Yesterday on BBC Radio 4’s Inside Health programme, there was a great overview of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP).

PGP is an umbrella term used to describe pain felt in the hip, back & pelvic area during pregnancy. It can affect 1 in 5 pregnancies, normally from the second trimester, but can start from very early on in pregnancy.

It used to be thought that it was caused by changes in the ligaments during pregnancy but latest research has found that this only plays a small part. It is thought now that the biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy in your back and pelvis are the more likely cause.

PGP can be very mild or it can be seriously debilitating, interrupting sleep, causing problems walking, sitting and gong up and down stairs. It can have a major impact on your life and pregnancy. The early it is diagnosed and the earlier treatment is sought, the better.

Physiotherapy is key to helping Mums to be with PGP. A Physio will carry out a thorough assessment of your back and pelvis to find out exactly what is going on and where the problem is coming from. This will guide an appropriate treatment and management programme with the aim of easing the pain, stopping it worsening and helping you to cope and stay active. There are many treatments that a Physio can use. These include manual therapy, specific exercises and lots of advice.

The sooner you seek expert advice if you think you may be suffering with PGP the better.

Once you’ve had your baby, the good news is that PGP often resolves quite quickly.

If you’d like further information about PGP, The Pelvic Partnership is a great online resource.

To listen to the Radio 4 show in full, click on this link, the section on PGP starts at about 17 minutes in.

If you are suffering with PGP, book an appointment to see our specialist Physiotherapist, Kim, by calling us on 023 8025 3317.