Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Impact on the emotional wellbeing during pregnancy

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), formerly known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), is a common health condition during pregnancy. With early intervention and multidisciplinary approach, an excellent outcome is possible. If not properly treated, PGP could lead to anxiety, depression and poor quality of life of pregnant women. This article provides a brief overview of PGP and its impact on the wellbeing of the mother during the pregnancy and beyond.

Pelvic Girdle Pain

What is Pelvic Girdle?

The Pelvic Girdle is the other name of the pelvis or the pelvic bone. This connects the trunk with the legs and plays an important role in the support and balance of the body.

Pelvis consists of the following:

 – Four bones: the Sacrum/ ‘Tail bone’, Coccyx and two hip bones.

 – Three joints: Symphysis Pubis (SPJ), Sacro-Iliac (SIJ), and Sacro-Coccygeal joints.

The pelvis is attached to the spine through the lumbosacral joint (LSJ) and with the legs through hip joint.

 

Pelvic Girdle Pain

The Pelvic Girdle

What is pelvic girdle pain (PGP)?

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) refers to pain in the pelvis during the pregnancy and post-childbirth period. This relates to the three principle joints in the pelvis:

 – Symphysis pubis joint on the front (anterior)

 – Lumbosacral and sacroiliac joints on the back (posterior)

Pregnancy-induced PGP could start at any stages of pregnancy, birth or in the post-childbirth period. 

How common is the PGP?

PGP is a common condition. It is estimated that at least 1 in 5 women get PGP during pregnancy. However, the severity of the pain varies from one individual to the other.  5-8% of these women have severe and debilitating SPD.

In the majority of women, this starts as mild discomfort and ache. Subsequently, the severity of the pregnancy-related low back pain could worsen (especially when not treated early) as the pregnancy advances. The severity of the pain reaches its peak intensity in the third trimester of pregnancy.

There is high recurrence in the future pregnancies. It is estimated to recur in 68–85% in future pregnancies. (Ref 1)

What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)?

Previously pregnancy-related pain over the pubic bone (i.e, related to the symphysis pubis joint) was called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Sometimes, the term SPD was used to indicate back pain as well.

“As healthcare practitioners, we appear to be unaware of how seriously disabling and painful symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) during pregnancy and labour can be.” (The Gap Study)

European Guideline (Ref 2) has now suggested the umbrella term, Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) to include any pregnancy-related pelvic pain (anterior and posterior). Therefore, the term SPD is no longer in use.

What is Diastasis Symphysis Pubis (DSP)?

This is a condition when there are extreme displacement and separation of the symphysis pubis joint (greater than 10 mm). This is diagnosed with an X-Ray, CT or an MRI scan. The incidence of true diastasis of the symphysis pubis is around 1:800. (Ref 3)

Why women get PGP and backache during the pregnancy?

PGP occurs as a result of increased strain on back and pelvis muscles.

The PGP happens due to the instability of the pelvic joints during pregnancy. As a compensatory mechanism, the muscles surrounding these joints (abdominal, pelvic floor, gluteal and para-spinal muscles) work harder. This results in muscle stiffness and pain, resulting in back pain and PGP in pregnancy.

This instability is the consequences of the following changes during pregnancy:

1. Increased load on the pelvis:

This is due to the growing fetus and weight gain.

2. Biomechanical changes in spine and pelvis:

Due to the growing fetus, the centre of the gravity of pregnant women shifts forwards (towards the abdomen).

To compensate for this, the following changes happen to the spine and the pelvis:

 – The curvature of the lumbar spine (Lumbar lordosis) increases

 – The curvature of the thoracic spine (Thoracic kyphosis) increases

 – Anterior tilt of the pelvis

3. Laxity of the ligaments:

Ligaments are the special strong tissues which surround the joints. They give stability to the joints and reduce the strain on the joints during movement.

During the pregnancy, there are increased secretions of the hormones Relaxin and progesterone. These hormones break down the collagen fibres of the ligaments. As a result, the ligaments around the Symphysis pubis, the sacroiliac, and lumbosacral joints become loose and lax. This mechanism is important to allow widening of the pelvis to help the delivery of the baby.

For example, the usual symphysis pubis gap is 4-5 mm in non-pregnant women. This increases in pregnancy by 2-3 mm. As a result, the gap is 7.7 on an average during the second and third trimesters. When the symphysis pubis gap increases over 10 mm, this is called Diastasis of Symphysis Pubis (DSP). (Ref 3)

Pelvic Girdle Pain

 

Does PGP improve after the childbirth?

The Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) usually improves shortly after giving birth. (Ref 3) However, in 7% of mothers, the pain continues after the delivery of the baby. In some cases, it could stay for many months or even longer. However, this is very rare.

What are the risk factors for developing PGP?

PGP can happen without any risk factors.

