Elara guides

Pelvic girdle pain (SPD), explained

Common, treatable — and not something to grit through.

Pain in the pelvis, hips, groin or lower back — sometimes a grinding or clicking, sometimes a sharp catch when you move — is common in pregnancy. It's called pelvic girdle pain (PGP), once known as SPD. It's common, it's not harmful to your baby, and importantly, it's treatable. You don't have to just put up with it.

Why it happens

Hormones soften the ligaments around your pelvis to prepare for birth, which can leave the joints less stable and unevenly mobile. Add shifting weight and posture, and everyday movements — stairs, getting out of the car, turning in bed — can become painful.

What helps day to day

• Keep your knees together getting in and out of cars and bed (sit and swivel).
• Take stairs one at a time, or lead with your less painful leg.
• Sit down to dress; avoid standing on one leg.
• A pillow between your knees at night keeps the pelvis aligned.
• A support belt helps some people; warmth on the area can soothe.

Get treatment — it works

The most effective step is a referral to a women's-health physiotherapist, who can assess you, give targeted exercises, and sometimes a support belt or crutches. Treating it early keeps it from worsening, and most people improve. It usually eases after birth.

Ask your midwife or GP for a physiotherapy referral rather than soldiering on — early, specific treatment is what makes the difference, and you're entitled to it.