Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy: Why Everything Suddenly Seems to Hurt

One of the most common things I hear from pregnant women is: "Why does it suddenly hurt to walk??" Or sometimes it's turning over in bed, other times it's getting out of the car…

Many women assume these aches and pains are simply something they have to put up with until baby arrives, while others worry that something is wrong. In many cases, what they're actually experiencing is pelvic girdle pain.

Pelvic girdle pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy and can affect women at any stage of their pregnancy journey. While symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant pain, understanding what's happening is often the first step towards feeling more comfortable and confident in your body.

What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pelvic girdle pain is a term used to describe discomfort arising from the joints and supporting structures of the pelvis during pregnancy.

Pain may be felt:

• Across the lower back

• Around the sacroiliac joints

• Pain that shoots down the buttocks

• Around the hips

• In the groin

• Around the pubic bone

Some women experience discomfort in just one area, while others notice pain in several different parts of the pelvis.

What Does Pelvic Girdle Pain Feel Like?

Every pregnancy is different, but there are certain patterns that appear again and again:

1.     Pain When Rolling Over in Bed

For many women, nighttime becomes the hardest part of the day.

A movement that once happened without thinking suddenly becomes uncomfortable. Some women even find themselves waking several times each night because turning over has become painful.

2.     Pain When Walking

Walking is one of the most common activities affected by pelvic girdle pain.

You may notice discomfort during a short walk, a trip to the supermarket or simply moving around at work. As symptoms become more noticeable, many women naturally shorten their stride or begin avoiding longer walks.

3.     Pain Getting In and Out of the Car

Getting in and out of the car often requires twisting through the pelvis while bearing weight through one leg.

It's a surprisingly common trigger for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.

4.     Pain Standing on One Leg

Many women notice discomfort while:

• Putting on pants

• Getting dressed

• Climbing stairs

• Stepping into the shower

These activities all require the body to briefly balance on one side, which can place additional stress through the pelvis.

5.     Pubic Bone Pain During Pregnancy

For some women, the discomfort is felt mainly at the front of the pelvis around the pubic bone.

This can range from a mild ache to a sharp pain that occurs during walking, changing positions or getting in and out of bed.

Why Does Pelvic Girdle Pain Happen During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy places unique demands on the body. As your baby grows, your posture changes, your centre of gravity shifts and the muscles supporting your pelvis must continually adapt.

Hormonal changes also help prepare the body for birth by allowing the pelvis to become more adaptable. The hormone called “relaxin” is made for exactly that: “relaxing” your ligaments and joints, in order to prepare the pelvis and other structures to open up and make space for a growing baby. Even though that’s a very smart thing for the body to do, it can also cause temporary instability in the pelvic structure.

Most of the time, pelvic girdle pain develops from a combination of factors rather than a single cause.

Could It Be Sciatica?

Maybe, but not necessarily. Many pregnant women use the word "sciatica" to describe pain around the hips, buttocks or pelvis. Yet, true sciatica actually describes radiating pain from an irritated or compressed spinal nerve. Even though sciatica can occur during pregnancy, many women are actually experiencing pelvic girdle pain instead.

The two conditions can feel surprisingly similar and are often confused.

What Can Help Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Many women find relief through a combination of approaches.

Helpful strategies may include:

• Staying active within comfortable limits

• Avoiding movements that consistently aggravate symptoms

• Modifying daily activities

• Improving sleep positioning

• Pregnancy-specific exercises

• Hands-on care and support

Simple changes to everyday habits can sometimes make a significant difference.

Can Chiropractic Help Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy?

Many women choose to see a pregnancy chiropractor when pelvic girdle pain begins affecting sleep, mobility or everyday activities.

At Bloom Chiropractic in Rolleston, supporting pregnant women is one of our special interests.

Care may include:

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments

• Assessment of pelvic movement and balance

• Pregnancy-specific stretches and exercises

• Movement and posture advice

• Strategies to improve comfort during everyday activities

Dr. Oceane Clement has undertaken advanced training in pregnancy chiropractic, including in the Webster Technique. She has also completed training with Spinning Babies® and may incorporate appropriate Spinning Babies® exercises and movements into your care plan when clinically indicated.

Women looking for a pregnancy chiropractor in Rolleston commonly seek care for pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, sciatica, pubic bone pain and other pregnancy-related musculoskeletal complaints.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Although pelvic girdle pain is common during pregnancy, it is important to contact your midwife, GP or healthcare provider if you experience:

• Vaginal bleeding

• Fever

• Significant weakness

• Change in blood pressure

• Changes in bladder or bowel control

• Any symptoms that concern you

Pelvic Girdle Pain Support at Bloom Chiropractic in Rolleston

If you're experiencing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, you don't have to simply accept it as part of the journey.

At Bloom Chiropractic, Dr Oceane Clement provides pregnancy chiropractic care for women throughout Rolleston, Selwyn and the wider Canterbury region.

Whether you're struggling with pain when walking, discomfort rolling over in bed, pubic bone pain, difficulty getting out of the car or symptoms that feel like sciatica, we'd be happy to help you explore your options.