Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain

What is pelvic girdle pain?

More than half of all pregnant women develop pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and the prevalence of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) ranges from 23 to 65% [Albert, 2002; Robinson, 2010; Kovacs, 2012]. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain is a condition that affects many pregnant women. It is characterized by pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, which is between the posterior iliac crest (inferior to L5) and the inferior gluteal folds, particularly near the sacroiliac joints, and pain may radiate in the posterior thigh and can occur in conjunction with or separate from pain in the symphysis [Vleeming, 2008]. Women with PGP often find it challenging to perform daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs, with 7 to 12.5% having to use crutches or a wheelchair [Ronchetti, 2008; Van, 2007; Robinson, 2006]. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain is also a leading cause of sick leave during pregnancy [Malmqvist, 2015; Dorheim, 2013; Mogren, 2006]. The pain is often caused by changes in the body during pregnancy, including hormonal changes and the weight of the growing baby, which can cause the pelvic joints to become unstable.