Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is usually pain felt in the front of the pelvis (pubic symphysis) or lower back (sacroiliac joints). Pain can also be felt on one or both buttocks or in the groin. Pelvic pain usually improves naturally after birth. 

What causes pelvic pain? 

The exact causes are unknown, but possible mechanisms are:

1. Changes to posture exerting excessive force on the joints of the pelvis, causing pain.
2. Joint stability, which is the result of many contributing factors. Changes during pregnancy soften or loosen ligaments that usually function to keep the pelvic joints together in preparation for labour. This causes the joints to move which is felt as pain.

Further research is needed to confirm the proposed mechanisms above.

Activities that may increase pelvic pain

• Prolonged standing or walking (often fast walking)
• Getting in and out of the car or bed
• Rolling in bed
• Lying flat
• Going up and down stairs 
• Standing on one leg
• Deep lunging or squatting

Healthy posture during pregnancy

A healthy posture decreases the chance of developing low back pain, neck pain and fatigue. Changes in posture are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and foetal growth. The following guide aims to help you maintain a healthy posture during pregnancy:

Sitting

✔   Ensure the length of your thighs are supported by the chair

✔   Keep your knees level with your hips.   

✔   Use a foot stool if required

✔   Limit prolonged sitting in one position

✘   Do not slouch

✘   Do not cross your legs

Standing and Walking

✔   Contract your abdominal muscles and buttocks when standing from a chair, prior to lifting objects.

✔   Take smaller steps when walking and limit prolonged standing.

✔   If you experience pain with everyday activities, consider using supportive garments.

✘   Do not over tilt your pelvis/ over-arch your back (as pictured)

Useful Contacts

Liverpool Hospital

Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Department                             

Level 2 Health Service Building                                                                     

Corner Goulburn & Campbell St                                                                                 

Liverpool 2170

Ph: 8738 4703 or 87384707

Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm excluding Public Holidays

Email: SWSLHD-LiverpoolPhysiotherapyReferrals@health.nsw.gov.au

Fairfield Hospital

Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Department                             

Level 1                                                                     

Corner Prairievale Rd & Polding St                                                                                 

Prairiewood NSW 2170

Phone: 9616 8324 

Fax: 9616 8537

Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm excluding Public Holidays

Email: SWSLHD-FairfieldPhysioReferral@health.nsw.gov.au

Bankstown Hospital

Outpatient Physiotherapy Department

Allied Health Building

68 Elridge Rd, Bankstown 2200

Phone: 97227150

Fax: 97227125

Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm excluding public holidays

Email: SWSLHD-Bankstown-PhysiotherapyOPD@health.nsw.gov.au

Campbelltown Hospital

Allied Health Outpatients – Physiotherapy

Building D, Ground Floor

Parkside Crescent

Campbelltown 2560

Ph: (02) 4634 4794 | Fax: (02) 4634 3895

Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm excluding Public Holidays

Email: CampbelltownPhysiotherapy@health.nsw.gov.au

Bowral & District Hospital

Outpatient Physiotherapy Department

Watson Building 

Bowral Street & Mona Road

Bowral NSW 2576

Ph: 4861 0298

Fax: 4861 0251

Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm excluding Public Holidays

Email: SWSLHD-BDHPhysio@health.nsw.gov.au