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Pregnancy Related Pain

Pregnant women may experience pain in the pelvic girdle, lower back, pubic symphysis, neck, mid back or ribs. Rest easy knowing a qualified physiotherapist can help you manage these conditions in a way that is safe for you and your baby.

Pregnant women may experience pain in the pelvic girdle, lower back, pubic symphysis or groin, wrists, have carpal tunnel symptoms, neck, mid back or rib pain.

This is often due to physical changes associated with a growing baby, changing centre of gravity, hormonal changes, in particular late in pregnancy readying the body for birth.

Pelvic girdle pain

Pelvic girdle pain is common in pregnancy. It may occur due to changes in posture, pressure on your pelvis and hormonal changes. It is characterised by pain at the pubic bone, across one or both sides of the lower back, between the vagina and back passage and can refer to the lower back, lower belly, groin, hips, thighs and legs. You may feel clicking, locking or grinding of the pelvic joints when you move. Pain is usually aggravated by walking, going upstairs, standing on one leg, rolling over in bed, getting in and out of the car, or having intercourse. With treatment, pelvic girdle pain can be managed and symptoms reduced. Most women who have pelvic pain during pregnancy can go on to have a vaginal delivery.

Low back pain

Pregnancy related low back pain occurs in 60-70% of pregnancies. It is pain that is not caused by a known injury/pathology and can begin at any time during the pregnancy. As with pelvic girdle pain, it is likely that pregnancy related low back pain is caused by hormonal changes softening the ligaments in the body, the increasing weight of the uterus and increased “hollow’ in your lower back due to changing centre of gravity.

Pubic symphysis pain

Pubic symphysis pain is another name for pelvic girdle pain that is felt at the front of your pelvis or in your groin. The pubic symphysis is the joint that sits between your pelvic bones at the front of your pelvis, right above your vulva. During pregnancy the ligaments around this joint soften to allow your baby to pass through during delivery. You are at a higher risk of pubic symphysis pain if you have had it in previous pregnancies, have had multiple pregnancies, have had pelvic trauma, are overweight, are having multiple babies, are having a very large baby.

Physiotherapy for pregnancy related pain

Pelvic girdle pain can resolve or be managed through pregnancy with physio to make sure the joints in the pelvis, spine and hips are moving normally. You may need exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, back, tummy and hip muscles. Your physio may prescribe crutches or pelvic braces/belts if needed.

Physiotherapy can assist with pregnancy related low back pain by providing education, manual therapy, exercise therapy and taping.