Could Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy Explain Your Symptoms?
Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy can make simple everyday movements surprisingly difficult. If you’ve started feeling pain around your pubic bone, hips or lower back, you’re not alone. Walking, climbing stairs, getting out of the car or even turning over in bed can suddenly become uncomfortable.
Also known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or sometimes Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), this is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions during pregnancy. It can develop at any stage, although many women notice it more during the second or third trimester.
Many expectant mothers assume this discomfort is simply something they have to live with until their baby is born. While pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is common, persistent pain should never be ignored. Understanding why it happens is the first step towards finding the right support and staying as comfortable and active as possible throughout your pregnancy.
At Biodynamic Osteopathy Christchurch, we regularly care for pregnant women experiencing pregnancy-related aches and pains. Our gentle, biodynamic approach complements the care provided by your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC), GP, obstetrician or physiotherapist.
What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy (SPD)?
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), also known as SPD, is pain affecting the joints, ligaments and muscles that support the pelvis during pregnancy. The discomfort may be felt around the pubic bone, across the lower back, around the hips, deep in the buttocks or into the groin.
Every woman’s experience is different. Some notice only occasional discomfort, while others find everyday activities become much more challenging.
The good news is that this condition does not usually affect your baby’s growth or wellbeing. Although it can have a significant impact on your comfort and mobility, it is a condition affecting your body rather than your baby.
Why Does Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy Develop?
Pregnancy asks your body to adapt in remarkable ways. As your baby grows, your posture changes, your centre of gravity shifts and the muscles supporting your pelvis work differently than before.
Hormonal changes also allow the ligaments around the pelvis to become more flexible in preparation for birth. This is a normal and important part of pregnancy, but for some women these natural adaptations may contribute to discomfort.
Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy usually develops because several physical changes happen at the same time. Every pregnancy is unique, which is why symptoms vary so much from one woman to another.
What Can You Do to Feel More Comfortable?
Simple changes to your daily routine can sometimes make a noticeable difference.
Although the discomfort can be frustrating, many women find that simple daily adjustments help them stay more comfortable.
Many women find it helpful to:
- take smaller steps when walking
- keep both knees together when getting into or out of the car
- avoid standing on one leg while getting dressed
- place a pillow between the knees when sleeping on your side
- change position regularly instead of standing for long periods
- pace activities throughout the day rather than trying to do everything at once
Many women worry that they should simply rest. In reality, gentle movement is often more comfortable than complete inactivity, although this will depend on your individual situation and the advice of your healthcare provider.
For more practical advice about pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, Healthify NZ is an excellent New Zealand health resource.
If you’d like to learn more about how gentle osteopathic care can support you throughout pregnancy, you may also enjoy reading our article on Pregnancy and Osteopathy in Christchurch: Natural Support for Expectant Mothers.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Most cases are not dangerous, but severe pain should never be ignored.
Contact your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC), GP or maternity unit promptly if your pain is associated with:
- vaginal bleeding
- fever or feeling generally unwell
- severe abdominal pain
- reduced baby’s movements
- pain following a fall or accident
- difficulty passing urine
These symptoms may have another cause and require medical assessment.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require medical attention, Health New Zealand provides reliable information about pregnancy care and when to seek help.
If your pain is making everyday activities increasingly difficult, it’s also worth discussing it with your maternity care team. Early support may help you stay more comfortable and active throughout your pregnancy.
Can Osteopathy Help Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy?
If pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is affecting your daily life, gentle osteopathic care may be one part of your support plan.
One of the things I hear most often in the clinic is: “I thought this was just something I had to live with until my baby was born.”
At Biodynamic Osteopathy Christchurch, our biodynamic osteopathic approach, which includes cranial osteopathy, does not aim to “realign” the pelvis or force the body to change. Instead, treatment uses gentle hands-on care to support your body’s natural ability to adapt to the physical changes of pregnancy. Rather than focusing only on the area of discomfort, we consider how your whole body is adapting to pregnancy, including the important role of the nervous system.
Every consultation is tailored to you, taking into account your symptoms, your stage of pregnancy and your overall wellbeing. Osteopathic care works alongside your Lead Maternity Carer, GP, obstetrician or physiotherapist and should never replace appropriate medical care.
Many pregnant women appreciate this gentle approach because it is designed to be comfortable and respectful throughout pregnancy.
Looking After Yourself Matters
Pregnancy is a time of constant change, and your body works incredibly hard every day to support your growing baby.
If pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is making everyday life more difficult, remember that asking for help is not a sign that something is wrong or that you are coping badly. It simply means your body may benefit from additional support during this period of adaptation.
As your pregnancy progresses, you may also have questions about your baby’s position. If your baby isn’t in a head-down position, you may find our article, Breech Birth and Osteopathy: A Guide for New Zealand Parents, helpful.
At Biodynamic Osteopathy Christchurch, we provide gentle, individualised care for pregnant women in a calm and supportive environment. If you’d like to explore whether osteopathy may be an appropriate part of your pregnancy care, we’d be happy to discuss whether osteopathic care could be an appropriate part of your pregnancy support.