Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Pelvic girdle pain affects approximately 1 in 5 pregnant women — and can range from mild discomfort to severely debilitating pain. The evidence is clear: physiotherapy is the most effective treatment, and early intervention produces the best outcomes.
What Causes Pelvic Girdle Pain?
During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes ligamentous laxity throughout the body — including the pelvic ligaments. Combined with the growing uterus shifting the centre of gravity and increasing load on the pelvic joints, this creates conditions for SIJ and pubic symphysis dysfunction.
PGP is not a sign that something is wrong with your pregnancy — it is a musculoskeletal condition that can be effectively treated.
Symptoms
- Groin and pubic pain (SPD) — often described as a burning or bruising sensation
- One or both-sided buttock or SIJ pain
- Pain clicking in the pelvis
- Pain with single-leg activities: stairs, getting dressed, walking
- Hip and inner thigh pain
- Difficulty rolling over in bed or getting in and out of a car
Physiotherapy Treatment for PGP
- Manual therapy — SIJ mobilisation and pubic symphysis techniques to restore joint mechanics
- Pelvic girdle support belt — a correctly fitted SIJ belt can provide significant pain relief for daily activities
- Core and gluteal strengthening — transversus abdominis and gluteal activation exercises that provide dynamic stability without stressing the SIJ
- Activity modification — specific postural and movement strategies for activities of daily living
- Hydrotherapy — pool-based exercise offloads the pelvis while maintaining fitness
PGP After Birth
Most PGP resolves after delivery as hormone levels normalise. However, postnatal physiotherapy is recommended to address any residual dysfunction and ensure the pelvic girdle restores full stability. Rushing back into high-impact exercise before stability is fully restored can perpetuate or worsen symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PGP and SPD?
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) refers specifically to pain at the pubic symphysis (the joint at the front of the pelvis). Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is the broader term encompassing pain at the SIJ, pubic symphysis, or both. Both are caused by hormonal laxity and load changes in pregnancy, and both respond to physiotherapy.
What activities should I avoid with PGP?
Activities that load the pelvis asymmetrically aggravate PGP. Avoid: prolonged standing on one leg, wide leg movements (stepping out of the bath, straddling), twisting, carrying heavy loads to one side, and high-impact exercise. Keep your legs together when getting in and out of the car or bed. Your physiotherapist will advise on specific modifications for your situation.
Does PGP go away after birth?
For most women, yes — PGP resolves within a few weeks to months after birth as hormone levels normalise. However, without physiotherapy, some women experience persistent pain. Early treatment during pregnancy reduces the severity and duration of symptoms and the risk of persistence after birth.
Can I still exercise during pregnancy with PGP?
Yes, with appropriate modification. Low-impact activities such as walking (in a pain-free range), swimming, and upper body strength training are generally well tolerated. Your physiotherapist will identify what you can do safely and progress your program as your pain responds to treatment.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora