Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) describes pain around the pelvis that can often occur during pregnancy. The pain can occur in the front of the pelvis around the pubic symphysis or posteriorly around the sacroiliac joint. There are a number of reasons why PGP occurs during pregnancy:

• Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy to prepare for labour and delivery can cause changes in the joints that can lead to pain.

• As the baby grows, the woman’s centre of gravity changes which can cause more pressure on the lower back.

• This increase in weight can also put pressure on the front of the pelvis causing pain around the pubic symphysis

Although this can be a very painful condition, physiotherapy can help to manage it:

• Your physiotherapist can give you advice about minimising the load on your pelvis, this would include advice about posture, work station set-up, exercise and turning in bed.

• Exercises can be provided to work the muscles around the pelvis and to help support the joints of the lower back.

• Manual therapy can be helpful for pain relief and correcting movement around the pelvis.

For most people symptoms can be managed well during pregnancy and will often disappear shortly after delivery. If symptoms do not disappear contact your chartered physiotherapist for advice.