Pelvic Girdle Pain (SPD)
Pain in pelvic joints and pubic bone from relaxin hormone loosening ligaments.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Usually second or third trimester, sometimes postpartum
📊 How Common
Affects 20% of pregnant women, ranging from mild to severe
Overview
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), now more commonly called pelvic girdle pain, causes pain in the front and center of the pelvis, especially at the pubic bone. The pain may radiate to the lower back, hips, groin, or thighs.
During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth. In some women, these ligaments loosen too much or unevenly, causing the pelvic joints to move more than normal and become painful.
SPD can make walking, climbing stairs, turning in bed, and standing on one leg very painful. While frustrating, it doesn't harm the baby and usually resolves after delivery. Physical therapy can provide significant relief.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Uncommon
Second Trimester
May begin as relaxin increases
Third Trimester
Most severe with maximum weight and pressure
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Relaxin hormone loosening pelvic ligaments
- •Uneven loosening causing pelvic instability
- •Weight of baby putting pressure on pelvis
- •Previous pelvic injury or trauma
- •Multiple pregnancy
- •Fast-growing or large baby
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓See physical therapist specializing in pregnancy
- ✓Wear pelvic support belt
- ✓Avoid activities that trigger pain (wide leg movements)
- ✓Keep knees together when moving (getting in car, turning in bed)
- ✓Sit to dress rather than standing on one leg
- ✓Avoid heavy lifting or pushing
- ✓Sleep with pillow between knees
- ✓Take stairs one at a time
- ✓Apply ice or heat to painful areas
- ✓Consider water exercise (buoyancy reduces pressure)
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe pain limiting mobility
- ⚠Unable to walk
- ⚠Pain not improving with modifications
- ⚠Clicking or grinding feeling in pelvis
- ⚠Referral needed for physical therapy
- ⚠Pain persisting after delivery
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: