We used to think that a hormone called relaxin cause the joints in and around your pelvis to become ‘loose’ and this caused pelvic pain during pregnancy, however we now know that this is not actually true and the pelvis remains strong and steady during pregnancy and birth. When you experience pain there is not always damage or injury.
There are a lot of changes happening during pregnancy that can ‘turn up the volume’ for our nervous system, particularly around the pelvis and lower back. This means that we become more aware of what is happening in these areas and sometimes our brains will interpret this increase in ‘noise’ or nerve activation as pain, even though the area is not damaged or in any immediate danger. When this happens we tend to behave in a more protective manner and sometimes our muscles can spasm or become tight and uncomfortable around the joints, which contributes to PGP.
Think of it like a headache – most headaches do no indicate damage however the pain is just as real and our neck muscles can often become tight and uncomfortable when we have a headache, particularly if it lasts a long time or is severe. The pelvis is similar and the brain’s response is the same despite no immediate damage or danger.
There is also a close relationship between how we are feeling in ourselves and pain. Studies have shown that pain and emotion are processed in the same part of the brain and are therefore closely linked. Our brain takes our emotions and previous experiences with movements and situations into consideration which can also contribute to the ‘turning up’ pain and our bodies reactions (e.g. Muscle spasm or ache).
There are several risk factors for PGP, including but not limited to:
• A history of PGP or low back pain
• High BMI
• Smoking
• Depression and/or anxiety
• A heavy workload in pregnancy
• Not being satisfied with work
• Believing the pain will not improve
Why does PGP happen?
Why do some people experience pelvic pain during pregnancy?
Will this settle down once I have had my baby?
94% of people recover quickly from PGP once they have had their baby (within 4 weeks)
For a small amount of women the pain will continue past 4 weeks.
If this is the case for you, try restarting the exercises HERE and make sure you are doing your pelvic floor exercises.
Should you pain continue after trying these please contact your midwife or GP for advice and a referral to physiotherapy if appropriate.
For a small amount of women the pain will continue past 4 weeks.
If this is the case for you, try restarting the exercises HERE and make sure you are doing your pelvic floor exercises.
Should you pain continue after trying these please contact your midwife or GP for advice and a referral to physiotherapy if appropriate.