26/05/2026
Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) affects about 1 in 5 pregnant women. It can vary in severity from a little stiffness or uneven movement of the pelvic joints caused by the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy to severe debilitating pain. It can progress. It's often more severe in second or subsequent pregnancies. Whilst it is common, it is not normal. Although 70% of cases improve post delivery that means that 30% do not. It's also not something to be unnecessarily tolerated in pregnancy. It can also cause significant discomfort in the lower back, hips, and p***c bone.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends manual therapy as a treatment option:
"Manual therapy (hands-on treatment) to the muscles and joints by a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor who specialises in PGP in pregnancy. They will give you hands-on treatment to gently mobilise or move the joints to get them back into position, and help them move normally again. This should not be painful."