Quick Summary
Pain around the pelvis during pregnancy can make walking, stairs or turning in bed difficult. You do not have to wait until after birth to ask for help. Our women’s health service offers movement assessment, practical advice and rehabilitation adapted to your stage and symptoms.
Understanding Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, or PGP, can affect the front or back of the pelvic ring, sometimes extending towards the hips or thighs. SPD is an older term often used for this problem. Other causes of pelvic pain must be considered, especially when symptoms are new or severe.
How we assess your symptoms
Lavya discusses your symptoms and maternity history, checks movement and daily tasks, and plans appropriate rehabilitation. Tell your midwife or GP about pelvic pain too. We do not perform internal examinations; concerns requiring pelvic health or obstetric assessment are directed appropriately.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Pain around the pubic area, buttocks, hips or groin.
- Difficulty turning in bed, using stairs or standing on one leg.
- Reduced walking tolerance or discomfort getting in and out of a car.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
What may contribute?
Pregnancy changes the demands on the pelvis and surrounding muscles. Previous back or pelvic pain can be relevant. PGP is not evidence that your pelvis needs forceful realignment, and its severity should not be dismissed as an inevitable part of pregnancy.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle hands-on treatment may support comfort when suitable. Soft Tissue Therapy with Brigitte can complement a rehabilitation plan if muscle discomfort contributes. Position, pressure and treatment choice are adapted to pregnancy and your response.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not recommended as a treatment for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. Care centres on assessment, practical movement advice and suitable rehabilitation. Pregnancy massage, if appropriate, is a separate comfort-focused service rather than a treatment to reposition the pelvis.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Exercises and practical strategies are tailored to walking, stairs, turning and caring tasks. We discuss pacing and comfortable movement; a pelvic support or mobility aid may be considered when appropriate rather than prescribing the same exercise routine to everyone.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Contact your maternity team urgently for pelvic pain with bleeding, fluid loss, contractions, reduced baby movements, fever or feeling unwell. New severe pain or being unable to bear weight also needs prompt assessment.
- Seek emergency help for new saddle numbness, inability to pass urine, loss of bowel control or rapidly worsening leg weakness. Call 999 for sudden breathlessness or chest pain; a new painful swollen calf needs urgent assessment.
Your questions answered
Is pregnancy massage the right first booking?
For new or limiting pelvic pain, start with assessment. Pregnancy massage with Brigitte or Agnieszka may be a separate option for muscular comfort after suitability checks, alongside the rehabilitation plan.
Can symptoms continue after birth?
Yes, although many improve. Ongoing pain should be reassessed rather than assumed to be normal. We can adapt rehabilitation to lifting, feeding and gradually returning to exercise, with referral if needed.
Which appointment should I book?
Start with Women’s Health Physiotherapy with Lavya for a movement assessment and rehabilitation plan. We do not offer internal examinations. For pelvic floor, bladder or bowel concerns, contact us first to discuss the assessment you need and any onward referral. Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage may be a separate comfort-focused option after suitability checks. It is not a substitute for assessment or rehabilitation.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
SPD and pubic pain · Diastasis recti
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.