A pinch in your lower abdomen. A pulling sensation when you stand up. That dull ache that gradually settles in your pelvis and makes you wonder if it's normal or if you should be worried. Pelvic pain during pregnancy affects between 45% and 75% of pregnant women, according to studies, but no one really warned you beforehand. Between "normal" ligament pain, the symptoms to watch for, and the solutions that really work, it's hard to see clearly. Breathe. We're going to break it all down together.
This article guides you through all forms of pelvic pain during pregnancy, trimester by trimester, with the precise causes, the warning signs that should never be ignored and concrete solutions to relieve these discomforts. In the end, you will know the difference between normal pain and a real alarm signal, and you will have tools to manage these sensations on a daily basis.
⚡ What to remember
Summary Table: Everything You Need to Know at a Glance
To quickly find the information you need, here is a complete table summarizing pelvic pain during pregnancy.
What Is Pelvic Pain (And Where Exactly)?
Before we talk about pregnancy, let's lay the groundwork. What exactly is pelvic pain? The pelvis (or pelvis) is the large bony structure located at the base of your spine, in your lower torso. It forms a sort of bowl that houses your reproductive organs, your bladder, and part of your intestines, and supports the entire weight of your upper body.
Precise localization of pelvic pain
📍 Lower abdomen and pelvic region
The area below the abdomen, between the pelvic bones. This is where your uterus is located, so logically, this is where it can feel tight during pregnancy.
🔗 Sacroiliac joints
At the back of the pelvis, on either side of the lower back. 76% of pelvic pain during pregnancy occurs there. It causes pain in the buttocks and lower back, which can travel down to the thighs.
🦴 Pubic symphysis
In front, at the pubic bone. This is the cartilaginous joint that connects the two halves of your pelvis. 57% of pregnant women experience pain in this area. The pain can radiate to the groin and upper thighs.
💫 Irradiation zones
Pelvic pain doesn't always stay localized. It can spread to the hips, groin, upper thighs, or even the lower back. This is why it's often confused with lower back pain.
💡 Pelvic pain VS lower back pain
These two types of pain are often confused. Lower back pain (classic back pain) occurs higher up, in the lumbar vertebrae. Pelvic pain specifically affects the pelvis and the joints that compose it. During pregnancy, you can experience both at the same time, but the causes and treatments differ.
Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy: Trimester by Trimester
Pelvic pain evolves throughout pregnancy. Its intensity, location, and causes vary depending on the trimester. Let's break down what's happening in your body, month by month.
First Trimester (Weeks 1-13)
What's happening in your body
In the first few weeks, your uterus begins to grow and straighten within the abdominal cavity. The bones and ligaments of the pelvis move and stretch to make room for it. The bowel and bladder compress slightly.
Pregnancy hormones (relaxin, progesterone) relax your ligaments to prepare your body for childbirth. As a result, your joints become more mobile, which can cause discomfort.
Typical types of pain
- Light pulling in the lower abdomen, like period cramps
- Feeling of heaviness or diffuse discomfort in the pelvis
- Occasional pain when you change position
- Occasional cramps who come and go
✅ Normal or not? These sensations are generally normal. Your body is adjusting to a major transformation. As long as the pain remains mild, intermittent, and is not accompanied by bleeding or fever, there's no need to worry.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27)
What's happening in your body
The weight of your belly increases significantly. The uterus takes up more and more space and presses on the surrounding structures. Relaxin production continues, which accentuates the relaxation of the pelvic ligaments.
The sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis become more mobile. Your center of gravity shifts forward, changing your posture and creating new tensions.
Typical types of pain
- Ligament pain sharp, electric shock-like sensations in the groin during sudden movements
- Tightness at the level of the pubis and lower abdomen
- Pain in the sacroiliac joints which radiate into the buttocks
- Discomfort when walking or going up the stairs
✅ Normal or not? It's during this trimester that many women really start to feel pain. These pains are common and usually mild. A pregnancy belt can really help at this stage.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
What's happening in your body
This is when it really gets heavy. The baby's weight reaches its peak and presses heavily on your pelvis. Relaxin is secreted in large quantities to prepare your body for childbirth, making your joints even more flexible (and therefore more unstable).
Toward the end, the baby descends into the pelvis (called "engages"), creating additional pressure on the perineum, pubic symphysis, and bladder. Your posture becomes even more unbalanced, your back arches, and your hips are subjected to maximum stress.
Typical types of pain
- Pubic pain very pronounced, especially when walking or spreading the legs
- Feeling of pelvis "about to dislocate" or instability when walking
- Lower back pain and constant sacroiliac joints
- Difficulty turning over in bed, to get into the car, to get dressed
- Intense pressure in the perineum when the baby goes down
- Sciatica : pain that starts in the buttocks and goes down the leg
✅ Normal or not? This is the most difficult trimester for pelvic pain. It can really limit your mobility and affect your quality of life. It's uncomfortable but normal. The good news: it usually goes away within a few weeks of giving birth.
