Pelvic Pain

Many women (45-50%) experience pregnancy-related low back or pelvic girdle pain, with more than 80% of these women experiencing difficulties with daily living, and up to 30% requiring bed rest and leading to absence from work. Pelvic girdle pain refers to pain in the symphysis pubis and/or pain in the region of one or both of the sacroiliac joints, and pain in the gluteal region. Pain is often aggravated during standing, walking, sitting, twisting, climbing of stairs, and turning while in bed . The pain with pelvic girdle pain is intermittent, there is no restriction of lumbar spine or hip movement, and it is often described as a stabbing, burning, dull, or shooting pain.

Most women will be recommended to see a physiotherapist during pregancy if they experience pelvic pain.

Management

It generally resolves in a few weeks or within the month following delivery, however in 8-10% of women pain can be experienced for 1-2 years. Extra support and postnatal physiotherapy may also be required.

• Avoidance of fatigue and have frequent periods of rest
• Avoiding situations that aggravate the condition e.g. unrelenting postures, twisting while lifting, activities such as unequal weight bearing, bouncing, hip abduction, 3, 24 high-heel shoes
• Use pillows to support the abdomen while lying in the lateral position, and to support the lower back when sitting, and placement of a lumbar roll behind the back with the feet slightly elevated.
• Use massage and hot and cold therapies may provide relief
• Hydrotherapy may be useful in decreasing back pain, water aerobics
• A supportive pregnancy belt may be beneficial, or if required, using aids such as crutches , walking frames and wheelchairs to assist mobility.
• Exercising before and during pregnancy strengthens abdominal, back and pelvic muscles, assisting good posture and weight-bearing activities.