Even though the nine months of pregnancy is a relatively short period in a woman's life, it can be hugely influential on her body during this time and afterwards. Research has found that at approximately 50% of women experience some kind of back and pelvic pain during pregnancy.

Some women are very aware of their postural changes as their bodies adapt and accommodate to the growing baby. This can manifest itself in back pain, mid back and rib pain, headache or carpal tunnel syndrome, to mention a few. Being pregnant also means that you are restricted in what pain relief you can choose, so it’s vital to find a safe and gentle solution for these symptoms.

Some women will find their bodies feeling less supportive and even unstable, especially in the lower back, pelvic region and the Pubic Symphysis joint. This condition is now more widely recognised and diagnosed, but many women still find they are left without helpful advice, support or treatment.

The awareness of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is luckily increasing, but a wider knowledge of this diagnosis is still needed.

Common Symptoms:

Some women are unable to walk for any length of time or even go up stairs. Many find it hard to look after their homes and children. Cleaning, shopping and getting in and out of the car can also be very difficult.

Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling or “clicking” in the Sacro- Iliac joints at the back, SP joint, at the front, or a combination of all of the above. Sometimes the pain refers down the thighs and legs.

This can really affect the confidence and emotional well-being during a time where hormones are already flowing wildly and your life is about to change drastically. It may also be a strain for the relationship.

How does this happen?

The pelvis forms a ring structure with the sacrum and two iliac bones. They fit snugly together, aided by pelvic muscles and ligaments for support. However, pregnancy with the added weight and ligamentous softening may influence the stability and function of the pelvis. This is further aggravated if the pelvis is out of alignment from before, such as from an injury.

Don’t forget the feet!

The function of the pelvis is hugely influenced by the alignment of the feet. Some women may present with a “roll in” (pronation) or “roll out”(supination) posture of the feet, which may affect the knees, hips and pelvic stability. This is most commonly diagnosed by a Podiatrist.

Help is at hand!

It is essential that you find a therapist who has a special interest and experience in prenatal and post natal care. Research from the Pelvic Partnership has found that manual therapists specialising in pelvic alignment and function during pregnancy can be very helpful.

The treatment needs to be individually tailored to make the best possible progress! The treatment needs to be gentle and adapted to each stage of the pregnancy. Muscle rehabilitation such as core stability techniques, Gym Ball, Pilates and Yoga are also very helpful. Especially for long term progress.

Try to get help early to achieve get stability and alignment of the back and pelvis as soon as possible. Don’t expect pain to be normal!

The goal for any pregnant woman should be to achieve:

• Good postural, spinal and pelvic alignment
• Muscle balance and relaxation
• Good alignment of the feet.
• Awareness of posture and exercises for birth preparation

Top tips for pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

• Stand evenly with the weight on both feet.
• Avoid crossing the knees when sitting.
• Avoid straddling movements such as getting in or out of a bath.
• Put a plastic bag on the car seat and swing the legs in together when you sit down.
• Keep the knees together when you turnover in bed.
• Use and ice pack over the joint for ten minutes/hour, to reduce inflammation and pain.
• The banana shaped pregnancy pillow is excellent support for both knees and the bump in bed.
• Avoid weight bearing on one leg at a time, so sit down to get dressed..
• Brace you abdomen as a corset when you need to bend or lift, such as hovering, shopping or using a pushchair.
• Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops at all cost!

For further help and advice see www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk