Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy: 10 Most Asked Questions

Pelvic pain is one of the most common discomforts women experience during pregnancy — and also one of the most confusing. It shows up differently for everyone, at different stages, and for different reasons.

Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions — answered simply, clearly, and without panic.

1. What causes pelvic pain during pregnancy?

The most common reasons include:

• Your growing uterus putting pressure on pelvic joints
• Hormones (especially relaxin) loosening ligaments
• Shifts in posture and weight distribution
• The baby’s position
• Round ligament stretching
• Normal softening of the cervix and pelvic floor

Most pelvic pain is related to normal physiological changes, not illness.

2. Is pelvic pain normal in early pregnancy?

Yes — mild pelvic pressure or cramping in the first trimester is common as:

• the uterus grows
• ligaments begin stretching
• blood flow increases in the pelvis

However, severe pain, sharp one-sided pain, or pain with bleeding should always be checked with a doctor.

3. Why does pelvic pain get worse in the third trimester?

Because by then:

• The baby is heavier
• Your pelvis is widening
• The baby’s head may be engaging
• Ligaments are more relaxed
• Your centre of gravity shifts

All of these make the pelvic girdle work extra hard.

4. What does pelvic girdle pain (PGP) feel like?

PGP can feel like:

• Pain in the front of the pelvis (pubic bone)
• Groin pain
• Pain in the hips, buttocks, or inner thighs
• Clicking or grinding sensations
• Pain while walking, turning in bed, or climbing stairs

It may come and go, or feel constant depending on movement.

5. When should I worry about pelvic pain?

Seek medical attention if pelvic pain is:

• Severe and sudden
• Accompanied by bleeding
• Paired with fever or chills
• One-sided and sharp
• Associated with dizziness or fainting
• Paired with painful urination

These could indicate issues unrelated to normal pregnancy discomfort.

6. Does baby’s position influence pelvic pain?

Yes.
A low-sitting baby, a baby pressing on nerves, or a baby’s head engaging into the pelvis can increase pressure and discomfort — especially in late pregnancy.

7. Can pelvic pain mean labour is near?

Sometimes.
You may feel:

• more pelvic pressure
• cramping
• back pain
• sharp “lightning crotch” pains

These can be signs of the pelvis preparing for birth — but they do not always indicate active labour.

8. How can I reduce pelvic pain at home?

These simple adjustments often help:

• Using a pregnancy support belt
• Sleeping with a pillow between the knees
• Gentle stretching
• Warm showers
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Sitting down to wear pants or underwear
• Taking shorter steps while walking

Consistency makes the biggest difference.

9. Can exercise help pelvic pain?

Yes — but the right kind of exercise.
Helpful options include:

• Prenatal yoga
• Pelvic floor relaxation and strengthening
• Gentle walks
• Water exercises
• Physiotherapy-guided routines for PGP

Avoid exercises that create wide leg separation or sudden twisting.

10. Should I see a physiotherapist?

If pain:

• affects daily movement
• makes it hard to walk
• interrupts sleep
• causes grinding or clicking
• doesn’t improve with simple adjustments

— then a prenatal physiotherapist can help significantly.
They can guide you through stabilizing exercises that reduce stress on pelvic joints.

A Simple Truth

Pelvic pain is extremely common — but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it silently.
Understanding what’s normal, what’s not, and how to manage it can make your pregnancy much more comfortable.