Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SDP) is joint pain found in the pelvic region. Commonly an issue pregnant women report as the hormone relaxin increases and the pressure from a growing baby persists. Pelvic girdle pain can cause severe discomfort to the pelvic floor, thighs, and lower back, making everyday activities that permit the separation of the legs extremely difficult. 

The pelvic region consists of three joints, two that sit at the back and one at the front. These joints are generally very stiff, but during pregnancy, hormones such as relaxin can cause these joints to become looser and may move more unevenly.

Other reasons for the increased discomfort can include:

• weakening of the pelvic floor muscles
• strenuous activity 
• previous injuries
• previous PGP
• leg length discrepancies

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) – How do we get some relief? 

Firstly consult your doctor or midwife who will have in-depth knowledge on how to help you as this would be something that they would’ve seen often throughout their line of work. 

Secondly, you can seek the help of a Physiotherapist who will examine your posture and the way the body moves to advise the best course of action tailored to your specific needs to limit the debilitating pain.

Thirdly, prenatal yoga can be a powerful tool to help you transition with the changes happening throughout this precious time of your pregnancy journey in a very positive way.  

Several exercises can manage Pelvic girdle pain; seek what resonates with you the most. Initiating conscious daily movement to support the pelvic floor is a great practice to limit the painful sensations that this issue conjures.

References: 

Rcog.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/pi-pelvic-girdle-pain-and-pregnancy.pdf> [Accessed 22 December 2021].

NCT (National Childbirth Trust). 2021. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is common in pregnancy. [online] Available at: <https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/worries-and-discomforts/common-discomforts/pelvic-girdle-pain-pgp-common-pregnancy> [Accessed 22 December 2021].

Pampers-GB-EN. 2020. Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP/SPD)—Symptoms and Treatment | Pampers. [online] Available at: <https://www.pampers.co.uk/pregnancy/pregnancy-symptoms/article/symphysis-pubis-dysfunction> [Accessed 22 December 2021].

nhs.uk. 2021. Pelvic pain in pregnancy. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/pelvic-pain/> [Accessed 22 December 2021].