However, the PGP is more common in presence of the following:

 – PGP in the previous pregnancy

 – Previous injury/ fracture of the pelvis

 – Previous low back pain

 – Pelvic bone diseases, such as arthritis or sacroiliitis

 – Vitamin D or calcium deficiency (Ref 3)

 – Poor posture including at workstations

 – Poor muscle tone due to lack of exercise

 – Physically strenuous work during pregnancy, without adequate rest

 – Difficult delivery such as shoulder dystocia

What are the symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain?

The woman has persistent discomfort or severe shooting, stabbing pelvic pain or a burning sensation.

The pain is especially worse during the following activities:

 – Turning in bed

 – Walking

 – Weight bearing in one leg (climbing stairs or getting dressed)

 – Rising from a chair

 – Moving the legs apart (getting in or out of the bed, bath or car)

 – Prolonged standing (ironing or vacuum cleaning).

 – Sometimes there is audible clicking or grinding sensation over pelvic joints.

The Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is usually relieved by rest. The pain is usually located over the pubic bone and/ or one or both sides of the lower back. The PGP can radiate to the groin, perineum (the area between the vagina and anus), lower abdomen and the thigh.

With proper treatment, it is possible to minimise the pain and the disability and prevent worsening of the symptoms.

There is a possibility that the PGP could deteriorate as the pregnancy advances if adequate treatment is not initiated on time. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek advice early from the healthcare professionals.

Can the PGP be prevented?

 It may not be possible to prevent PGP entirely. However, some measures could be taken before pregnancy (or early pregnancy) to minimising the risk of developing pregnancy-induced pelvic girdle pain.

The possible preventative measures are as follows:

1. Strengthening core stability:

Instability of the pelvis is the key problem in PGP. Exercises to increase core stability (such as Pilates) have shown to prevent the onset and reduce complications of PGP. This is especially helpful if started before or in early stages of pregnancy. (Ref 4)

2. Pelvic floor exercises (PFE):

Studies have shown that PFE performed from early pregnancy could reduce the risk of developing PGP. (Ref 3)

3. Adopting good posture:

Awareness of proper posture is vital to ensure uniform weight distribution across the pelvis. This results in less strain on the supporting ligaments and the muscles.

3. Treatment of pre-existing back conditions:

If the woman has any back condition (such as arthritis/ sciatica/ prolapsed intervertebral disc/‘slipped disc’), then it is always advisable to get this adequately treated before pregnancy. If this is not possible, then early referral to the physiotherapist during pregnancy is recommended.

4. Pre-pregnancy weight reduction:

It is helpful to reduce weight (if overweight) before pregnancy.

It is always advisable to have a healthy diet and do regular exercise during pregnancy to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

5. Rest:

Adequate sleep and taking regular breaks from strenuous activities are very important.

6. Early referral:

If a pregnant woman has any risk factors (mentioned above), then early referral to the physiotherapy is recommended.

Pelvic Girdle Pain

 

What is the treatment of Pelvic Girdle Pain (previously called SPD)/ low back pain during pregnancy?

 A good multidisciplinary approach is needed. This improves the existing symptoms, prevents further worsening of the symptoms, and improve quality of life of the pregnant women and wellbeing.

1. Early referral:

It is absolutely vital to make an early referral to a physiotherapist, especially with special expertise in treating PGP.

2. General advice:

 – Avoid lifting heavy weights (such as wet washing, children or shopping bags)

 – Sitting or standing for long

 – Pushing heavy things, such as supermarket trolleys

 – Vacuum cleaning

 – Keeping the knees together during sidewise movements

 – Avoid strenuous exercise/ activities

3. Pain control (Analgesia):

 – Paracetamol, Low potency opiates (such as codeine or dihydrocodeine) or combination of both paracetamol and codeine.

 – Acupuncture

 – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) TENS machine.

 – Application of ice or external heat

 – Massage may also be helpful.

4. Physiotherapy:

Manual therapy

Hydrotherapy

5. Pelvic support belts:

Pelvic girdle support, such as trochanteric belts, are often advised in the treatment of PGP. However, there is no strong evidence of its efficacy. (Ref 3)

6. Mobility Aids:

Elbow crutches, walking frames or wheelchair may be necessary in severe cases.

7. Emotional/ Mental Health support:

Every woman with PGP should be asked how they are coping emotionally. Referrals may be necessary to the counselling services or perinatal mental health teams if the PGP is causing mental health symptoms.

8. Peer support

Pelvic Girdle Pain

 

Is it possible to have a vaginal birth if I suffer from PGP?

It is always advisable to have a vaginal birth whenever possible. Utmost care needs to be taken to avoid excessive widening of legs/ hip joints, especially beyond the ‘pain-free range of movement’. Otherwise, this could worsen PGP after the childbirth.

