Pelvic girdle pain is common during pregnancy, and it should not be dismissed as something you simply have to endure. Our specialists work closely with you to identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that helps reduce pain, improve mobility and support a healthy pregnancy.
Our approach focuses on evidence-based therapies that are safe during pregnancy. By addressing the underlying musculoskeletal and pelvic floor issues contributing to pain, we help patients stay active, maintain function and prepare for labor and postpartum recovery.
How Loyola Medicine helps our patients
Patients choose Loyola Medicine because of our specialized expertise in pelvic health and our commitment to treating the whole person. Our multidisciplinary team includes physicians and specially trained pelvic floor physical therapists who work together to create individualized treatment plans for each patient.
At Loyola, you benefit from:
Specialized pelvic health expertise from providers experienced in diagnosing and treating pregnancy-related pelvic pain.Pelvic floor physical therapy services designed to address pelvic girdle pain and postpartum pelvic floor myofascial pain and dysfunction as well as other conditions that affect comfort, mobility and quality of life during pregnancy.Personalized treatment plans tailored to your symptoms, stage of pregnancy and goals.Collaborative care between physical therapists, obstetric providers and other specialists when needed.Support before and after delivery , helping you manage symptoms during pregnancy and recover safely postpartum.
Pelvic floor physical therapy for pregnancy and postpartum pelvic pain
Loyola Medicine’s pelvic floor physical therapy program
The pelvic-floor muscles play an important role in supporting abdominal organs and are especially significant in sexual health and childbirth. These muscles stretch from the tailbone to the pubic bone and from each side of the pelvic bones.
When pelvic-floor muscles are weak or dysfunctional, physical therapy can help. Our therapists have advanced training to correct numerous conditions, including pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy and postpartum pelvic floor myofascial pain working in close collaboration with your physician to deliver the highest quality of care.
Meet the pelvic health team
Our multidisciplinary team brings together pelvic health specialists, women's health providers and pelvic floor physical therapists with extensive experience treating the full spectrum of pelvic pain conditions. By combining expertise across specialties, we can look beyond a single symptom and develop personalized treatment strategies that address the physical, functional and quality-of-life impacts of pelvic pain. Whether symptoms are related to pregnancy, pelvic floor dysfunction or other complex pelvic health conditions, our team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive, compassionate care.
Diagnosis and evaluation for pelvic pain
Pelvic girdle pain is the most common cause of symptoms while pregnant, defined as pain in the front and/or back of your pelvis, specifically the symphysis pubis joint or sacroiliac joints. The hips or thighs can also be affected. You may also hear the term symphysis pubis dysfunction or sciatica; these are both now referred to as pelvic girdle pain.
If pelvic pain has started to impede your everyday life while pregnant, then talk to a doctor. They may perform an exam or help schedule an appointment with a physical therapist who can make an assessment to diagnosis pelvic girdle pain. Although pelvic girdle pain is common during pregnancy, significant pain that affects daily activities should be evaluated and treated.
While each examination is different, the physician will generally look at posture, movements of the hip and back, ask questions about your health history and rule out other causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Imaging can be used to confirm the diagnosis, like an MRI if necessary. Both are safe; the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that pregnant women can have an MRI done at any trimester
Pregnancy-related pelvic pain symptoms and when to seek care
Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy can make movement difficult. Generally, women who suffer from this condition feel pain over the pubic bone, across one or both sides of their back, at the perineum (in between the vagina and anus) or radiating pain to the thighs. There may also be a clicking or grinding sound in the pelvic area.
Symptoms are caused by the joints moving unevenly as the result of hypermobility or ligamentous laxity from pregnancy hormones. Normally, the three joints in the pelvis work together and don't move that much.
Pregnant patients should see their obstetric provider, gynecologist or primary care physician if pain interferes with daily activities. At Loyola, you will be referred to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians
Climbing up or down stairs
Standing on one leg, e.g. when getting dressed or other simple activities
Turning over in bed
Moving legs apart, e.g. stepping out of a car or out of bed
Walking
Treatments and therapies for pelvic girdle pain that are safe while pregnant
Patients who experience pelvic girdle pain have at-home options and professional therapies that can help relieve discomfort. Generally, the pain can be reduced by strengthening the muscles around the pelvis and providing support for your back. When pelvic pain becomes too much, try:
Using a wrapped ice pack for 20 to 30 minutes on the painful area, repeating as needed.
Always standing tall or sitting tall with back support.
Wear a compression garment or support belt such as a sacroiliac joint belt when supplied by a physiotherapist.
Perform strengthening exercises two to three times per week for the hip, pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.
Receive a home massage or press into trigger points to release tight muscles. However, only perform this if shown the proper technique(s) by a doctor.
A doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help align the bone structures and reestablish a proper balance between soft tissues and muscles to create better posture and ergonomics that may eventually lead to reduced pain levels. For severe pain
Frequently asked questions about pelvic girdle pain
Pelvic girdle pain is a common pregnancy symptom and can range from mild discomfort to more noticeable aches that affect daily activities. Understanding what causes pelvic girdle pain, when it's considered normal, and how to find relief can help you feel more confident throughout your pregnancy.
