Aches & Pains

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP/SPD) in Pregnancy

Pain and instability around your pubic bone and hips — uncomfortable but not harmful to your baby, and physiotherapy usually helps a lot.

⏱️ 5 min read🗓️ Updated 6 July 2026🤰 2nd · 3rd trimester✅ 5 sources🩺 Medical review pending

Written and fact-checked by the ParentVibes editorial team against WHO, NHS, ACOG and peer-reviewed guidance. Not yet reviewed by a named clinician.

Quick facts

Also known as: Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)
How common: Affects a significant minority of pregnancies
Typical onset: Second or third trimester
Main treatment: Pregnancy physiotherapy
Harmful to baby?: No — but can significantly limit mobility

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) — also called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) — happens when the joints of your pelvis move unevenly during pregnancy, causing pain around your pubic bone, groin, hips or lower back. For some people it's a mild niggle; for others it can make everyday movements like walking, climbing stairs or getting out of the car genuinely difficult.

The good news is that PGP does not harm your baby, and most people find it manageable with the right support — particularly physiotherapy. This guide explains what causes it, how it's different from general pregnancy aches, the self-care and physiotherapy techniques that help, and when to seek medical advice.

What is pelvic girdle pain?

Pelvic girdle pain describes pain arising from the joints of your pelvis — most often the joint at the front where the two halves of your pelvis meet (the symphysis pubis), and the joints at the back near your hips (the sacroiliac joints). During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments supporting these joints so your pelvis can adapt for birth, but this can cause the joints to move unevenly, which is felt as pain, clicking or a sense of instability.

PGP can range from mild discomfort to pain severe enough to affect walking, going up and down stairs, getting dressed, turning over in bed, or moving your legs apart (for example getting out of a car). It typically improves after birth, though for some people it takes weeks or months, and physiotherapy support both during and after pregnancy makes a real difference.

PGP is not a sign your pelvis is 'too small' or unstable long-term

PGP reflects a temporary change in how your pelvic joints move, not a structural problem with your pelvis or a reason you can't have a vaginal birth. Tell your midwife so a birth plan can take your symptoms into account.

What causes pelvic girdle pain?

PGP happens when the normal pregnancy loosening of your pelvic ligaments causes uneven movement between your pelvic joints.

The hormone relaxin

Relaxin loosens ligaments around your pelvis to help it adapt for birth. When this happens unevenly, the joints move out of their usual alignment and cause pain.

Increased load and changing posture

Extra weight and a shifted centre of gravity put more strain on the joints and muscles supporting your pelvis.

Weakened core and pelvic floor muscles

These muscles help stabilise your pelvis; when they're not working efficiently, the joints take on more strain.

A previous episode of PGP

If you've had PGP in an earlier pregnancy, you're more likely to get it again, often earlier and sometimes more severely.

Asymmetrical movements

Activities that put uneven strain on one side, like standing on one leg to dress or carrying a toddler on one hip, can worsen symptoms.

More likely if…

You've had PGP or back problems before
You're carrying twins or more
Your job involves standing, twisting or heavy lifting
You have hypermobile joints

When pelvic girdle pain is manageable at home

Many cases of PGP, while uncomfortable, can be managed well with self-care and physiotherapy. These features are typical:

Pain around the pubic bone, groin or hips that's worse with certain movements — walking, stairs, turning in bed, or moving your legs apart.
Clicking, grinding or a feeling of instability in your pelvis, without severe constant pain.
Symptoms that ease somewhat with rest, support and adjusting how you move.
Pain that stays localised to your pelvis and hips rather than spreading or worsening dramatically.

	Typical PGP	Needs medical attention
Pain	Worse with specific movements, eases with rest/support	Severe, constant, unrelieved by rest or position
Other symptoms	None — mobility is limited but you feel otherwise well	Fever, bleeding, or regular tightening before 37 weeks
Progress	Manageable with physiotherapy techniques	Rapidly worsening or new leg weakness/numbness

Ask for a referral early

The earlier you see a physiotherapist experienced in pregnancy PGP, the sooner you'll have tailored techniques to manage it — don't wait for symptoms to become severe.

Warning signs — get medical help now

While PGP itself isn't dangerous, contact your doctor or midwife urgently, or go to your nearest emergency department, if you have:

Seek urgent medical care if you have

Regular tightening or contractions before 37 weeks alongside your pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain together with vaginal bleeding.
A fever, or feeling generally unwell alongside the pain.
Sudden, severe pain that's very different from your usual PGP.
New numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs.
Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around your bottom or inner thighs (saddle numbness) — this is rare but needs emergency assessment.

