What should you know about groin pain during pregnancy?

As pregnancy progresses, posture, balance, activity, and the way the pelvis shares load can change. Pain may be felt at the pubic area, groin, inner thigh, buttock, or front of the hip, and may worsen with stairs, turning in bed, standing on one leg, or getting out of a car. Muscle strain and pelvic joint irritation are possible, while hip impingement, a labral tear, or osteoarthritis may be unrelated causes. A symptom location cannot establish the diagnosis.

Use shorter steps, keep movements symmetrical, sit down to dress, and place a pillow between the knees when side-lying if that feels comfortable. Reduce lifting and activities that cause sharp pain, but maintain gentle movement within comfort. Avoid starting medication, supplements, heat treatments, or exercises without checking that they are suitable for your stage of pregnancy. A maternity clinician or physiotherapist can assess pelvic and hip movement and tailor support.

Contact your maternity team if pain is persistent, limits walking, or keeps worsening. Seek urgent care for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, regular painful tightening, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, faintness, painful urination, sudden breathlessness, or a swollen painful leg. Use your local maternity emergency pathway when advised.

Ask whether the symptoms fit pelvic girdle or hip pain, which movements and exercises are appropriate, how to manage sleep and stairs, and what pregnancy warning signs require immediate assessment.