Groin strain during pregnancy: what to know

As the body adapts to pregnancy, changes in posture, joint loading, muscle length, and pelvic support can create aching around the pubic area, inner thigh, or front of the hip. A strain may follow an awkward step, sudden turn, lifting effort, or exercise session, but pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain can feel similar. Pain with rolling in bed, stairs, standing on one leg, or separating the legs is useful information for a clinician, but it does not identify the cause by itself.

Pause the movement that triggered symptoms and use shorter, comfortable steps. Keep both legs moving together when getting out of bed or a car if that feels easier. Avoid forceful stretching, heavy lifting, and exercises that cause lingering pain. Ask your obstetric clinician or a physiotherapist experienced in pregnancy to review the symptoms before starting a new Exercise Therapy plan; treatment can be adapted to your stage of pregnancy and balance needs.

Contact your maternity team promptly for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, regular painful contractions, fever, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, or a fall. Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe groin pain, inability to bear weight, marked swelling, or new weakness. Even without these signs, arrange review when pain limits walking, sleep, or daily care, or when it keeps returning.

Could this be a muscle strain, pelvic girdle pain, or another problem? Which positions are safest for me? What exercise intensity is appropriate now? Should I use support, and when should I stop an activity?