Pelvic girdle pain: understanding and managing postpartum care

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) affects about 40% of pregnant people.1 It often goes hand in hand with low back pain. Many feel better after giving birth, but some still have pain after the baby is born. A few may even feel PGP for the first time after childbirth. This article looks at what causes this pain, the risk factors involved, and possible ways to feel better during the postpartum period.

What is Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) can feel different for each person. It usually means you feel pain in one or more of these areas:

• Front or Back of the Pelvis: You might feel pain around the pelvic bones.
• Perineum: There may be discomfort between the vagina and anus.
• Inner Thighs or Hip Sides: Pain can spread to the areas around them.

Many people say that PGP feels like a sharp and sudden pain. They often compare it to a "lightning bolt" in the pelvic area. This pain can make everyday movements hard, which can make simple tasks feel tough to do.

Causes of Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

Many things can cause postpartum pelvic girdle pain to last.

• Hormonal Changes: After giving birth, hormone levels change. This can affect the stability of the pelvis.
• Muscle Coordination Issues: If the muscles that support the pelvic joints do not work well together, it can cause lasting pain. Changes in posture and muscle balance after pregnancy can make these problems worse.
• Previous PGP During Pregnancy: If someone had pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy, they might have a higher chance of experiencing pain after giving birth, but it's not a certainty.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

• Weight gain during pregnancy
• A previous history of lower back or pelvic pain
• A physically demanding job or role
• A lack of exercise during pregnancy
• A history of injury to the pelvis or lower back
• Carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.)
• A change in movements due to pregnancy, such as waddling
• High Pain Levels: People who feel a lot of pain during pregnancy may have a higher risk.
• Pain in Multiple Locations: Pain that happens in several areas can show a higher risk for ongoing pain.
• Difficulty Performing Basic Tasks: Struggling to do daily tasks because of pain can lead to longer periods of PGP.
• Looseness in the Sacroiliac (SI) Joints: Looseness or instability in these joints at the back of the pelvis is a common cause of PGP.

Strategies to Manage Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

1. Postpartum Physical Therapy Postpartum physical therapy can really help with PGP. A pelvic health specialist can work with you to make your pelvic muscles stronger and more stable. This can relieve pain and support recovery.

• Core Stabilization Exercises: By strengthening deep belly muscles and the pelvic floor, you can enhance pelvic stability. This helps to ease pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and other postpartum symptoms.
• Manual Therapy Techniques: A skilled therapist can use hands-on methods to reduce tension, improve your body's alignment, and help with pelvic movement.

2. Bodily Postpartum Self-Care and Exercise

• Gentle Movement: Doing light activities like walking can help blood flow and ease stiffness without putting too much pressure on your joints.
• Mindful Body Mechanics: Pay attention to how you move when lifting, bending, or taking care of your baby to reduce strain.
• Supportive Devices: Think about using compression belts or pelvic support garments to help support your pelvis while you do daily tasks.

3. Addressing Emotional and Mental Health The time after giving birth can be tough emotionally. This period may involve challenges like baby blues, postpartum anxiety and/or depression, and mood swings. These health conditions can make physical pain feel worse. It's important to have a complete care plan for managing these struggles. Focus on self-care, talk to a family member, or get medical attention if you feel symptoms of postpartum depression.

4. Regular Postpartum Visits and Professional Support Scheduling your postpartum visits with your healthcare provider is very important. These visits help check your hormone levels, pelvic health, and how well you are recovering. They allow for a personal plan to manage any pain you may have. This might include postpartum therapy, making changes to your lifestyle, or using medical treatments.

FAQs About Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

Can PGP Be Prevented? Postpartum pelvic girdle pain might not always be avoidable. However, taking care during pregnancy can help. Getting involved in physical therapy after birth is important as well. Also, working on core strength can lower the chance of experiencing pain.

How Long Does Postpartum PGP Last? The time it takes to feel better from PGP is different for everyone. Some people get better in a few weeks. Others feel discomfort for several months. Taking good care of yourself, managing your own symptoms, and getting help from a professional can make recovery faster.

Are There Home Remedies for Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain? Gentle exercise and good body mechanics can help relieve pain. So can support belts and managing stress. It is also a good idea to connect with a pelvic health physical therapist for personalized care.

Does Weight Affect PGP? Carrying extra weight can put added pressure on the pelvis. This might make PGP last longer. A slow and steady weight loss after having a baby can reduce stress on the joints. It can also help with recovery.

Conclusion

Postpartum pelvic girdle pain can be hard to deal with, but you are not alone. You can find relief through postpartum physical therapy, helpful devices, and caring for yourself. Work on making your body stronger, get help from experts, and embrace recovery as part of your journey after giving birth.

DISCLAIMER This article is intended for educational purposes only, using publicly available information. It is not medical advice nor should it be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Please seek the advice of your physician or another licensed medical provider for any health questions or concerns. In the case of emergency, call 911.