Could you have pelvic girdle pain?

What is it?

This is pain around your pelvis – it can be at the front (known as SPD), the back, underneath, or spreading down your front / inner thighs (however if you have bilateral leg pain radiating past your knees please speak to your GP as you may need further assessment).  PGP is thought to be caused by laxity in the ligaments around your pelvis, which causes irritation and inflammation into the joints which sit at the front and back of your pelvis, so is most commonly seen during pregnancy.

I think I have this, and I’m pregnant… Is there anything I can do?

Whilst it can be difficult to completely resolve the pain caused from this condition during your pregnancy, there are lots of things you can try to help manage your symptoms and make yourself more comfortable.

Here are some ideas:

  • Try and keep as active as you can, but avoid exercise that aggravates your pain
  • Wear flat, supportive shoes
  • Get dressed sitting down (rather than standing on 1 leg when you take trousers on & off)
  • Swivel with your knees together when you get in and out of the car – opening your legs apart often aggravates symptoms
  • Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees, and try to keep your knees together if you need to turn

I hope this helps! If you have any further questions on PGP please feel free to send me a message by clicking here.

Posted in Blog.