Short answer: Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), causes pain at the front of the pelvis, in the lower back, the area between the vagina and anus, or the thighs. It isn't harmful to your baby but can make moving hard. Movements that separate the legs or put weight on one leg usually make it worse. Keep active within your limits, keep your knees together when turning, use a pillow between your legs in bed, and ask your midwife or GP about specialist physiotherapy early.
Turning over in bed hurts. Putting your socks on is a project. And getting out of the car feels like something is tearing. If that sounds familiar, you're not imagining it — and there's help.
What it is
PGP is a collection of symptoms caused by stiffness of the pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at the back or front of the pelvis. Pregnancy hormones that soften ligaments, changes in posture and the growing weight of your bump all play a part. Some people feel or hear clicking or grinding.
The NHS notes that most women with PGP can have a vaginal birth, and that getting diagnosed early helps keep pain to a minimum.
What usually makes it worse
- Walking, especially long distances.
- Going up or down stairs.
- Standing on one leg, for example to get dressed.
- Turning over in bed.
- Moving your legs apart, such as getting out of a car.
- Lifting and carrying, including toddlers and heavy shopping.
What helps
- Keep your knees together when you turn: roll over in bed as one unit, and swing both legs out of the car together.
- Use a pillow between your legs in bed for extra support.
- Sit down to get dressed and undressed.
- Stand evenly, with your weight on both legs.
- Take stairs one step at a time, or go up backwards or on your bottom if that's easier.
- Wear supportive shoes and take regular breaks.
- Keep active, but avoid what makes the pain worse, and rest when you can.
Total rest isn't the answer. Staying active within your pain limits helps keep the supporting muscles strong.
Physiotherapy
Ask your midwife or GP about a referral to a physiotherapist who specialises in pregnancy-related pelvic problems. In some areas you can refer yourself. Treatment may include:
- exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, stomach, back and hip muscles;
- manual therapy to improve how your pelvic joints move;
- equipment if needed, such as a pelvic support belt or crutches.
Symptoms often don't fully settle until after the birth, but treatment can make a real difference during pregnancy. Don't wait until you can barely walk — earlier is better.
Planning for the birth
Tell your midwife about your PGP and add it to your birth plan. It can help to measure how far you can comfortably open your legs (your “pain-free gap”) so staff can avoid positions that push beyond it.
When to call your midwife or GP
- It's hard to move around, get out of a car or turn over in bed.
- Going up or down stairs is very painful.
Get urgent advice for sudden severe pain, pain with a fever or bleeding, pain with tightenings or contractions before 37 weeks, or if you can't walk or have problems passing urine. These don't fit ordinary PGP.
Related reading
Preparing for the birth: Ready for Birth (PDF, English) helps you approach your birth with confidence, prepared for any scenario.
Sources
- NHS — Pelvic pain in pregnancy.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists — Patient information.
Written by the Bloom Guides editorial team. Last updated: 20 October 2026. General information only — not a substitute for advice from your midwife, GP or physiotherapist.