Pregnancy-Related Back and Pelvic Discomfort: Practical Things That May Help

Backache is common during pregnancy. Changes in body shape, load and the way the pelvis and lower back move can all contribute.

Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain can be felt around the pubic bone, lower back, buttocks, groin or thighs. It may be worse with stairs, standing on one leg, turning in bed or getting in and out of a car.

Practical changes that may help

Simple changes can help: keep active within comfort, avoid repeatedly doing movements that clearly flare the pain, sit down to dress, use supportive footwear and consider a pillow between the legs in bed.

When to speak to your midwife or GP

If pelvic pain is making it difficult to move around, speak to your midwife or GP. Depending on your symptoms, osteopathic assessment or input from another appropriate healthcare professional may also be worth considering.

Back pain in the second or third trimester with bleeding, fever, pain when passing urine or pain under the ribs needs urgent GP or midwife advice. Loss of feeling in the legs, bottom or genital area requires emergency assessment.

Osteopathic care during pregnancy

Where osteopathic care is considered during pregnancy, treatment should be adapted to the individual and to comfort. At Taylor Osteopathy we take a careful history first and will recommend medical or obstetric assessment where that is the more appropriate route.