The Main Causes (Beyond "It's Pregnancy")
Now that we've seen the progression trimester by trimester, let's zoom in on the specific mechanisms that explain this pain. Several factors combine to create this pelvic discomfort.
Lacomme Syndrome (or Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction)
This is the medical term for sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis pain during pregnancy. Approximately 20% of pregnant women develop this syndrome to a disabling degree. Risk factors include a history of back pain, physical labor, multiple pregnancies, and a high BMI.
Distinguishing Normal Pain From More Worrisome Signs
The big question every pregnant woman asks: Is my pain normal or should I be concerned? Most pelvic pain during pregnancy is benign, but some signs require prompt attention.
Normal pain ✅
Intermittent pulling pains that come and go, especially when changing position
Brief acute pains (a few seconds) in the groin during sudden movements (coughing, sneezing, getting up)
Feeling of heaviness in the pool at the end of the day or after standing for a long time
Discomfort that improves with rest and the change of position
Pain without other symptoms (no fever, no bleeding, no regular contractions)
Warning signs 🚨
Severe pain + vaginal bleeding: May indicate miscarriage (especially first trimester) or placental abruption (later). Consult urgently.
Sharp pain on one side + dizziness: Possible ectopic pregnancy (1st trimester). This is a life-threatening emergency.
Fever + pelvic pain: Urinary tract infection, uterine infection, or other infection. Requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
Regular contractions + pelvic pain before 37 weeks: Possible premature labor. Head to the maternity ward.
Pain that prevents you from walking or moving: May be severe pubic symphysis dysfunction. Requires management.
Loss of amniotic fluid + pain: Water has broken. Even without contractions, this is an emergency.
💡 When in doubt, always consult
If a pain seems abnormal, different, or if you have a bad feeling, call your midwife, your gynecologist, or go directly to the maternity ward. It's better to consult "for nothing" than to miss something important. Professionals will never judge you for checking.
How to Relieve Pelvic Pain: Solutions That Work
Pelvic pain can really ruin your daily life. Fortunately, there are several solutions to relieve it, without medication or with minimal medication. Some are ultra-simple, others require professional supervision, but all have proven effective.
Immediate solutions (to do now)
🎽 Pregnancy belt (pelvic belt)
THE solution that makes all the difference for many women. The belt supports your pelvis and limits excessive movement of your sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. Studies show a significant reduction in pain in 80% of users.
How to use it : Place it under your belly, at hip level (not on your stomach). Tighten moderately; you should feel supported without being compressed. Wear it during activities, remove it when resting.
🛏️ Adapt your positions
Avoid movements that spread your legs (getting out of the car with your legs apart, taking the stairs two steps at a time). Keep your knees together when turning over in bed. Sit down to get dressed.
In bed: Sleep on your side with a nursing pillow or pillow between your knees. This keeps your pelvis aligned.
🧊 Alternating hot/cold
Apply a hot water bottle to painful areas to relax muscles (15-20 min), then an ice pack to reduce inflammation (10 min). Alternate several times.
Please note: No heat directly on the stomach, rather on the lower back or sides of the pelvis.
💧 Warm bath (not hot)
A bath at body temperature (37°C max) can relieve tension. The water supports your body and reduces pressure on your pelvis. 20 minutes max.
🚶♀️ Regular gentle walking
Counterintuitive but true: moving gently helps. Short walks (15-20 minutes) several times a day maintain your mobility without overloading your pelvis. Flat shoes are a must.
Professional support
👐 Osteopathy
An osteopath can realign your pelvis, relieve ligament tension, and improve your mobility. This is ideal for pubic symphysis dysfunction. Two to three spaced-out sessions are often sufficient. Partially reimbursed by some health insurance companies.
💪 Physiotherapy
Targeted muscle strengthening exercises (transverse, pelvic floor, glutes) stabilize your pelvis. The physiotherapist also teaches you proper posture and movements to avoid. Sessions are reimbursed at 60% by Social Security with a prescription.
🧘♀️ Prenatal Yoga
Adapted postures gently stretch and strengthen. Yoga also improves your breathing and reduces stress, which can amplify the perception of pain. Look for a certified prenatal instructor.
🏊♀️ Prenatal aquagym / Swimming
The water supports your body and relieves stress on your pelvis. Swimming strengthens your muscles without impact. Focus on backstroke and front crawl, avoid breaststroke (which spreads your legs too far apart).
