Low Back & Pelvis
Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle & Low Back Pain
Also called: PGP, SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction)
Pain at the SI joints, pubic bone, or low back during pregnancy as hormones increase ligament laxity while load and posture shift. Extremely common — and very treatable. The message that it's 'just part of pregnancy' to endure is outdated; gentle care improves comfort, sleep, and function through delivery.
Common signs
- Pain at the back of the pelvis, pubic bone, or low back
- Worse with single-leg tasks: stairs, dressing, getting out of the car
- Clicking or grinding at the pubic joint
- Difficulty rolling in bed
Seek help now if
- Vaginal bleeding, fluid loss, or contractions with pain — obstetric evaluation immediately
- Fever, urinary symptoms
- Neurological deficits in the legs
If any of these is sudden or severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For the others, get examined before you start self-care.
What to do first
- Move symmetrically: sit to dress, swing both legs together exiting the car, keep knees together rolling in bed
- A pelvic support belt provides quick relief for many
- Begin gentle pregnancy-adapted care — earlier is easier
The longer road
- Through the pregnancy: joint care, strengthening within comfort, and load strategy scale with each trimester
- Webster technique is a gentle sacral analysis and adjustment for pelvic comfort in pregnancy. It is not a treatment for breech position: talk with your OB or midwife about how your baby is lying
- Postpartum: don't let PGP linger — the ligaments re-stabilize best alongside progressive strengthening
Natural healing options we use
- Pregnancy-adapted chiropractic care including Webster technique
- Gentle manual therapy for pelvic and hip musculature
- Support belt fitting and use strategy
- Pregnancy-safe strengthening, with pool exercise on your own between visits
- Positioning and daily-movement coaching
About imaging
Avoided in pregnancy except for serious indications; diagnosis is clinical.
Daily self-care
- Symmetrical movement habits all day
- Pillow between knees and under bump for sleep
- Short frequent walks instead of long ones during flares
How we can help
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Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.