Pregnancy Pelvic Girdle Pain: How Osteopathy Can Help You Move More Comfortably

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it’s no secret that it places extra demands on your body. As your baby grows, your posture changes, your centre of gravity shifts, and your joints begin preparing for birth. Whilst many of these changes are completely normal, they can sometimes lead to pregnancy pelvic girdle pain (PGP).

If you’re finding it painful to walk, climb the stairs or even turn over in bed, you’re certainly not alone. Pelvic girdle pain affects around 1 in 5 pregnant women, and although it isn’t harmful to your baby, it can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life.

The good news is that there are effective ways to manage it. At Family Osteopathy Hammersmith, we provide gentle, tailored osteopathic treatment to help reduce discomfort, improve mobility and support you throughout your pregnancy.

What Is Pregnancy Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pregnancy Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) describes pain arising from the joints and ligaments of the pelvis during pregnancy. It commonly affects:

• The sacroiliac joints, located at the back of the pelvis.

• The pubic symphysis, the joint at the front of the pelvis.

Pain may be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hips, groin or around the pubic bone. For some women the discomfort is mild and intermittent, whilst others experience pain that makes everyday activities much more difficult.

Although pelvic girdle pain can develop at any stage of pregnancy, it often becomes more noticeable during the second and third trimesters as the growing baby places greater demands on the body.

What Causes Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy?

There isn’t a single cause of pregnancy pelvic girdle pain. Instead, it’s usually the result of several changes happening simultaneously.

Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, your body produces hormones, including relaxin, which help soften ligaments in preparation for childbirth. Whilst this is entirely normal, increased ligament laxity can sometimes reduce stability around the pelvis.

Changing Posture

As your bump grows, your centre of gravity naturally shifts forward. Your muscles and joints work harder to maintain balance, increasing the load through your lower back and pelvis.

Increased Weight

Your pelvis is supporting not only your own body weight but also your growing baby, placenta and amniotic fluid. This additional load can place extra strain on already sensitive joints.

Previous Injuries

Women with a history of lower back pain, pelvic injury or previous pregnancy-related pelvic pain may be at greater risk of developing PGP.

Common Symptoms of Pregnancy: Pelvic Girdle Pain

Pelvic girdle pain varies from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Pain around the pubic bone, groin or hips.

• Lower back pain.

• Pain into the buttocks or thighs.

• Difficulty walking.

• A waddling gait.

• Pain climbing stairs.

• Discomfort getting in or out of the car.

• Pain turning over in bed.

• Difficulty standing on one leg, such as when getting dressed.

• Clicking or grinding sensations around the pelvis.

Some days may feel much better than others, and symptoms often fluctuate depending on activity levels.

How Osteopathy Can Help Pregnancy Pelvic Girdle Pain

Osteopathy offers a gentle, hands-on approach to supporting women experiencing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.

Rather than focusing solely on where the pain is felt, osteopaths assess how your whole body is moving. Restrictions elsewhere, such as through the hips, lower back or rib cage, can influence how your pelvis functions.

Treatment is always tailored to your stage of pregnancy and your comfort level.

The aims of osteopathic treatment include:

• Reducing muscular tension.

• Improving joint mobility.

• Supporting more balanced movement.

• Reducing strain across the pelvis.

• Helping you stay active throughout pregnancy.

Many women also find that understanding why their pain is occurring helps them feel more confident managing their symptoms.

What Happens During an Osteopathy Appointment?

Your first appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your pregnancy, your symptoms and your medical history.

We’ll then assess:

• Your posture.

• How you move.

• Areas of stiffness.

• Muscle tension.

• The mechanics of your pelvis and lower back.

Treatment may include gentle soft tissue techniques, stretching, articulation and other manual techniques that are safe during pregnancy.

Every treatment plan is individual. We work with your body rather than against it, ensuring both you and your baby remain comfortable throughout the appointment.

Practical Advice to Help Manage Pelvic Girdle Pain

Alongside osteopathic treatment, small changes to your daily routine can make a real difference.

Try to:

• Keep your knees together when getting in and out of bed.

• Sit down when getting dressed rather than balancing on one leg.

• Avoid standing for long periods where possible.

• Wear supportive, comfortable footwear.

• Take regular breaks if you’ve been walking or standing.

• Sleep with a pillow between your knees if this feels comfortable.

• Use heat packs to help relax tight muscles (following appropriate safety guidance).

These simple strategies can reduce unnecessary strain on your pelvis and often help improve day-to-day comfort.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Whilst some aches and pains are common during pregnancy, persistent pelvic pain shouldn’t simply be accepted as “part of being pregnant.”

If pain is affecting:

• Walking

• Sleep

• Work

• Looking after other children

• Your ability to exercise

• Everyday activities

It’s worth seeking assessment sooner rather than later.

Early treatment can often prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and help you remain as active and comfortable as possible throughout your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Osteopathy in Hammersmith

At Family Osteopathy Hammersmith, we understand that every pregnancy is unique.

Our osteopathic treatment is designed to support your changing body with safe, gentle and personalised care. Whether you’re experiencing pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain or general pregnancy-related discomfort, we’ll work with you to help improve movement, reduce pain and support your wellbeing throughout your pregnancy.

Our aim isn’t simply to treat symptoms, it’s to help you feel more comfortable, confident and supported as your body prepares for birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pelvic girdle pain harmful to my baby?

No. Although pelvic girdle pain can be extremely uncomfortable for you, it does not harm your baby.

Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Osteopaths are trained to adapt treatment throughout pregnancy using gentle techniques that prioritise the safety and comfort of both mother and baby.

Can pelvic girdle pain go away before birth?

For many women, symptoms improve with the right combination of activity modification, exercise, manual therapy and self-management strategies. Others may continue to experience discomfort until after delivery, but early treatment often helps reduce its impact.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly with a registered osteopath without seeing your GP first, although we may recommend further medical assessment if needed.

Book Your Pregnancy Osteopathy Appointment

If you’re experiencing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy in Hammersmith or West London, you don’t have to manage it alone.

Early assessment and treatment can help reduce discomfort, improve mobility and support a more comfortable pregnancy.

Whether you’re in your first pregnancy or your fourth, we’re here to help you move with greater confidence every step of the way.