Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) - previously called symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD - causes pain in the front and back of the pelvis, sometimes radiating into the groin, hips, or thighs. It ranges from a mild ache to pain so severe that walking, turning in bed, or climbing stairs becomes extremely difficult.
What Causes PGP
The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments around the pelvic joints to allow the pelvis to open for birth. In some women, this causes instability where one side moves more than the other, creating uneven loading and pain. The symphysis pubis joint at the front of the pelvis is most commonly affected.
| Activity | PGP Impact |
|---|---|
| Walking | Pain with each step, worse over longer distances |
| Stairs | Lifting each leg causes sharp pain |
| Turning in bed | One of the most painful movements |
| Standing on one leg | Very difficult - getting dressed, stepping into bath |
| Wide leg movements | Avoid - making them wider worsens the joint gap |
What Helps
- See a women's health physiotherapist as early as possible - earlier treatment = better outcomes
- Wear a pelvic girdle support belt - this stabilises the joint and can reduce pain significantly
- Keep knees together when getting in and out of the car, bed, and bath
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees
- Avoid heavy lifting and wide-legged movements
- Use a stool to sit on when getting dressed so you do not need to stand on one leg
- Walk shorter distances more frequently rather than long distances less often
After birth
PGP usually resolves within weeks to months after delivery. Physiotherapy after birth accelerates recovery. Inform your midwife of your PGP during labour as certain positions (like stirrups) may need to be avoided.