Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy Is Common — But It Is Not Inevitable
Pelvic pain is one of the most prevalent complaints during pregnancy, affecting an estimated 45 to 75 percent of pregnant women at some point. Despite this prevalence, it is one of the most consistently undertreated conditions in prenatal care. Patients report pelvic pain to their OB-GYN or midwife and are frequently told it is a normal part of pregnancy, that it will resolve after delivery, and that there is little to be done beyond rest and a support belt.
In many cases this is not accurate. Pregnancy-related pelvic pain has identifiable musculoskeletal drivers — and when those drivers are properly assessed and treated, symptoms improve significantly, function is restored, and the patient is better prepared for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
At Bray Chiropractic & Wellness in Glastonbury, pregnancy-related pelvic pain is treated as a clinical problem with a clear treatment pathway — not a symptom to be managed until delivery.
What Causes Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy-related pelvic pain develops from a combination of hormonal, mechanical, and neuromuscular changes that occur throughout the course of pregnancy:
Hormonal laxity
The hormone relaxin — released during pregnancy to prepare the body for delivery — increases ligamentous laxity throughout the pelvis. This increased mobility is necessary for delivery but reduces the passive stability of the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis, making these structures more vulnerable to pain and dysfunction when the surrounding musculature cannot adequately compensate.
Postural changes
As the uterus grows and the center of gravity shifts forward, the lumbar spine increases its curve, the pelvis tilts anteriorly, and the load distribution through the lumbopelvic system changes significantly. These postural adaptations alter the mechanics of the SI joints, hips, and pelvic floor in ways that contribute to pain and dysfunction.
Pelvic floor adaptation
The pelvic floor must adapt to progressive increases in intra-abdominal pressure throughout pregnancy. For patients who enter pregnancy with pre-existing pelvic floor dysfunction — or who develop dysfunction in response to these demands — pelvic floor hypertonicity, weakness, or coordination deficits can become significant sources of pain.
Sacroiliac joint stress
The combination of hormonal laxity and altered loading mechanics places significant stress on the sacroiliac joints during pregnancy. SI joint dysfunction is one of the most common sources of pregnancy-related pelvic pain — producing low back, buttock, and posterior pelvic pain that is often poorly managed in standard prenatal care. Learn more about SI Joint Dysfunction.
Pubic symphysis dysfunction
The pubic symphysis — the joint at the front of the pelvis — is also affected by hormonal laxity during pregnancy. Symphysis pubis dysfunction produces pain at the front of the pelvis and groin that can be severe and significantly limiting, particularly with walking, stair climbing, and single-leg activities.
Types of Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain Treated
Pregnancy-related pelvic pain presentations seen at Bray Chiropractic & Wellness include:
Pelvic girdle pain
A broad category encompassing pain in the posterior pelvis, SI joints, pubic symphysis, and surrounding structures during pregnancy. Pelvic girdle pain is the most common pregnancy-related musculoskeletal complaint and responds well to chiropractic care and pelvic floor rehabilitation when properly assessed.
Posterior pelvic pain
Pain in the posterior pelvis and buttock region — typically driven by SI joint dysfunction and posterior pelvic ligament stress. Often described as a deep aching pain that worsens with walking, prolonged standing, or rolling over in bed.
Symphysis pubis dysfunction
Pain at the pubic symphysis and anterior pelvis — producing groin pain, inner thigh pain, and difficulty with weight-bearing activities. Often accompanied by an audible or palpable clicking at the pubic symphysis with movement.
Pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy
Urinary urgency and frequency, pelvic heaviness, and pelvic floor pain are common during pregnancy and frequently go untreated. Addressing pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy improves symptoms and significantly improves outcomes for labor and postpartum recovery. Learn more about Pelvic Floor Care During Pregnancy.
Low back pain with pelvic involvement
Low back pain is extremely common during pregnancy and frequently has a pelvic floor or SI joint component that is not identified or addressed. Learn more about Low Back Pain.
Why Early Treatment Matters
One of the most important aspects of pregnancy-related pelvic pain is timing. Patients who receive appropriate musculoskeletal care early in the course of their symptoms — rather than waiting until after delivery — have better outcomes, faster recovery, and a significantly better foundation for postpartum rehabilitation.
Pelvic pain that is left untreated during pregnancy tends to worsen as the pregnancy progresses and the mechanical demands increase. Patients who arrive at delivery with undertreated pelvic girdle pain, SI joint dysfunction, or pelvic floor hypertonicity face a longer and more difficult postpartum recovery — and are more likely to develop chronic pelvic pain, diastasis recti complications, and postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction.
Early intervention is not just about reducing pain during pregnancy. It is about building the physical foundation that supports a better labor, delivery, and postpartum experience.
An Important Clinical Note on First Trimester Care
Internal pelvic floor assessment and treatment are deferred during the first trimester of pregnancy. External assessment, soft tissue therapy, chiropractic care, and general musculoskeletal treatment are appropriate throughout pregnancy with modification as needed.
If you are in your first trimester and have questions about what care is appropriate for your specific situation, reach out before booking. Dr. Bray will give you a direct answer based on your individual circumstances.
How Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain Is Evaluated at This Practice
Assessment of pregnancy-related pelvic pain at Bray Chiropractic & Wellness includes:
-
Detailed health history — onset, location, character, aggravating and relieving factors, obstetric history, and prior treatment
-
Full lumbopelvic orthopedic assessment — lumbar spine, SI joints, hips, and pubic symphysis
-
Pelvic floor assessment — external evaluation of pelvic floor tone, tenderness, and function
-
Functional movement assessment — evaluating load transfer through the pelvis during walking and daily activities
-
Assessment modified appropriately for stage of pregnancy throughout
How Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain Is Treated at This Practice
Treatment for pregnancy-related pelvic pain at Bray Chiropractic & Wellness is individualized based on assessment findings and modified appropriately for the patient's stage of pregnancy. Treatment may include:
-
Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization of the lumbar spine, SI joints, and hips — modified for pregnancy
-
Soft tissue therapy and orthopedic massage for surrounding musculature
-
Pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation — addressing hypertonicity, weakness, and coordination deficits
-
Rehabilitative exercise targeting sacropelvic stability, pelvic floor function, and progressive load tolerance
-
Support belt guidance and postural modification strategies
-
Labor and delivery preparation — pelvic floor relaxation, breathing mechanics, and pushing strategy education
Learn more about Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy, Pelvic Floor Care During Pregnancy, and Rehabilitative Exercise at this practice.
Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain Treatment in Glastonbury, CT
​
Pregnant patients with pelvic pain in Glastonbury, South Glastonbury, Hebron, Marlborough, East Hartford, Manchester, and the surrounding Hartford County area will find a thorough, integrated approach to prenatal pelvic care at Bray Chiropractic & Wellness that addresses the musculoskeletal drivers of pain rather than managing symptoms until delivery.
​
No referral is required. New patients can schedule directly online or by calling or texting (203) 303-4760. Bray Chiropractic & Wellness is in-network with Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna (ASH), and CT Medicaid (Husky). Self-pay and HSA/FSA options are also available.