With a focused intake and movement analysis we map out where the extra strain is coming from, so we can put together an exercise and treatment plan that fits your stage of pregnancy.
Common causes
- Increased levels of the hormone relaxin, which loosens pelvic ligaments
- A shifting centre of gravity and changing posture as the belly grows
- Reduced stability of the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles
- Asymmetrical loading, for example from standing or sitting on one side
- Previous back or pelvic complaints before pregnancy
- A previous pregnancy with pelvic pain
- Physically demanding or one-sided work during pregnancy
- Limited targeted strength and stability around the pelvis and trunk
How we diagnose
We start with a thorough intake in which we map out your complaints, stage of pregnancy and daily load. This is followed by a movement analysis: how you move when walking, climbing stairs, standing up and turning over, and exactly where the pain occurs. Where clinically relevant, we test the strength and stability of your trunk and hips with targeted functional tests. This gives us a clear picture of which structures are under strain and which approach fits best.
Treatment approach
Treatment at Physical Studio focuses on reducing the load on your pelvis and building stability around the pelvis, back and core. We do this with tailored exercise therapy, manual therapy to ease tension in the back, pelvis or hips, and practical advice on posture, lifting and movement technique in daily life. Research shows that targeted exercise therapy can help reduce complaints during pregnancy. We always adjust intensity to your stage of pregnancy and consult with your midwife or obstetrician where needed.
Expected recovery
How quickly complaints ease off varies a lot from person to person and depends on the nature and duration of your complaints, your stage of pregnancy, and how much pelvic strain you experience daily. Many women notice a meaningful reduction in discomfort with daily movements within a few weeks of targeted guidance. After birth, pelvic pain gradually eases for many women, though this does not happen automatically for everyone: targeted exercise therapy for the pelvis and core can support recovery.
When to seek help
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is usually harmless, but always contact your GP or midwife if you experience severe or suddenly worsening pain, pain with fever, vaginal bleeding, numbness or tingling in your legs, difficulty walking or standing, regular contractions or signs of labour, reduced baby movements, or if you are worried about the baby. If you are unsure whether your symptoms fit pelvic pain or something else, always contact your GP or midwife first.
Frequently asked questions
Is pelvic pain during pregnancy normal?
Can I exercise and train during pregnancy?
What helps with pelvic instability?
Do the complaints go away on their own after birth?
Can I keep working with pelvic pain?
Is physiotherapy for pregnancy-related pelvic pain covered by insurance?
Can I also come in after giving birth with pelvic complaints?
Should I use a pelvic support belt?
Does this sound familiar? Book an appointment.
Our physiotherapists are happy to help you with a personalized treatment plan.