Pelvic Pain & Pressure
Aching or sharp pain in pelvis, groin, or pubic bone area. Common in third trimester, especially with SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction).
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Usually second or third trimester, worsens as pregnancy progresses
📊 How Common
Affects 20-30% of pregnant women to varying degrees
Overview
Pelvic pain during pregnancy can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations in your pelvis, groin, hips, or pubic bone area. Some women experience pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), where the joint at the front of your pelvis becomes too mobile and separates.
This pain is caused by hormones relaxing your pelvic joints, the weight of your baby, and your baby's position. It often worsens with activities like walking, climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, or spreading your legs.
While uncomfortable and sometimes limiting mobility, pelvic pain typically improves after delivery. However, severe cases may require physical therapy or support garments.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Rare, hormones just beginning to affect joints
Second Trimester
May begin as ligaments relax and baby grows
Third Trimester
Most severe as weight is maximum and baby drops lower
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Relaxin hormone loosening pelvic ligaments and joints
- •Weight and pressure of growing baby
- •Baby's head pressing down into pelvis
- •Uneven movement of pelvic joints
- •Previous pelvic or back injuries
- •Carrying multiples
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Wear pelvic support belt or belly band
- ✓See a physical therapist specializing in prenatal care
- ✓Avoid activities that worsen pain (stairs, asymmetric movements)
- ✓Keep knees together when rolling over in bed or getting in car
- ✓Sleep with pillow between knees
- ✓Sit down when dressing - don't stand on one leg
- ✓Avoid heavy lifting and pushing
- ✓Use ice or heat for pain relief
- ✓Swimming or water exercises reduce pressure
- ✓Practice pelvic floor exercises
- ✓Take smaller steps when walking
- ✓Rest when needed
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe pain limiting mobility significantly
- ⚠Inability to walk or perform daily activities
- ⚠Pain with fever or other signs of infection
- ⚠Pain with vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
- ⚠Clicking or grinding sensation in pelvis
- ⚠No improvement with home remedies
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: