Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is one of the most common issues encountered during pregnancy, affecting many pregnant women. This condition can significantly impact the quality of life and comfort of expectant mothers, and in some cases, it may even lead to limitations in daily activities.
To alleviate this pain, various treatment options are available, each offering a specific approach to pain relief. These treatments include medication (pain relievers), physiotherapy, heat and cold therapies, massage therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture.
However, one of the most effective and non-invasive methods for relieving pelvic pain during pregnancy is prenatal chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatment, utilizing specific techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and postural correction, can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
This article will explore the causes of PGP during pregnancy, the role of chiropractic care in managing this pain, and the benefits of chiropractic treatments for pelvic pain relief. Additionally, self-care practices for managing this pain and its symptoms will be introduced. The aim is to provide pregnant women with accurate information on this common issue and effective strategies for managing it.
What is Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the pelvic region, including the joints, ligaments, and surrounding muscles. It most commonly affects areas around the sacroiliac (SI) joints and the pubic symphysis, and may radiate to the hips, lower back, or thighs.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal and biomechanical changes to accommodate the growing fetus and prepare for childbirth. One key hormone involved is relaxin, which softens the ligaments, especially in the pelvic region, to increase flexibility and facilitate labor. However, these physiological adaptations can sometimes lead to instability or misalignment in the pelvic joints—resulting in chronic or recurrent pain for some women.
PGP is a common complaint among pregnant individuals. A 2025 study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that 26.1% of the participants reported pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, underlining how widespread the condition is and emphasizing the need for proactive diagnosis and management strategies.
These findings highlight the importance of recognizing PGP as a significant health concern during pregnancy—one that deserves timely attention from both healthcare providers and expecting mothers.
Common Causes of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) During Pregnancy
Hormonal Changes
One of the primary contributors to pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is hormonal fluctuation. During this period, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps loosen the ligaments and connective tissues around the pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth. While this process is essential for delivery, excessive ligament laxity can lead to pelvic instability, causing pain, inflammation, and, in some cases, impaired mobility Role of relaxin in pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. The imbalance between joint flexibility and muscular support may exacerbate discomfort as pregnancy progresses.
Postural Changes
As the pregnancy advances and the baby grows, a woman’s center of gravity shifts, leading to noticeable changes in posture. The spine, especially the lumbar region, tends to curve more (lumbar lordosis) to accommodate the expanding uterus. This altered alignment places additional stress on the pelvic, abdominal, and lower back muscles, increasing the mechanical load on the pelvic joints. These postural adjustments, though natural, can lead to pelvic strain and pain, particularly during walking, prolonged standing, or transitioning from sitting to standing.
Increased Mechanical Pressure on Pelvic Joints
The growing uterus and baby place significant mechanical pressure on the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. These joints are key to maintaining pelvic stability, but as the load increases in the later stages of pregnancy, they can become inflamed and less stable. This mechanical overload can result in pain radiating to the lower back, buttocks, groin, or inner thighs, especially during weight-bearing activities Impact of uterine pressure on pelvic joint pain in pregnancy. This pressure is often more pronounced in the third trimester, when fetal weight is at its peak
Risk Factors for Developing Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
Certain conditions can increase the likelihood of developing pelvic pain during pregnancy. Recognizing these factors can support early intervention and prevention.
- Previous conditions: A history of low back pain or pelvic injuries can triple the risk of PGP.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting or standing and poor core strength contribute to pelvic instability.
- Multiple pregnancies: Repeated pregnancies place cumulative strain on pelvic joints and ligaments.
- Lack of strengthening exercises: Inadequate physical activity during pregnancy weakens pelvic support muscles.
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free approach for relieving musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. It focuses on improving the alignment and function of the spine and pelvis, which helps reduce pressure on joints and nerves, ease muscular tension, and restore balance to the body.
How Does Chiropractic Help?
During pregnancy, hormonal and physical changes can cause instability in the pelvic joints, misalignment of the spine, and added stress on the surrounding muscles. Chiropractic adjustments aim to:
- Realign pelvic and spinal joints
- Reduce nerve compression
- Restore muscular and structural balance
- Alleviate pain and inflammation
These interventions can significantly improve mobility and comfort, without the need for medications or invasive procedures.
