Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
Pelvic girdle pain affects 20% of pregnant women, and low back pain can occur in up to half of all pregnancies. A Women’s Health Physio can provide treatment and exercises to help.
Pelvic girdle pain (pain around the front or back of the pelvis) is quite a common problem during pregnancy, affecting around 20% of pregnant women. Low back pain can occur in up to half of all pregnancies. These conditions can occur separately or together. Pelvic girdle pain and low back pain can start any time during pregnancy, but are more common in the second half of pregnancy.
Pelvic girdle and low back pain in pregnancy can cause a lot of distress for the pregnant woman and make it difficult to perform many common activities. Many women with pelvic girdle pain or low back pain in pregnancy will complain of difficulty with:
- Walking or prolonged standing
- Going up and down stairs
- Getting out of a chair or the car
- Turning over in bed
- Bending and lifting
- Disturbed sleep
Pelvic girdle pain and low back pain in pregnancy are thought to be caused by a combination of factors. Increased load from the growing baby, stretching of many supporting soft tissues, postural changes during pregnancy, and hormone changes allowing more laxity in the soft tissues that usually provide support around the low back and pelvis may all contribute. We also know women who have had previous low back and pelvic pain are more likely to get similar pain during pregnancy.
While the pain can be severe for some, there are things you can do to help.
- Suitable pregnancy-specific exercise, such as Pregnancy Exercise Classes focusing on core strength, mobility and posture, have been shown to be beneficial.
- Knowing how to modify your posture to relieve aches and pains can make a big difference.
- Many women find a few hands-on treatments from a Women’s Health Physio can help.
- Wearing support garments and modifying daily activities can make a difference too.
The good news is that, for most women, the pain quickly resolves once they have had their baby, and may well get better before that time.