Back Pain and Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy

Struggling with pain in your lower back and pelvis is common for 1 in 5 pregnancies, but the proper support can help ease and manage this to prevent pain continuing postnatally.

Pelvic health physiotherapy and advice can help to manage and improve symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP).

Who gets back pain and pelvic pain in pregnancy?

Back pain is very common in pregnancy, as the ligaments in your body naturally stretch to prepare for labour, straining your lower back and pelvic joints.

Pelvic pain can also be linked to multiple issues, including:

• Previous pelvic damage.
• The pelvic joint moving unevenly.
• The baby’s position or weight.
• A history of lower back or pelvic pain.
• Having PGP in a past pregnancy.
• Being overweight.
• Having a physically demanding job.

When to get help for back and pelvic pain in pregnancy

You should call your GP or midwife if you have lower back and pelvic pain and:

• You find it difficult to move around.
• It hurts when you turn in bed.
• You feel pain when you get out of a car.
• You find it challenging to walk up and down stairs.

Key symptoms of pelvic and back pain

First, we must make it clear that Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) does not harm your baby, but it can make you feel various pains.

• Over the centre of the pubic bone.
• Across your lower back (one side or both).
• In the thighs.
• In the perineum (between your vagina and anus).
• A clicking sensation in the pelvis.

It’s also important to remember that pelvic and lower back pain can worsen when you walk, go up or down stairs, turn over in bed, or move your legs apart.

Our recommended relief options

There are many things you can do to help ease your lower back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, including:

• Rest when you can.
• Wear supportive shoes.
• Ensure you place equal weight on both legs when you stand.
• Sit down while dressing and undressing.
• Put a pillow between your legs while sleeping to provide more support.
• Keep your knees together when entering and exiting the car.

A physiotherapist can give you advice about managing pelvic pain. This will often include teaching various relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing exercises. They may also recommend a pelvic support belt to ease the pain. If you don’t have an antenatal physio, your midwife may be able to refer you to one if you raise your concerns to them.