Pregnancy is usually a very welcome and exciting time in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, there’s an array of conditions women can suffer from during this period that can place a damper on the whole experience. One of these is Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). PGP is a common condition that affects about 20% of pregnant women around the world. Causing pain in the pelvic region, PGP can affect a woman’s ability to perform daily tasks, limiting mobility and often leading to a lot of discomfort. Despite its frequency, many women are unaware that early intervention, particularly through physiotherapy, can play a big role in managing and alleviating the symptoms. By understanding the condition and receiving appropriate care, pregnant women can improve their quality of life during this important time.

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is pain in the pelvic joints that can develop during or after pregnancy. It can occur due to:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy that soften the ligaments that support the pelvis.
• Changes to your posture.
• Increased pressure on your pelvis as the baby grows.

Some women are simply more prone to PGP than others. If you experienced it before pregnancy or in a previous pregnancy, you’re more likely to have it in the future. Plus, if you have a back or pelvic injury, this can lead to further problems through pregnancy. Although PGP is common, it is often underdiagnosed or dismissed as an inevitable part of pregnancy. However, with proper management and intervention, the symptoms of PGP can be lessened.

Physiotherapists play an important role in the management of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) during pregnancy offering a range of treatments that aim to alleviate pain and improve function.

• Manual Therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques to mobilise the joints to get them back into position so they can move normally again.
• Exercise: These are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor, abdominal, and lower back muscles, providing greater support for the pelvis. They also help to improve posture and reduce strain on the pelvic joints.
• Pelvic Support Belts: Physiotherapists may recommend wearing a pelvic support belt to stabilise the pelvis and reduce movement that triggers pain.
• Education and Advice: Physiotherapists provide valuable guidance on how to modify daily activities to avoid aggravating PGP. This includes advice on posture, proper lifting techniques, and ways to manage pain during rest and sleep.

Physiotherapists work closely with other healthcare professionals involved in a woman’s pregnancy, such as midwives and obstetricians, to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing PGP. With personalised physiotherapy, women can expect to see improvements in their pain levels and mobility, leading to a more comfortable pregnancy.

Without proper management, PGP can lead to long-term issues, including chronic pain post-pregnancy. Physiotherapy helps to stabilise the pelvic region and strengthen the muscles that support it, reducing the risk of future complications.
It’s important for pregnant women to recognise the early signs of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and seek physiotherapy as soon as symptoms arise. Timely intervention can prevent the condition from getting worse and help manage pain more effectively throughout pregnancy. While some discomfort is normal during pregnancy, persistent or severe pain in the pelvic region should not be ignored.

Here’s when to seek physiotherapy for PGP:

• Persistent pain in the pelvic region: If you experience consistent pain in your lower back, hips, or pubic area that does not go away with rest. Early intervention can prevent this from getting worse and ensure that treatment begins as soon as possible.
• Difficulty with daily activities: Struggling with everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, turning in bed, or standing for extended periods can be a sign of PGP. If the pain begins to interfere with everyday life, physiotherapy can provide relief.
• Pain that radiates to the legs or buttocks: Some women may feel that the pain extends beyond the pelvis, spreading to the thighs or buttocks. This could be a sign that the condition is affecting the surrounding muscles and joints, which physiotherapy can help address.
• Pain that affects aleep: Discomfort while lying down or trying to sleep is a common symptom of PGP. If the pain prevents restful sleep or causes frequent waking, physiotherapy improve joint alignment and offering tips on sleep positions.

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is a common, yet manageable condition during pregnancy, and physiotherapy plays an important role in alleviating its symptoms. By seeking early intervention, pregnant women can improve their quality of life, reducing pain and preventing further complications. Pregnancy can once again become an exciting and enjoyable time in a woman’s life.

With proper management, pregnant women can maintain their mobility, continue with daily activities, and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy. If you are experiencing persistent pelvic pain, it’s essential to seek advice from a physiotherapist who can offer the support and care you need.