Medications (on medical advice only)
In case of truly disabling pain, certain painkillers are authorized during pregnancy:
- Paracetamol : Authorized throughout pregnancy at normal doses (max 3g/day). Reference pain reliever
- Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen): PROHIBITED from the 6th month. Before, only on prescription and for short courses
- Other painkillers: Your doctor may prescribe other options depending on the situation.
⚠️ NEVER take anti-inflammatories without medical advice during pregnancy.
Simple Exercises for Pain Relief (To Do at Home)
A few gentle exercises, done daily, can really improve your comfort. The goal: strengthen the muscles that stabilize your pelvis and relax those that are too tense.
3 effective exercises
1. Pelvic tilt (against a wall)
- Position: Standing with your back against a wall, feet 20 cm from the wall, knees slightly bent.
- Movement : Press your lower back against the wall, contracting your abs and glutes (tilting your pelvis). Hold for 5 seconds, release. Repeat 10 times.
- Benefit: Strengthens the deep abs (transverse) and relieves the lower back.
2. Modified glute bridge
- Position: Lying on your back (1st and 2nd trimester), knees bent, feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Movement : Lift your buttocks off the floor, contracting your glutes until you form a straight line from shoulders to hips to knees. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then lower back down. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Benefit: Strengthens the glutes and pelvic stabilizing muscles. Stop this exercise in the 3rd trimester (back position not recommended).
3. Psoas Stretch (Knight Servant Pose)
- Position: On your knees, put one leg in front of you (knee bent at 90°), the other knee on the ground behind.
- Movement : Gently push your pelvis forward while keeping your back straight. You should feel a stretch in the groin of your back leg. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
- Benefit: Stretches the psoas (hip flexor muscle), which is often too tight during pregnancy.
⚠️ Important: If an exercise increases your pain, stop it. Seek advice from a physiotherapist or midwife for a personalized program.
Pelvic Pain Outside of Pregnancy: Other Causes
Pelvic pain isn't just a problem for pregnant women. At different times in the life cycle, other causes can explain this discomfort. Here's a quick overview of the most common situations.
Comfort During & After Pregnancy
Our postpartum Period Panties support you in the weeks following childbirth, when lochia (bleeding) is still present and your body is slowly recovering.
Your Pelvic Pain Is Normal (And It Will Pass)
Pelvic pain during pregnancy affects the majority of pregnant women. It's unpleasant, sometimes truly disabling, but in the vast majority of cases, it's benign. Your body undergoes a monumental transformation in 9 months: your uterus goes from taille From a pear to a watermelon, your hormones are turning everything upside down, your pelvis is preparing to let a baby pass. It's logical that it pulls, that it pulls, that it hurts at times.
Solutions exist to provide relief: pregnancy belts, osteopaths, physiotherapists, exercises, and adapting your daily posture. You don't have to "put up with it" by gritting your teeth. Talk to your midwife or gynecologist about your pain, ask for help, and consult professionals. It's their job to support you.
And the good news? These pains generally disappear within a few weeks of giving birth. Once your baby is born, your hormones rebalance, and your pelvis regains stability, the discomfort gradually fades. Take heart, you're almost there.
Sources & Scientific References
This article is based on scientific publications and clinical studies on pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Epidemiology and prevalence
- Rost CC, et al. (2004). Pelvic pain during pregnancy: a descriptive study of signs and symptoms of 870 patients in primary care. spine. DOI: 10.1097/01.brs.0000145416.22782.9f
- Vleeming A, et al. (2008). European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. European Spine Journal. DOI: 10.1007/s00586-008-0602-4
- Kanakaris NK, et al. (2011). Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: an update. BMC Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-9-15
Risk factors and evolution
- Gutke A, et al. (2006). Risk factors in developing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. BMC Medicine. PMID: 16752231
- Ostgaard HC, et al. (1996). Regression of back and posterior pelvic pain after pregnancy. spine. PMID: 8979325
- Robinson HS, et al. (2010). Pelvic girdle pain: associations between risk factors in early pregnancy and disability or pain intensity in late pregnancy. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. PMID: 20465798
Treatment and interventions
- Mens JM, et al. (2006). The mechanical effect of a pelvic belt in patients with pregnancy-related pelvic pain. Clinical Biomechanics. DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2005.08.016
- Elden H, et al. (2005). Effects of acupuncture and stabilizing exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. BMJ. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38397.507014.E0
- Young G, Jewell D. (2003). Physical therapy for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain: a systematic review. spine. PMID: 14616270
Role of relaxin
- Aldabe D, et al. (2012). Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and its relationship with relaxin levels during pregnancy: a systematic review. European Spine Journal. PMC3459115
Note: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you experience persistent pain or any concerning symptoms, always consult a healthcare professional.
Medical Warning: This article is for informational purposes only. If you experience pelvic pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms (bleeding, fever, contractions), consult a healthcare professional immediately.
