Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Are you (or someone you know) a pregnant woman with pain and discomfort in the pelvic region during pregnancy? If this sounds like you, it may be Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), an issue common in women with pelvic joints during pregnancy.

It is caused by the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments and joints of your pelvic area in preparation for childbirth. Although PGP isn’t a particularly serious condition, it can detract from your pregnancy journey.

Luckily for you, Better Life Care is here to help! In this article, we will take a closer look at why PGP occurs in most women of women’s health, what indications mean, and what treatments you can provide to help ease some of the discomfort. By the time you finish reading this article, you should know what PGP is and how to manage it. So let’s get started!

Causes of Pelvic Girdle Pain

Medical experts are still stumped with PGP but believe several factors could cause them. Hormonal changes, weight gain, and poor posture are some of the things you experience.

During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxin, which makes your joints and ligaments in the pelvic area soften so you can go into labour. That could be the result of your irresponsible behaviour during the last pregnancy. However, this loosening can generate rear pelvis instability that can result in PGP.

The added weight of your pregnancy can also worsen this pressure on an already weakened pelvic region as your pregnancy progresses. Improper posture, such as excessive sitting or standing, can also raise the chances of having PGP. That’s why it is important to keep a good posture and take measures to reduce PGP symptoms so you can enjoy your pregnancy more.

Symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain

The symptoms of PGP can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain in the pelvic area
• Pain in the lower back
• Pain in the hips
• Pain in the groin area
• Pain when walking or standing for long periods
• Pain when getting in and out of a car
• Pain when rolling over in bed

If you have these symptoms, you should speak to your healthcare provider.

Now, we should discuss posture. But we all know how easy it is to slouch on the couch, hunched over our laptops. Poor posture can lead to PGP, but it is more likely during pregnancy. Think of it this way: Your back is the foundation of your building.

The entire structure collapses if it’s not strong. So stay strong and straight, mama!

All not to worry, though, there are plenty of ways you can manage PGP. They can all be wonders of physical therapy, prenatal yoga, chiropractic care, pregnancy support belts, rest etc. You can then try other things and see what works and what doesn’t.

Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you have severe pain or discomfort, speak to your healthcare provider.

Treatment Options for Pelvic Girdle Pain

• Physical therapy: Exercises you can do to improve your posture and the strength of the muscles in your pelvic region will be able to help you with a physical therapist.
• Prenatal yoga: Breathing practices, as well as stretches of prenatal yoga, can help you with the pain in the pelvic region.
• Chiropractic care: With chiropractic care, you can help align the pelvis, relieving pain and discomfort.
• Pregnancy support belts: These belts can reduce pain and discomfort, as well as support the pelvic region.
• Relaxation: Taking breaks and resting throughout the day can also help to reduce pain and discomfort.

You need to speak to your healthcare provider if you have severe pain or discomfort.

Your doctor may suggest medication or another treatment option to help you ease your extreme pain, ease back pain or control your symptoms.

Scientific Knowledge:

Hay, science enthusiast! In this article, let’s explore briefly, the scientific side of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). As noted above, hormonal changes, weight gain and poor posture are all reasons for PGP. But what are these factors, and how do they result in pelvic girdle pain symptoms, pain and discomfort?

Well, hormones start. When you are pregnant, your body makes a hormone called relaxin. In addition, relaxin loosens the joints and ligaments in your pelvis, especially around your pelvic bones, making them more vulnerable to strain.

It’s kind of like a SciFi movie gone awry, where you lose your keys, and you’re just given an extra fifth of Tide and some toilet paper. Think of it as a security guard who drank too many cups of coffee. They can’t quite get everything under control, and they’re jittery.

Next up, weight gain. Putting on excess weight as your baby grows is a natural part of it. Having this extra weight might put too much pressure on your pelvic area and cause discomfort.

It’s like having a too-heavy backpack. After a while, your shoulders begin to ache, and you can’t wait to take it off.

Finally, even a bad posture may also exacerbate PGP symptoms. Slouching or hunching forward flattens your spine.

It can put a lot of pressure on your pelvic joints in your hips and lower back. It is as if driving a car has no tire. It’s not grounded enough to break you; you can still get around, but you can’t do it smoothly.

But what does that mean for us as scientists? Understanding what causes PGP can help us to customize our treatment and/or management based on the cause.

Physical therapy can relieve the strain by helping us build up the muscles around our pelvic area. Prenatal yoga better ensures good posture and gentle exercise. Carefully chosen by our midwives, pregnancy support belts can give extra support while easing pain in our lower back and hips.

That is why, in the long term, science is our companion in pain with pregnancy and PGP symptoms. For us to learn how to get through pregnancy with as little pain and discomfort as possible, we need to have an understanding of how our bodies work and what causes discomfort and pain in pregnancy. So, keep learning, stay curious! Let’s use science to work for us!

Home Remedies:

If you are looking for home remedies to soothe those pesky Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) symptoms while you’re pregnant, then the time to take action is now. We’ve got you covered!

Cold Therapy

First things first: hot and cold therapy. Applying a warm compress to your lower back and hips will help relax your muscles and decrease the pain.