For women with severe PGP with a significant impact on the quality of life, early induction of labour is offered sometimes.

Very rarely the PGP is so severe that a comfortable position at birth cannot be achieved or maintained. Elective (planned) Caesarean Section is necessary in such cases.

Care during birth:

It is vital to assess the “range of pain-free movement” in the lower spine and hips before labour in the antenatal period.

It is recommended that the pregnant woman remains mobile during labour.

It is also important not to move the legs/ hips beyond her normal range of pain-free movement. The SPD pain may markedly worsen under these conditions during labour and can persist postnatally for longer.

Use of epidural and spinal anaesthesia has been discouraged on account of masking SPD pain, although there is no evidence to support this view.

Post-childbirth care:

Bed rest may be necessary until the pain subsides.

Women with SPD might require more support and could need to stay longer in the hospital. Continuity of care from community midwives to health visitors is important, as is active involvement of the general practitioner.

What is the impact of the Pelvic Girdle Pain on the emotional wellbeing of the mother?

Pelvic girdle pain could have a significant impact on the quality of life. This could even lead to mental health conditions when the mother does not get adequate support or the condition does not improve. PGP is also a cause of sickness absence at work during pregnancy.

PGP could have the following impact on the emotional health of the woman:

1. Anxiety/ Fear:

 – if there would be increased pain and disability as the pregnancy advances

 – whether the birth can make the pain worse or affect future pregnancies

 – if there would be further damage to the pelvis and future mobility

 – if it would be possible to give birth naturally or CS would be required

2. Depression and low self-esteem: both antenatal and postnatal depression

3. Guilt and a sense of failure: whether she would be less able to carry out responsibilities as a mother/ parent

4. Anger/ frustration: as she needs to depend on others for help, unable to enjoy pregnancy, maintain fitness. This also could lead to a sense of helplessness.

5. Effect on chronic pain perception: If someone has had pain for a long time, this can affect the way her brain reacts to pain and make its effects more intense.

Significant pain (more than 7/10 on a visual analogue scale) in the early stages of a condition is a major predictor of chronicity43 so effective pain relief and management in early stages are vital.” (Ref. 5)

6. Impact on the family relationship:

The degree of discomfort often causes the woman significant difficulty in caring for her family and can lead to social isolation. She is also at greater risk of developing severe anxiety and depression. (Ref 6)

7. Sleep deprivation

Pelvic Girdle Pain

 

Pregnancy-induced Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Summary and key points

 – Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is common, affecting at least 1 in 5 women during pregnancy.

 – The European guideline currently recommends the use of the umbrella term PGP for pregnancy-induced pelvic pain. 

   Therefore, the term SPD is no longer in use in most current medical literature.

 – Vaginal birth is the best option whenever possible.

 – PGP can occur without any risk factor

 – If not properly treated, PGP can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the pregnant woman. This also leads to mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum period.

 – Good treatment is available and full recovery is possible.

 – Seeking help early is recommended to prevent worsening of symptoms.

 – Pre-pregnancy exercises to ensure core stability (such as Pilates) and weight reduction (if high BMI) could help in preventing PGP during pregnancy.

References

1. Leadbetter RE, Mawer D, Lindow SW. Symphysis pubis dysfunction: a review of the literature. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2004;16:349–54.

2. Vleeming A, Albert H, Ostgaard HC, Stuge B, Sturesson B. European guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. European Commission, Research Directorate-General, Department of Policy, Coordination and Strategy 2004.

3. Jain S, Eedarapalli P, Jamjute P, Sawdy R. Symphysis pubis dysfunction: a practical approach to management. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2006;8:153–158.

4. Whitby P. The agony of pelvic joint dysfunction. Practicing Midwife 2003;6:14–6.

5. Gifford L. Tissue and input related mechanisms. In: Gilbert A, editor. Topical Issues in Pain: 2. Falmouth: NOI Press, 1998: 57-65.

6. Wainwright M, Fishburn S, Tudor-Williams N, Naoum H, Garner V. Symphysis pubis dysfunction: improving the service. British Journal of Midwifery 2003;11:664–7.

Useful Resources and further reading:

1. Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) – for Health Professionals

2. Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain For mothers to be and new mothers.

3. Pelvic Girdle Pain and Pregnancy (RCOG)

4. Pelvic pain in pregnancy: NHS Choices

5. Kristiansson P, Svärdsudd K, von Schoultz B: Back pain during pregnancy: a prospective studySpine, 1996, 21: 702–709. [PubMed]

6. Mogren IM, Pohjanen AI: Low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy: prevalence and risk factorsSpine, 2005, 30: 983–991. [PubMed]

7. Yoo H, Shin D, Song C. Changes in the spinal curvature, degree of pain, balance ability, and gait ability according to pregnancy period in pregnant and nonpregnant women. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2015;27(1):279-284. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.279.