Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy: what it is and what actually helps

What is pelvic girdle pain?

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a broad term for pain felt in and around the pelvis during pregnancy. It can affect the pubic symphysis at the front, the sacroiliac joints at the back, or both. For some women it is a dull ache; for others it is sharp, debilitating pain that makes walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed genuinely difficult.

It is not the same as general lower back pain, though the two often coexist. PGP is specifically related to the joints of the pelvis and how they are moving — or not moving — under the demands of pregnancy.

Why does it happen?

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments throughout your body — including those supporting the pelvis. This is necessary to allow the pelvis to expand for birth, but it also means the joints become less stable and more vulnerable to strain.

As your centre of gravity shifts forward with a growing belly, the muscles around the pelvis, hips, and lower back have to work harder to compensate. If there is already asymmetry in how the pelvis is moving — from old injuries, postural habits, or simply the way the baby is sitting — this extra load can tip into pain.

PGP is not caused by weakness alone, and it is not inevitable. It is a mechanical problem — which means it responds well to mechanical treatment.

Common signs to look out for

• Pain in the pubic area, groin, inner thighs, or lower back
• A clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvis
• Pain that is worse when walking, going up stairs, or standing on one leg
• Difficulty turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car
• Pain that is worse at the end of the day or after prolonged activity
• A waddling gait or feeling of instability in the hips

How osteopathy can help

Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy is gentle, safe, and focused on restoring balance to the whole body — not just the area that hurts. When I see a pregnant woman with PGP, I am looking at the whole picture: how the pelvis is moving, how the spine is adapting to the changing load, how the hips and diaphragm are contributing, and where tension has built up in the surrounding soft tissue.

Treatment typically involves gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue work around the hips, lower back, and pelvis, and sometimes craniosacral techniques. I will also give you practical advice on positions, movement patterns, and simple exercises to support your recovery between sessions.

Most women notice a meaningful improvement within two to three sessions. The goal is not just to reduce pain now — it is to set you up for a more comfortable third trimester and an easier postpartum recovery.

When should you seek help?

As soon as you notice it. PGP that is addressed early is much easier to manage than PGP that has been compensated around for weeks or months. You do not need a referral — you can book directly.

If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is PGP or something else, get in touch and I am happy to have a quick chat before you book.