How common is back pain in pregnancy with pelvic girdle pain?

Most people with Pelvic Girdle Pain notice back pain in pregnancy, often around the lower back, buttocks, hips or the joints at the front or back of the pelvis. Pain may worsen with walking, stairs, turning in bed, standing on one leg, getting in or out of a car, or moving the legs apart. Stiffness and difficulty changing position can occur alongside the pain.

This pattern describes how Pelvic Girdle Pain can present; it does not show that every episode of back pain in pregnancy is Pelvic Girdle Pain. A maternity clinician or physiotherapist can assess the location, movement triggers and other symptoms.

Keep movements controlled and take shorter steps when walking. Sit down to dress, keep your knees together when turning in bed or getting out of a car, and use pillows to support a comfortable sleeping position. Ask for an assessment from a maternity clinician or physiotherapist if pain limits work, sleep or daily movement. They can suggest exercises, activity changes or supports suited to pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team for new, worsening or disabling pain, especially if it is accompanied by bleeding, fluid loss, regular tightenings, fever, pain when urinating, leg weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control. Seek urgent care for severe pain after an injury, numbness around the saddle area, inability to walk or feeling seriously unwell.

Ask whether your pain pattern fits Pelvic Girdle Pain, which movements to modify, whether physiotherapy is appropriate, what pain relief is suitable in pregnancy, and which warning symptoms require urgent review.