Pelvic Girdle Pain

During pregnancy the pelvis changes to accommodate the growing baby and prepare for a natural vaginal delivery. 

Some bodies cope better than others with these changes, due to various reasons such as ligament elasticity (genetic factors), previous traumas or episodes of back or leg pain, the nature of physical work you do eg sedentary work or caring for a toddler; and how many previous pregnancies you've carried or caesareans you've had.

What causes pelvic pain?

Your body produces a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy. It's effect is to soften joints as the ligaments relax. The reuslting physical changes of your growing body that shifts your centre of gravity, coupled with increased weight and loss of abdominal muscle tone leads to extra mechanical stress and often pain. 

What are the symptoms of pelvic girdle pain?

·         Pain in the buttock region - usually on one side

·         Maybe accompanied by generalised lower back pain or pelvis pain

·         May experience pain into your hips

·         Can experience referred pain travelling down the leg

·         Pain at the pubic symphysis (or perhaps a grinding feeling)

·         Not feeling confident in your back or legs to support you properly

At what stage of pregnancy can this occur?

If you have experienced this pain during your initial pregnancy, you may have an increased incidence of developing this pain again in your future pregnancies. It may be more severe so it is important to seek help to manage this condition. The onset of this condition may arise within your first trimester or later on during your pregnancy

 What can make this pain worse?

 ·       Lying on your back                               

·       Turning around in bed         

        Walking                                                          

   Standing from a sitting position 
   Lifting heavy items
   Poor posture on couch or when standing  
   Manoeuvering trolley/pram

How Osteopaths can help:

Osteopathic treatment can be of assistance by providing a variety of non - invasive and safe techniques such as:

 Soft tissue and gentle mobilisation techniques to improve the mobility and strength of the hips, lower back and pelvis

 Provide you with pelvic floor exercises which can help by improving the stability of your pelvis

 Provide advice with regards on how to carry out daily activities and other products available for support eg Pregnancy shorts.

To book a consultation with one of our Osteopaths, please call us on 9783 9041.