One of the most common issues we see in late pregnancy is Pelvic Girdle pain, especially in first pregnancy. It’s all mostly down to the fact that the pelvis doesn’t know what’s coming!

Sadly, a high percentage of women won’t seek treatment for this pain as they believe it’s just “part of the journey.” We hear this so often, and it makes us so sad, because there are a range of treatment options available and steps that can be taken to help.

What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy?

It’s super hard to be precise when describing Pelvic Girdle pain, because it’s more of a collection of signs and symptoms that affect the pelvic region and immediate area surrounding it.

Those symptoms can include: 

• pain (dull & achy or sharp & debilitating)

• dull discomfort

• cramping

• pulling feeling

• tightness

The location can be: 

• lower back

• gluteal region

• around the sacrum (bones above your tailbone)

• at the front of your hips

• in and around the pubic bone at the front.

Up to 84% of women will experience some pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy.

The percentage range is between 4% and 84% and is so wide because there’s a distinct absence of precise definition and diagnostic criteria. Tricky stuff!

Why Does Pelvic Girdle Pain Happen?

The pain occurs because:

• there is a loosening and increased flexibility of the ligaments in the pelvis

• increased pressure from the baby

• often the misalignment of the joints. 

It can be made worse by:

• physically demanding work

• standing for long periods of time

• standing on one leg

• movements that cause the legs to open wide (like getting in and out of a car or rolling over in bed)

Pelvic Girdle Pain: The TCM Approach

The Chinese Medicine approach looks at the location & nature of the pain as well as asking a range of other questions to develop a holistic diagnosis that guides the choice of Acupuncture points.

We tailor our treatments to fit you specifically!

Pelvic Girdle Pain: What To Do

The nature and location of the pain needs to be assessed for each individual and treated accordingly. 

A pair of good walking shoes, a pregnancy belly belt (super comfy!) and being in a range of positions throughout the day can be highly beneficial. 

There is evidence to support that…
wait for it…🙂

Acupuncture may be able to help!

This Systematic Review found Acupuncture is a top choice for pain relief when combined with the standard care in hospital midwifery appointments.

This Randomized Controlled Trial showed that people who received Acupuncture for pelvic and lower back pain in pregnancy had remarkably more pain-free days than the control group. 

Even the Government recognizes Acupuncture as a treatment option for Pelvic Girdle pain!!

They have great information and suggest Acupuncture in combination with exercise to be the preferred treatment option. 

Nice one!!

Seeing an Osteopath or Chiropractor to help with the alignment of the hips can also be beneficial for those with misalignment.

Seeing a Physiotherapist who excels in precise diagnosis and stabilising exercises can also be of benefit.

Share this article with someone who might benefit!
And while you’re at it, book an appointment to come chat with us.