3 Causes Of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy and How You Can Relieve Them

By Dr. Brooke Kalisiak PT, DPT Owner Legacy Physical Therapy

September 18, 2023
Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Physical Therapy, Pregnancy, Women’s Health

If you’re reading this, then congratulations! Pregnancy is a gift, and you should be treasuring this special time nurturing your growing baby.

Unfortunately, pelvic pain during pregnancy is often unavoidable without a helping hand. Have you encountered muscle or joint pain during your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester?

If the answer is YES, this blog is for you.

Over the last 16 years, our specialized team has helped people like you pinpoint exactly what is causing your pregnancy pain and helping to relieve that pain.

So, take notice of the following tips, and together we can reduce your pregnancy pain, and help you focus on welcoming your little one into the world.

Firstly, it is essential to understand what causes pelvic pain during pregnancy.

What Causes Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?

Ligament Pain

One of the primary causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy is ligament pain. As your baby grows, your uterus expands and stretches the ligaments that support it. This stretching can cause sharp or dull pain on the sides of your lower abdomen, radiating into your groin.

Relief: Introducing gentle stretching exercises and proper body mechanics can help alleviate ligament pain. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in teaching pregnant people like yourself safe and effective stretching techniques to reduce discomfort.

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

SPD occurs when the ligaments that hold your pelvic bones together become too relaxed due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. This can result in pain in your pelvic area, often centered around the pubic bone. SPD can make take focus away from your pregnancy, by making walking, standing, or even turning in bed extremely painful.

Relief: Physical therapy provides you with specialized techniques to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and stabilize the pelvic region. These exercises help to manage your SPD symptoms and increase your mobility.

Sciatica/Low Back Pain

Back pain that stretches down into the buttocks or leg is extremely common during pregnancy. It is often due to the shift in the center of gravity that the baby creates, the loosening up of the pelvic ring, and the stretching out of the abdominals. For many women, this pain can be extremely debilitating.

Relief: Introducing gentle core strengthening exercises and proper body mechanics, alongside getting fitted for a personalized support belt can help alleviate sciatica/low back pain. Working with a pelvic physical therapist can play a crucial role in helping you return to an active healthy pregnancy, and help prepare your body for introducing your growing baby into the world.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Increased blood flow to your pelvic region during pregnancy can lead to Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. The result is often aching, heaviness, and discomfort in your lower abdomen and groin.

Relief: Our team can provide techniques such as manual therapy and exercises to improve your blood circulation and alleviate your discomfort associated with pelvic congestion syndrome.

How Can I Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?

Wear Supportive Footwear

I know this may sound false, but shoe wear can make a significant impact on pelvis pain. Unbalanced shoes affect the ability of your pelvic floor to contract and relax normally, In addition, the added weight of your baby can change the way you sit and stand during pregnancy, exerting extra strain on your pelvis.

Improve Your Sleeping Position

Yes, we all have our favorite sleeping position, but this is sometimes the cause of pregnant women’s pelvic pain. You should try sleeping on your side with your knees bent, supported by a pillow (or two) between your knees.

As the latter stages of your pregnancy approach, an additional pillow under your abdomen can keep your spine in good alignment, ensuring you achieve a better night’s rest!

Ensure You Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can be a game-changer in reducing your pelvic pain. Engaging in safe and tailored exercise routines not only helps strengthen the muscles that support your pelvis but also enhances your overall flexibility and body awareness. Low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, swimming, and parental yoga can help reduce your pain.

By working with our physical therapists to develop a customized exercise plan, you can make proactive steps towards a more comfortable and pain-free pregnancy, allowing you to focus on the magical journey of welcoming your growing baby into the world.

BONUS – Expert Free Report

The tips in this blog are taken from our informative report written by owner and expert pelvic floor therapist Brooke Kalisiak.

This report is filled with useful information, including another 6 tips for relieving your pelvic pain based on over a decade of research in our clinic. Download your copy below…

Free Report – 10 Simple Tips To Ease Pregnancy Pain

Are You Ready For The Next Step In Relieving Your Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?

Ready to reclaim control of your pregnancy?

While the tips in this article are effective, your journey to a pain-free pregnancy is easier with a helping hand.

You deserve to get back to a life free from worry and anxiety, and that’s where Legacy Physical Therapy comes in.

We’re excited to offer you our Pelvic Pain Assessment, a specialized program designed to discuss your unique needs and provide options for fast relief.

Physical therapy is the number one way to treat pelvic pain and regain your quality of life. Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way, making you feel comfortable and safe to share your experience and begin your journey of recovery. Our expert therapists will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals and challenges.

We understand that coming into the clinic may feel overwhelming or embarrassing for some. That’s why we offer the option to speak with a physical therapist over the phone. You can get all your questions answered and receive guidance from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Don’t let pelvic pain hold you back any longer.

Take the first step towards a pain-free life by scheduling your Pelvic Pain Assessment today.