Quick read
Key points
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Pelvic girdle pain (sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction) is discomfort or pain around the pelvic joints during pregnancy, caused by pregnancy hormones loosening the ligaments that support the pelvis in preparation for birth. It can affect the front of the pelvis, the lower back, hips, or radiate down into the thighs.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Pain is significant enough to affect walking or daily activities
01 · Know
What is Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy?
Pelvic girdle pain (sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction) is discomfort or pain around the pelvic joints during pregnancy, caused by pregnancy hormones loosening the ligaments that support the pelvis in preparation for birth. It can affect the front of the pelvis, the lower back, hips, or radiate down into the thighs.
It can range from mild discomfort to pain significant enough to affect walking, climbing stairs, or turning in bed. While uncomfortable, it's not harmful to the baby, and physiotherapy support can make a real difference.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Physiotherapy referral can help significantly
Pregnancy-specific physiotherapy — including exercises, advice on movement, and sometimes a support belt — is one of the most effective ways to manage pelvic girdle pain.
03 · Act
When to Contact Your Maternity Team
- 1Pain is significant enough to affect walking or daily activities
- 2Pain is one-sided, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms
- 3You haven't been referred to physiotherapy and would like to be
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Avoid Movements That Strain the Pelvis Unevenly
Activities like straddling positions, single-leg standing, or twisting movements can worsen pelvic girdle pain — moving symmetrically helps protect the joints.
- 1Ask for a physiotherapy referral.Pregnancy physiotherapists can offer targeted exercises and advice specific to pelvic girdle pain.
- 2Keep your knees together when moving.When getting in or out of a car, or turning in bed, keep your knees together to protect the pelvis.
- 3Avoid activities that widen your legs.This includes wide straddle positions and standing on one leg for tasks like getting dressed.
- 4Consider a support belt.A pregnancy support belt, recommended by a physiotherapist, can help stabilise the pelvis.
- 5Rest when you need to.Pacing activities and resting between them can help manage symptoms day to day.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Pelvic girdle pain is common and, with the right support and movement adjustments, can usually be managed well throughout pregnancy.
A referral to pregnancy physiotherapy can make a significant difference — don't hesitate to ask for one.