Pelvic Pain in Early Pregnancy
Pelvic Pain in Early Pregnancy
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during early pregnancy is less commonly discussed than in later stages, but it can still affect some women in the first trimester.
Research suggests that while PGP is more prevalent in the second and third trimesters, its onset can occur earlier, with some women reporting symptoms as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Studies have shown that PGP can affect 10-20% of pregnant women, though estimates vary depending on the population studied. In early pregnancy, the symptoms are often underreported, as the pain may be mild or intermittent and not immediately linked to pregnancy.
This blog will discuss the risk factors for pelvic pain in early pregnancy, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pain.
Who is more likely to have pelvic pain in early pregnancy?
Risk Factors: Factors that may increase the likelihood of experiencing pelvic pain early in pregnancy include:
Previous episodes of low back pain or pelvic pain in early pregnancy.
A history of trauma or injury to the pelvic region.
A history of hypermobility (looser joints).
Multiple pregnancies or high parity.
Weight gain, even early on, can increase strain on the pelvic joints.
PGP is thought to result from changes in the pelvic joints due to the hormonal and biomechanical shifts during pregnancy.
In early pregnancy, the body starts to produce the hormone relaxin, which helps to loosen the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth. However, this increased flexibility can lead to joint instability, contributing to pain and discomfort in the pelvic area.
Additionally, biomechanical changes such as altered posture and gait to accommodate the growing uterus can place extra strain on the pelvic girdle, even in early pregnancy.
Symptoms of PGP
While PGP is not harmful to your baby, it can be quite painful and may make it more difficult to move around during pregnancy.
Common areas where women with PGP feel pain include:
The pubic bone at the front, around the level of the hips
One or both sides of the lower back
The perineum (the area between the vagina and anus)
The thighs
Some women may also notice a clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvic area.
The pain may intensify during activities such as:
Walking
Climbing stairs
Standing on one leg (e.g., when dressing)
Turning over in bed
Spreading your legs apart (e.g., when getting out of a car)
Evidence suggests several management strategies that can be beneficial for pelvic pain in early pregnancy:
Pelvic Support Belts: Wearing a pelvic support belt can help alleviate pain by providing support to the pelvic joints.
Exercise and Physical Therapy: A physical therapist specializing in pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain may recommend gentle exercises to identify the root cause, release or strengthen certain areas, and improve posture, which can help reduce the risk of increase in pain later on in the pregnancy.
Postural Advice: Teaching women to maintain good posture, avoid excessive standing, and minimize movements that strain the pelvic joints can help reduce discomfort.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as pelvic manipulation by a trained provider may provide relief in some cases.
Pain Relief: In cases where pain is severe, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered safe in pregnancy, but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided in early pregnancy unless advised by a healthcare provider.
The majority of women with pelvic pain in early pregnancy will experience relief after childbirth, though some may continue to experience symptoms for several months postpartum.
Early intervention and proper management can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Where to get help for pelvic pain in early pregnancy?
If you’re looking for personalized, one-on-one sessions to address your pelvic floor concerns, we provide pelvic health physical therapy services to women in the Jacksonville Beach area.
If you’re looking for providers who will listen to you and help you get to the root cause of your pelvic concerns, we’ve got you. We’re here to help you if you’re experiencing pain, heaviness, leaking, or are pregnant/postpartum and want to continue safely working out/running/lifting during your pregnancy and get back to your sport after birth.
Get started today by booking a discovery call.
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