If your baby's movements feel reduced or different, contact your maternity unit the same day.

Saddle numbness needs immediate care

Numbness around your inner thighs or bottom with loss of bladder or bowel control is a rare emergency (cauda equina syndrome) — go to A&E straight away.

Self-care & home remedies

Small changes to how you move and rest can make a real difference to PGP.

Move symmetrically

Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car, bed or bath.
Take small steps and avoid wide strides.
Sit down to get dressed rather than standing on one leg.
Avoid activities that push your legs wide apart, like some stretches or breaststroke swimming.

Rest & pacing

Break up activities and avoid standing or walking for long stretches without a rest.
Sleep with a pillow between your knees, and roll over 'log-style' keeping your knees together.
Avoid heavy lifting and carrying uneven loads (like a toddler on one hip).

Support & equipment

A pelvic support belt, fitted correctly, can reduce pain for many people — ask your physiotherapist.
Use handrails on stairs and take them one step at a time, leading with the less painful leg.
Wear flat, supportive shoes.

Physiotherapy

Ask your midwife for a referral to a physiotherapist experienced in pregnancy PGP — targeted exercises and manual therapy help most people.
Pelvic floor and gentle core exercises, guided by a professional, can improve joint stability.
Some people find warm baths, TENS machines (once cleared by a professional) or massage helpful alongside physiotherapy.

PGP usually improves with the right support

With physiotherapy and pacing, most people manage PGP well through pregnancy and it improves significantly after birth.

When to consult a doctor

Speak to your midwife or doctor — and ask for a physiotherapy referral — if:

Pain is affecting your ability to walk, work, sleep or care for yourself.
Symptoms are worsening despite trying self-care measures.
You're struggling with stairs, getting out of bed, or everyday tasks.
You'd like advice on labour and birth positions that work with PGP.
You haven't yet been referred to a physiotherapist and would like to be.

Track your symptoms and what helps

Recording your pain patterns and what eases them gives your midwife and physiotherapist a clearer picture, and helps you plan your birth around what works for your body.

Open the Pregnancy Tracker

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between PGP and SPD?

They describe the same condition — pain from the pelvic joints in pregnancy. SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction) was the older term focused on the front pubic joint; PGP (pelvic girdle pain) is now preferred as it covers pain from the front and back pelvic joints together.

Is pelvic girdle pain harmful to my baby?

No. PGP is uncomfortable and can limit your mobility, but it does not harm your baby's growth or wellbeing.

Can I still have a vaginal birth with PGP?

In most cases, yes. Tell your midwife about your PGP so your birth plan can include positions and support that reduce strain on your pelvis — many people with PGP have a straightforward vaginal birth.

Will pelvic girdle pain go away after I give birth?

For most people it improves significantly within weeks of birth, though for some it can take longer. Continuing physiotherapy after birth helps recovery.

What exercises should I avoid with PGP?

Avoid movements that push your legs wide apart, like breaststroke swimming or deep squats, and any activity that increases your pain. A physiotherapist can advise on safe exercises for you specifically.

When should I see a doctor about pelvic girdle pain?

See your midwife or doctor if pain is limiting your daily activities, getting worse, or if you develop fever, bleeding, regular tightening before 37 weeks, or leg weakness or numbness — these need urgent review.

Your next steps

Track your pregnancy

Log symptoms week by week, get personalised tips, and see how your pregnancy is progressing.

Open Pregnancy Tracker

Pregnancy week-by-week

Follow your baby's growth and your body's changes from week 1 to 40 in plain language.

Explore the guide

Find a gynaecologist

Have a personal concern? Book with a trusted obstetrician or gynaecologist near you.

Find a doctor

Related pregnancy symptoms

Pelvic Pain Back Pain Hip Pain Round Ligament Pain Sciatica

→ See all pregnancy symptoms A–Z

Helpful resources

Sources

Next review due: 6 January 2027.

Medical disclaimer

This page is general information about a common pregnancy symptom and does not replace personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, a bad headache with vision changes, reduced or absent baby movements, breathing difficulty, fever, or you feel something is seriously wrong, contact your doctor or midwife or go to your nearest emergency department straight away. When in doubt, always get checked — it is never a waste of anyone's time.

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