Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy (PGP): Symptoms, Causes and How Osteopathy Can Help

Pregnancy places unique demands on your body, and for many women, one of the most challenging symptoms can be pain around the pelvis, hips or lower back. If turning over in bed, climbing the stairs or getting out of the car has become uncomfortable, you may be experiencing Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP).

At Family Osteopathy Hammersmith, we understand how frustrating pelvic pain during pregnancy can be. Our aim is to help you move more comfortably through pregnancy by identifying the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms and providing safe, personalised osteopathic care.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Pelvic Girdle Pain is, why it develops, the symptoms to look out for and how osteopathy may help you manage your symptoms throughout pregnancy.

What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), previously known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), describes pain arising from the joints and ligaments of the pelvis during pregnancy.

The pelvis is made up of three joints:

• Two sacroiliac joints at the back, where the spine joins the pelvis.

• The symphysis pubis at the front, where the two halves of the pelvis meet.

During pregnancy, hormones help prepare your body for childbirth by allowing these joints and supporting ligaments to become more flexible. While this is a completely normal part of pregnancy, it can sometimes affect how the pelvis transfers load and moves during everyday activities.

For some women, this change leads to discomfort, reduced stability and pain around the pelvis.

PGP can develop at any stage of pregnancy but is most commonly noticed during the second and third trimesters as your baby grows and your centre of gravity changes.

Although Pelvic Girdle Pain can be uncomfortable, it is a common pregnancy-related condition and does not usually indicate that there is any problem with your baby.

Can Pelvic Girdle Pain Affect My Baby?

One of the most common questions we hear is whether Pelvic Girdle Pain can affect the baby.

The reassuring answer is no.

PGP affects the joints, muscles and ligaments supporting your pelvis rather than your baby. Although it can significantly affect your comfort and mobility, it does not usually affect your baby’s development or wellbeing.

Seeking treatment early may help improve your comfort and allow you to remain active throughout your pregnancy.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain

Symptoms vary from person to person but commonly include:

• Pain at the front of the pelvis around the pubic bone

• Lower back pain

• Pain around one or both sacroiliac joints

• Pain in the hips, groin or upper thighs

• Clicking or grinding sensations around the pelvis

• Difficulty walking

• Pain when climbing stairs

• Pain turning over in bed

• Pain getting in and out of the car

• Difficulty standing on one leg

• A feeling that the pelvis is unstable

Many women find their symptoms are worse after prolonged walking, standing or activities that involve standing on one leg.

What Causes Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Although pregnancy hormones contribute, PGP is usually caused by several factors working together.

These may include:

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy hormones increase ligament flexibility to prepare the pelvis for childbirth.

Changes in Posture

As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts forwards, placing additional demands on the pelvis, hips and lower back.

Muscle Imbalances

Weakness or altered control around the core, pelvic floor and gluteal muscles may influence how forces are transferred through the pelvis.

Previous Injuries

Women with a history of lower back pain, pelvic injuries or hypermobility may have a greater likelihood of developing PGP.

Previous Pregnancy

If you’ve experienced Pelvic Girdle Pain during a previous pregnancy, there’s an increased chance of experiencing it again.

How Can Osteopathy Help Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy?

At Family Osteopathy Hammersmith, we take a whole-body approach to pregnancy care.

Rather than focusing solely on where you feel pain, we assess how your body is moving as a whole to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment is always tailored to your stage of pregnancy, your symptoms and your individual goals.

Comprehensive Assessment

Every appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, pregnancy and medical history before carrying out a thorough physical assessment.

Depending on your presentation, we may assess:

• Posture

• Walking pattern

• Pelvic movement

• Hip mobility

• Lumbar spine function

• Sacroiliac joints

• Muscle strength

• Functional movement

This allows us to develop a treatment plan that’s specific to you.

Gentle Hands-On Treatment

Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy uses gentle techniques that are adapted to suit each stage of pregnancy.

Treatment may include:

• Soft tissue massage

• Gentle joint articulation

• Myofascial techniques

• Mobility work

• Relaxation techniques

Your comfort and safety remain our priority throughout treatment.

Exercise and Self-Management Advice

Hands-on treatment is only one part of your care.

You’ll also receive practical advice to help manage symptoms between appointments, including:

• Pregnancy-safe exercises

• Advice on posture

• Sleeping positions

• Strategies for getting in and out of bed

• Tips for getting in and out of the car

• Advice on lifting and carrying

• Guidance regarding pelvic support belts where appropriate

Small changes in everyday movement can often make a significant difference.

Supporting Your Whole Pregnancy Journey

Pregnancy affects your entire body.

Changes in breathing, posture, rib movement, the lower back and even the feet can all influence how your pelvis functions.

Rather than treating the painful area in isolation, we consider how your whole body is adapting throughout pregnancy.

Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes.

Osteopathy is widely recognised as a safe, gentle and non-invasive approach for many women during pregnancy when provided by a registered osteopath with appropriate training and experience.

Treatment is always adapted to your stage of pregnancy and individual needs, with positioning modified to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your appointment.

If you have any pregnancy complications or concerns, we’ll discuss these with you before treatment to ensure your care is appropriate.

When Should You Seek Help?

You don’t need to simply “put up with” pelvic pain during pregnancy.

Consider booking an assessment if:

• Walking has become uncomfortable.

• Pain is affecting your sleep.

• You’re struggling with stairs.

• Getting dressed has become painful.

• Turning over in bed is difficult.

• Your symptoms are getting progressively worse.

Early assessment can often help identify contributing factors before symptoms become more persistent.

Practical Tips for Managing Pelvic Girdle Pain

Alongside treatment, you may find it helpful to:

• Keep your knees together when getting out of bed or the car.

• Sit down when getting dressed.

• Avoid standing on one leg where possible.

• Wear supportive footwear.

• Take regular breaks from prolonged standing.

• Avoid carrying heavy bags on one side.

• Sleep with a pillow between your knees if comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pelvic Girdle Pain the same as SPD?

Yes. SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) is the older term. Today, healthcare professionals generally use Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) because it more accurately reflects that pain can involve several joints within the pelvis.

Can I still exercise with Pelvic Girdle Pain?

In many cases, yes. Staying active is often beneficial, although activities may need to be modified depending on your symptoms. Your osteopath can advise on exercises that are appropriate for you.

Will Pelvic Girdle Pain go away after giving birth?

Many women notice their symptoms improve after delivery. However, some continue to experience pelvic discomfort after birth. If symptoms persist, assessment and treatment may still be beneficial.

When should I seek treatment?

If your pain is affecting your daily activities, sleep, mobility or quality of life, it’s worth seeking an assessment sooner rather than later.

Book a Pregnancy Osteopath in Hammersmith

Pelvic Girdle Pain can make pregnancy far more challenging than it needs to be, but support is available.

At Family Osteopathy Hammersmith, we provide personalised, evidence-informed osteopathic care to help you move more comfortably throughout pregnancy.

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, hip pain or lower back pain during pregnancy and are looking for a pregnancy osteopath in Hammersmith, we’d be delighted to help.

Book your appointment today and let us support you through every stage of your pregnancy.