Pregnancy-Related Pelvic and Low Back Pain Management

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and low back pain affect a substantial proportion of expectant women globally, with up to two thirds reporting discomfort at some stage of gestation. Hormonal changes that increase ligamentous laxity, biomechanical shifts due to the growing uterus and altered centre of gravity, and heightened mechanical load on the lumbopelvic region all contribute to the onset and persistence of pain. Management is inherently multidisciplinary, combining education, exercise prescription, manual therapies and ergonomic advice. Core stabilisation exercises, tailored physiotherapy and directed movement strategies aim to restore muscular balance and improve functional capacity. Supportive devices such as pelvic belts may offer symptomatic relief by reducing shear forces at the sacroiliac joint. Non-pharmacological approaches are prioritised throughout pregnancy, with paracetamol reserved for breakthrough pain and more potent analgesics considered only when benefits outweigh potential foetal risks. Psychological support and social interventions address the impact of persistent pain on mood and daily activity. Early identification of high-risk women—those with a history of low back pain, positive pain provocation tests or multiparity—enables timely intervention and reduces the likelihood of chronicity postpartum. Optimal management frameworks recognise the importance of patient education, self-management techniques and ongoing evaluation to maintain quality of life for both mother and child.

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Pregnancy-Related Pelvic and Low Back Pain Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in pregnancy-related pelvic and low back pain management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP): Persistent musculoskeletal pain localised to the anterior or posterior pelvic ring during or after pregnancy.

Sacroiliac joint: The joint between the sacrum and the ilium, often a source of pelvic pain due to altered load and ligamentous laxity in pregnancy.

Oswestry Disability Index: A self-reported questionnaire measuring functional impairment related to low back pain.

Pelvic belt: An adjustable support device worn around the hips to stabilise the pelvis and reduce shear stress across the sacroiliac joints.

Core stabilisation exercises: Targeted movements designed to strengthen deep trunk muscles, improving lumbopelvic stability and reducing pain.

References

1. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: an update. BMC Medicine (2011).
2. Predictors and consequences of long-term pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: a longitudinal follow-up study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2016).
3. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Pain when Running During Pregnancy: A Survey of 3102 Women. Sports Medicine (2024).
4. The Examination of the Relationship Between the Number of Births with the Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence and Low Back Pain Postpartum in Greek Women. Medical Sciences (2025).
5. Evaluation of a birth preparation program on lumbopelvic pain, urinary incontinence, anxiety and exercise: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (2013).