What are the causes of pelvic pain in pregnant women?
Author: Chloe Mo Founder & Registered Physiotherapist
Pelvic pain in pregnant women, also known as Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP), is a common symptom, especially in the second and third trimesters. This pain can affect one or more areas of the pelvic region, including the ilium, pubic bone, and sacrum.
Causes of pelvic pain may include:
- Joint laxity: During pregnancy, the body produces more relaxin hormone, which loosens ligaments to prepare the pelvis for childbirth. This laxity can reduce the stability of the pelvic joints, leading to pain.
- Weight gain: As the fetus grows, increased weight puts more pressure on the pelvic area.
- Postural changes: To accommodate increased weight, a pregnant woman's posture may change, which can put extra stress on the muscles and joints of the pelvic area.
- Pelvic joint misalignment: Hormonal changes in the body reduce the stability of the pelvic joints, increasing the risk of misalignment. Pelvic joints may become misaligned or asymmetrical, leading to pain.
Symphysis Pubis: This is a joint located at the front of the pelvis, connecting the left and right pubic bones. Symphysis pubis dysfunction refers to this joint becoming excessively loose, causing separation or misalignment of the pubic bones, which can cause pain, especially when walking, standing, or changing positions.
Sacroiliac Joints: These joints are located at the back of the pelvis, connecting the sacrum and the ilium. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or instability refers to excessive movement or asymmetry of the joints, possibly due to reduced support from loose ligaments. This can cause lower back or buttock pain, sometimes radiating down the leg.
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