Pelvic Joint Pain During Pregnancy
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services
Date of creation: July 2026
Date of review: July 2028
What Is Pelvic Joint Pain?
Pelvic joint pain, sometimes known as Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), is a common condition that affects many women during pregnancy. It can cause pain around the front or back of the pelvis, lower back, hips or groin, making everyday activities more uncomfortable.
The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. While some women experience mild discomfort, others may find that walking, climbing stairs or turning over in bed becomes increasingly difficult.
What Causes Pelvic Joint Pain?
During pregnancy, your body produces hormones that soften the ligaments supporting your pelvis. This allows the pelvic joints to become more flexible, helping prepare your body for childbirth.
However, these changes can also make the joints less stable, leading to pain and discomfort as your pregnancy progresses.
What Are the Symptoms?
Pelvic joint pain can affect your daily activities and quality of sleep.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain around the front or back of the pelvis.
- Lower back pain.
- Hip or groin pain.
- Pain when walking.
- Difficulty climbing stairs.
- Pain when turning over in bed.
- Discomfort getting in and out of the car.
- Difficulty standing on one leg, such as when getting dressed.
Symptoms often worsen after prolonged activity or towards the end of the day.
Managing Pelvic Joint Pain
Although pelvic joint pain can be frustrating, there are many simple strategies that can help reduce discomfort and improve day-to-day activities.
Do
- Sit on a firm, supportive chair.
- Place a rolled towel behind your lower back for support.
- Sit upright with good posture.
- Climb stairs one step at a time.
- Sit down when getting dressed.
- Wear supportive flat shoes.
- Roll onto your side before getting in or out of bed.
- Take regular breaks when standing or ironing.
Don’t
- Cross your legs.
- Sit on the floor.
- Twist while sitting.
- Stand or sit in one position for prolonged periods.
Avoid Where Possible
To reduce strain on your pelvis, try to avoid:
- Heavy lifting.
- Pushing heavily loaded shopping trolleys.
- Carrying heavy shopping bags.
- Vacuuming for long periods.
- Carrying heavy washing baskets.
- Hanging out heavy wet washing.
Exercise During Pregnancy
Remaining active is important during pregnancy, but exercise should not increase your pain.
Gentle, regular activity can help maintain your fitness and support your overall wellbeing.
Suitable activities may include:
- Gentle walking using shorter strides.
- Swimming (avoiding the breaststroke leg kick).
- Pregnancy-specific exercise classes.
- Physiotherapy-guided exercises.
Avoid:
- Running.
- High-impact aerobics.
- Racquet sports.
- Any activity that significantly increases your symptoms.
Always stop exercising if your pain worsens and speak to your healthcare professional if you are unsure which activities are appropriate.
Rest and Recovery
Pregnancy places additional demands on your body, making regular rest an important part of managing pelvic joint pain.
Listen to your body and take breaks throughout the day when needed.
Changing positions regularly and avoiding prolonged activities can often reduce discomfort.
Looking After Toddlers
If you already have young children, everyday tasks can become more challenging.
To reduce strain on your pelvis:
- Avoid carrying your child on one hip.
- Encourage toddlers to climb into car seats or shopping trolleys where possible.
- Lower the cot side before lifting your child.
- Kneel beside the bath instead of leaning over.
- Change nappies on a raised surface.
- Accept help from family and friends whenever possible.
Sex During Pregnancy
Pelvic joint pain does not usually prevent you from having sex, although you may need to adjust your position.
Many women find it more comfortable to:
- Lie on their side.
- Kneel on all fours with their partner behind them.
- Keep their legs closer together throughout.
Choose positions that are comfortable and stop if you experience significant pain.
Labour and Delivery
Most women with pelvic joint pain can have a normal vaginal birth.
During labour, your midwife will encourage you to move into comfortable positions and help you avoid movements that place excessive strain on your pelvis.
Your birth plan can include preferred labour positions, and these can be discussed with your midwife or physiotherapist before your due date.
In most cases:
- Natural labour is recommended.
- Caesarean section is not usually required because of pelvic joint pain alone.
- Induction of labour is only considered if there are additional medical reasons or severe mobility difficulties.
After Your Baby Is Born
For most women, pelvic joint pain gradually improves after delivery as pregnancy hormones return to normal and the pelvis regains stability.
Recovery varies, and some women continue to experience symptoms for several weeks.
To aid recovery:
- Continue your pelvic floor and abdominal exercises.
- Feed your baby in a well-supported position.
- Change nappies on a raised surface.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Carry the baby close to your body.
- Avoid carrying a full baby bath.
- Continue following these recommendations for at least six weeks after birth, or until your symptoms have settled.
If your pain persists or affects your ability to care for your baby, seek advice from your physiotherapist, midwife or GP.
When Should I Seek Medical Advice?
Contact your healthcare professional if:
- Your pain becomes significantly worse.
- You are struggling to walk or move around.
- Your symptoms are affecting your daily activities.
- Your pain continues after your baby has been born.
- You have any concerns about your pregnancy or your recovery.
Further Information
Pelvic joint pain is a common condition during pregnancy and, although it can be uncomfortable, it usually improves after your baby is born. Following simple advice on posture, activity modification and gentle exercise can help reduce pain and support your recovery. If your symptoms continue or become difficult to manage, speak to your physiotherapist, midwife or GP.
