What to know about sacroiliac joint dysfunction in pregnancy

The sacroiliac joints connect the base of the spine with the pelvis and transfer force between the trunk and legs. During pregnancy, changing posture, load, and ligament flexibility can make this area sensitive. Pain may be felt on one side or both sides of the low back, buttock, groin, or thigh, often with walking, stairs, turning in bed, or standing on one leg.

Pelvic pain has other possible causes, so an assessment should consider the back, hips, nerves, and pregnancy-related concerns. The label does not predict how severe symptoms will become.

Change position regularly, take shorter steps, use the handrail on stairs, and sit down to dress rather than balancing on one leg. When turning in bed, keep the knees together and move the trunk and legs as a unit. A pregnancy-trained physiotherapist can teach comfortable pelvic, hip, and trunk exercises and assess whether a support belt is appropriate.

Choose activity that stays within a tolerable range and build up gradually. Ask your maternity clinician before taking pain medicine, applying heat, or changing exercise, particularly if you have other pregnancy complications.

Contact your maternity team promptly for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, regular painful contractions, fever, severe abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement when applicable. Seek urgent help for new leg weakness, numbness around the saddle area, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Arrange review when pelvic pain prevents walking, sleeping, or basic tasks.

Ask which activities and positions are suitable for your pregnancy, whether physiotherapy or a belt may help, which pain-relief options are acceptable, and which warning signs should trigger a call.