Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

Also used to be known as pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD). This is common in pregnancy, affecting approximately 56-72% of pregnant women. It may occur with or separately to low back pain. A small number of women experience PGP and/or low back pain after having their baby. This may be a new or ongoing pain from the pregnancy.

PGP can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hips, groin, inner/ backs of the thighs. It is often felt during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in/out of bed and the car. It is not fully understood why some women experience PGP during pregnancy or after birth, but a strong link has been found between having PGP/ low back pain outside of pregnancy and then having these pains in pregnancy. If you experienced PGP in previous pregnancies, you are more likely to experience it this pregnancy. Pain can also be affected by our mood, stress levels, state of anxiety, sleep quality and our satisfaction with work or family life.

PGP varies from person to person but if you are struggling to sleep, work and generally get about then seeing a specialist Pelvic Health physiotherapist can help to manage and improve your pain.

Here at Park Physiotherapy our Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Gemma Barnes BSc(Hons) MSc MCSP MPOGP, has many years of experience with this problem.

The first physiotherapy appointment will involve detailed questioning about your pain and all the possible factors that may be affecting it. Gemma will also make sure that you are suitable for physiotherapy and do not require any other medical assessment from your doctor or midwife. A physical examination of the back, hips and pelvis will be carried out to see how you are moving and what you can and can’t do.

Physiotherapy treatments for PGP include:

understanding what is influencing your pain,
how to make changes to daily activities and exercise to reduce pain,
encouraging confidence to move and exercise in pregnancy.
advice for safe exercise in pregnancy.
In some situations, physiotherapy treatment to the back and pelvic joints, acupuncture and use of pelvic belts can be beneficial.

Further information can be found at:

Fit for Pregnancy

Pelvic pain in pregnancy

Government website – Physical activity for pregnant women

Government website- Physical activity for women after childbirth