Specific Chiropractic Techniques for PGP
Chiropractors use gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques tailored to the unique needs of expectant mothers. Common methods include:
- Pelvic Adjustments: Restoring proper alignment and symmetry of the pelvic joints
- Soft Manipulations: Light, controlled movements to relieve muscle tension and trigger points
- Gentle Stretching Techniques: Enhancing flexibility of ligaments and promoting circulation
- Postural Correction: Educating patients on proper sitting, standing, and sleeping positions to minimize pelvic stress
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) During Pregnancy
Chiropractic care offers several targeted benefits for pregnant women experiencing pelvic girdle pain. Through gentle, non-invasive techniques, chiropractic adjustments help relieve discomfort and improve overall mobility and posture.
• Pain Reduction: Chiropractic techniques help reduce pelvic and lower back pain by realigning the spine and pelvic joints, relieving pressure on nerves, and decreasing muscle tension. These adjustments promote better joint function and allow the body to move more freely and comfortably.
• Improved Mobility and Flexibility: By restoring proper alignment and reducing joint stiffness, chiropractic care enhances flexibility and range of motion. This is particularly important for pregnant women who may experience movement limitations due to growing abdominal weight and joint instability.
• Decreased Muscle Tension: Pelvic and lower back discomfort is often exacerbated by muscle tightness. Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy help release this tension, offering immediate relief and reducing the likelihood of muscle spasms or chronic pain.
• Postural Improvement: Pregnancy-related postural changes—such as increased lumbar curvature—can strain the spine and pelvis. Chiropractic care improves postural alignment, which helps redistribute body weight evenly and reduces stress on pelvic joints.
Personal Care Methods for Managing Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pelvic pain can be quite bothersome, especially during pregnancy. There are various methods to help alleviate this pain and improve your condition. Here are some practical ways to manage pelvic pain:
1- Exercises to Relieve PGP Pain:
- Pelvic Tilts: This simple exercise helps strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles, reducing pressure on the pelvic area.
- Gentle Stretches: Light stretching exercises like hamstring stretches can help reduce muscle tension in the pelvic region.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening your abdominal and lower back muscles can enhance pelvic stability. Exercises like pelvic bridges and planks can be effective.
2- Posture and Proper Body Mechanics:
- Maintain Proper Posture: It’s important to maintain good posture while standing, sitting, and sleeping to avoid placing excessive pressure on the pelvic area.
- Proper Movement Techniques: When getting up from a chair or the floor, use your abdominal and pelvic muscles for support, and avoid bending your back.
3- Cold and Heat Therapy:
- Cold Compress: Using a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from acute pain.
- Heat Compress: For chronic pain, applying a warm compress can help relax muscles and improve blood flow to the area.
4- Rest and Relaxation:
- Adequate Rest: Ensure you get enough rest to allow your body to recover and avoid putting additional strain on your pelvic region.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing or meditation can help reduce stress and ease pain.
When to See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy for Pelvic Pain
If pelvic pain symptoms do not improve with common self-care methods, it may be time to consult a chiropractor. Here are some signs that suggest you should seek chiropractic care:
Signs You Need Chiropractic Care:
- Chronic Pelvic Pain: If your pain persists for a prolonged period and does not improve with home care, chiropractic treatment may be beneficial.
- Difficulty Moving: If moving your pelvic or lower back area becomes difficult, chiropractic care may help improve mobility.
- Increased Pain: If your pain worsens despite self-care efforts, chiropractic care can assist in diagnosing and treating the issue more effectively.
What to Expect from Chiropractic Consultation:
- Initial Evaluation: The chiropractor will first assess your physical condition and identify the underlying cause of your pain.
- Treatment Plan: After the evaluation, a treatment plan including manual adjustments and specific exercise recommendations will be created to help improve your condition.
- Follow-up Care: Chiropractic care often involves follow-up sessions to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
References