“It is just part of being pregnant.” That is what most women are told when they develop pelvic pain during pregnancy. And while it is true that pelvic pain is common in pregnancy, that does not make it normal.

Common and normal are not the same thing. Pelvic pain during pregnancy is a sign that the body is struggling to adapt to the changes happening inside it. The good news is that in most cases, it can be helped significantly with the right support.

What Causes Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. Its job is to loosen the ligaments in your pelvis to prepare for birth. This is a necessary and brilliant process. But it also means your pelvic joints become less stable.

When the pelvis becomes less stable, the muscles around it have to work harder to compensate. If one side of the pelvis is moving differently to the other, or if the sacroiliac joints at the back are not functioning evenly, the result is pain. Sometimes sharp and localised, sometimes a deep ache across the lower back and hips, and sometimes shooting pain down the leg.

This is not caused by the baby being heavy. It is caused by the pelvis not adapting evenly to the hormonal changes. And that is something that can be assessed and treated.

SPD and PGP: What the Labels Mean

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) refers to pain at the front of the pelvis, where the two pubic bones meet. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a broader term that includes pain at the front, back, or sides of the pelvis. Both are caused by the same underlying issue: uneven movement and loading across the pelvic joints.

These conditions can range from mild discomfort to genuinely debilitating pain that makes walking, turning in bed, and climbing stairs extremely difficult. At their worst, they can significantly impact quality of life during what should be an exciting time.

How Chiropractic Helps During Pregnancy

At Chiropractor Norwich, Dr Luke has specific training in pregnancy care. The approach is gentle, safe, and tailored entirely to the stage of pregnancy and the patient’s comfort.

Treatment focuses on restoring balanced movement to the pelvis. When both sides of the pelvis are moving symmetrically, the stress on the ligaments and muscles is distributed evenly. Pain reduces because the body is no longer compensating for an imbalance.

Using the Zone Technique, we also assess the muscular and skeletal zones to identify whether the nervous system is contributing to the protective tension patterns that often accompany pregnancy pelvic pain. Releasing these patterns can provide significant relief.

Treatment is adapted as pregnancy progresses. Special positioning ensures comfort at every stage, and techniques are modified to be completely safe for both mother and baby.

When Should You Get Help?

The earlier pelvic pain is addressed, the easier it is to manage. Many women wait until the pain is severe before seeking help, often because they have been told it is normal. If you are experiencing any of the following, it is worth getting assessed sooner rather than later.

Pain at the front of the pelvis or pubic bone. Pain in one or both sacroiliac joints at the back of the pelvis. Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed. A clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvis. Pain that is getting progressively worse week by week.

You do not need to wait for a GP referral. You can book directly with us, and we will give you an honest assessment of whether we can help.