Pelvic pain during pregnancy

What you need to know and what helps with pelvic pain when you are pregnant

Many women experience pelvic pain during pregnancy. And that’s no surprise: your body changes, your baby grows, and your ligaments become more flexible. Pelvic pain can be uncomfortable, but with the right tips, rest, and guidance, you don’t have to suffer too much from it. In this blog, you’ll read what pelvic pain is, where you feel it, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to contact your midwife.

Bekkenpijn als je zwanger bent: tips van je verloskundige

Where do you feel pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is usually felt in your lower back, around your tailbone, at the sides of your pelvis, or in the front near the pubic bone. Sometimes the pain radiates to your thighs or groin. The pain can be constant, but it may also flare up with everyday movements such as climbing stairs, turning over in bed, and standing or sitting for long periods. Walking, cycling, or getting up from a low chair can also trigger pelvic pain.

What are the symptoms?

The complaints vary from woman to woman, but these are common signs of pelvic pain:

  • Pain around the pelvis, tailbone, or pubic bone
  • Difficulty moving, turning, or climbing stairs
  • An unstable feeling in your pelvis or legs
  • Sharp pain with sudden movements
  • Fatigue due to pain or poor sleep

When does pelvic pain start in pregnancy?

Pelvic pain can occur in any trimester but often begins between weeks 20 and 30 of pregnancy. It is related to your hormones, your baby’s growth, and the position of your pelvis. For some women, it starts earlier, especially if they are already prone to back or pelvic complaints.

Does walking help?

That depends. Light walking can be good to stay flexible, but don’t push yourself. If you have a lot of pain, rest is more important than activity. Listen carefully to your body. Walking only helps if it remains comfortable.

What should you not do with pelvic pain?

Avoid making your complaints worse, so don’t:

  • Lift heavy objects (not even grocery bags—let someone else carry your children too)
  • Stand on one leg for long periods (such as while dressing)
  • Cycle with a lot of resistance
  • Sit on a soft couch or low chairs
  • Climb stairs unnecessarily
  • Turn quickly in bed

What is the best sleeping position with pelvic pain?

Especially when you are pregnant, you may want to rest now and then. But if you lie incorrectly, you may experience even more pelvic pain. So pay attention to your sleeping position. Preferably lie on your side with a pillow between your knees. This helps keep your pelvis balanced and prevents you from sagging sideways without noticing. A pregnancy pillow can give extra support to your belly, back, and pelvis.

Is pelvic instability the same as pelvic pain?

Not quite. Pelvic instability is a more severe form of pelvic pain, in which the ligaments and joints in your pelvis become too loose and the pelvis literally becomes unstable. You may then have more difficulty walking or even lose your balance. Pelvic pain is usually less severe but can develop into instability if you continue too long with complaints.

Pelvic pain or round ligament pain—what’s the difference?

  • Pelvic pain is felt in your lower back, tailbone, or pubic bone.
  • Round ligament pain is felt as a sharp stab in your lower abdomen or groin, usually with sudden movements.

Round ligament pain is often temporary and harmless. Pelvic pain usually lasts longer and requires more adjustments.

Frequently asked questions about pelvic pain during pregnancy

What should you do if you have pelvic pain?

Take your complaints seriously. Rest your pelvis, consult your midwife, and adjust your posture and movements. If necessary, we will refer you to a specialized pelvic physiotherapist.

What makes pelvic pain worse?

Standing or sitting for long periods, lifting incorrectly, standing on one leg, and turning in bed can make pelvic pain worse.

Is walking good for pelvic pain?

Yes, but in moderation and only if it feels right for you. Short walks can help, but listen carefully to your body. Stop if it hurts.

What should you not do with pelvic pain?

Don’t lift heavy things, avoid asymmetrical movements, and prevent long periods in the same position.

Pelvic pain? Ask us for personal advice!

Are you experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy? You don’t have to keep struggling with it. Our midwives in Amsterdam-South are happy to look into it with you and provide practical tips or refer you if necessary. We are here for you, even if you are only just pregnant.

Make an appointment now