Fact Sheets / Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle and Low Back Pain
Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle and Low Back Pain
Low back and pelvic girdle pain is common during pregnancy and can start as early as the first trimester.
Causes
Changes in hormones during pregnancy cause the ligaments in the pelvis to become slightly more stretchy or lax, which means that the pelvis and spine move a bit more than before pregnancy.
The muscles that attach to the spine and pelvis need to work harder to account for these changes. If they aren’t quite strong enough pain may be experienced.
Another cause of pregnancy-related pain is due to the weight of the baby and changes in your posture.
Signs & Symptoms
Pain in the lower back, sacro-iliac joints (back of the pelvis), pubic bone (front of the pelvis).
The pain can radiate down the leg
The aggravating movements are typically: standing from a chair, standing on one leg to dress, rolling in bed, fast walking.
Differential Diagnosis
Sacro-iliac dysfunction
Lumbar radiculopathy
Spinal stenosis
PROmotion Assessment and Outcomes Measures
Education about what is contributing to the pain
Manual therapy such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, taping or the use of a pelvic belt
Exercise program focusing on strength and mobility for the spine and pelvis
Advice to keep active and keep moving!
How to Manage
Manual therapy such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, taping or the use of a pelvic belt
Exercise program focusing on strength and mobility for the spine and pelvis
Advice to keep active and keep moving!
References
VLEEMING, A., ALBERT, H., ÖSTGAARD, H., STURESSON, B. & STUGE, B. 2008. European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. European Spine Journal, 17, 794-819.