Epsom salt baths

Let’s talk now a little about Epsom salt baths. It’s got magnesium in it as well, which also helps relax your muscles and your pelvic floor pain during pregnancy. It’s almost like a spa day for your pelvic area!

Gentle stretches and exercises

At home, you can also try some gentle stretches and exercises. If you’re doing pelvic floor exercises, for example, the pelvic floor tilt can be performed lying on your back and lifting your pelvis. Strengthening your abdominal and pelvic muscles will cut down the strain on your back and your hips. It’s squats, but just for your pelvis.

Plus, don’t forget the power of rest. Sometimes, the best cure for PGP is to lie down and take the pressure off the lower back and hips. Sometimes, you just need to recharge; it’s like taking a nap after a long day.

Either way, talking to your healthcare provider is always best if your symptoms don’t go away or become too much to bear. In the meantime, home remedies can get you much-needed relief from the pain. So raid your pantry, get in the bath and let’s get started.

Understanding Pelvic Girdle Pain and Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction:

Women, more particularly those who have had previous pregnancies, are very common in pelvic girdle pain as well as related conditions such as symphysis pubis dysfunction.

The joints of the pelvic girdle are under great stress during pregnancy and childbirth and cause pain and discomfort.

One of the most common conditions associated with pelvic girdle pain is symphysis pubis dysfunction, which occurs when the joint at the front of the pelvis becomes inflamed and painful. 

Treating your pain from a bothersome pelvic girdle area or a diagnosis of symphysis pubis dysfunction will require the care and support of a healthcare provider.

Symptoms can be managed using physical therapy, pain medication, and support devices such as pelvic belts and crutches.

But it’s important to work with your healthcare provider and find out what’s right for you.

Another option for treating pelvic girdle pain is to make changes to your lifestyle in addition to seeking medical support.

These include avoiding activity that exacerbates pain, plenty of rest and exercise and practising good posture.

A holistic approach to managing pelvic girdles and pain will improve one’s quality of life and decrease discomfort. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment or exercise regimen to ensure your safety.

Conclusion

Suppose you think you may have pelvic girdle or pelvic pain in pregnancy (PGP). In that case, we’ve covered a lot about managing pelvic girdle and pelvic pain in pregnancy and symptoms of pelvic girdle and pelvic pain in pregnancy. Remember, PGP is caused by hormonal changes, weight gain and poor posture. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help alleviate the pain.

Pregnancy yoga, physical therapy, chiropractic care, pregnancy support belts, and rest can make your pregnancy journey a bit more comfortable.

There are no rules to tell you that this is the right way to do it, so don’t be afraid to use a different approach to find out what works for you. If the pain is too much to take, speak with your healthcare provider. They’re here to help and will guide you to the best action.

The challenges of pregnancy challenge PGP, too. Luckily, with humour, cleverness and education, we can confront it and best use this exciting ride. So remember, mama, let your head stay high and rest those hips!

FAQS

What is the best treatment for pelvic girdle pain?

Physical therapy to help the patient perform exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the pelvis helps manage pain and is coupled with lifestyle changes. These changes include modified exercise to help rehabilitate the alignment and strength of the body, improving posture and assistive devices such as a pregnancy or pelvic support belt. Because individual symptoms and needs vary, a healthcare provider can decide on the best action.

What are the symptoms of pelvic girdle?

Pelvic girdle pain shows symptoms like pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, lower back, hips or thighs or difficulty in walking, climbing stairs or performing daily activities.

Can PGP cause stomach pain?

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is compatible with but usually doesn't lead to stomach pain.

What is a disease of the pelvic girdle?

Osteitis pubis describes an inflammation of the pubic symphysis joint that is one disease of the pelvic girdle, which can produce pain and difficulty with movement.

Does PGP affect the baby?

While pelvic girdle pain (PGP) can be unpleasant for pregnant people, it does not pose any risks to the baby. The proper treatment where necessary, however, requires early diagnosis.
In most cases, pelvic girdle (or SI joint) pain goes away with time. You can aid the healing process in easing the pain.

How to relieve pelvic girdle pain?

Practising good posture, exercising to strengthen the pelvic muscles, and applying a warm compress on one leg or affected area can all help alleviate pelvic girdle pain.

What is the best treatment for pelvic girdle pain?

There is no specific treatment for pelvic girdle pain apart from physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle modifications like mild exercise, improving posture, and using devices like a pregnancy or pelvic support belt alone. The best action is provided by a healthcare provider based on individual symptoms and needs.

Does PGP affect the baby?

PGP may be uncomfortable for people who are pregnant, but what is happening to the baby? Early diagnosis is crucial to being properly treated, however.

What is a disease of the pelvic girdle?

Osteitis pubis is one disease of the pelvic girdle, which involves inflammation of the pubic symphysis joint. Osteitis pubis causes pain and makes it difficult for you to move.

Can PGP cause stomach pain?

Although abdominal discomfort may be present in association with pelvic girdle pain (PGP), true stomach pain is not due to PGP.