Pelvic pain in pregnancy is most often felt over the pubic bone at the front, across the lower back, and into the hips, groin, buttocks, or inner thighs. This type of pain – commonly called Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) – affects about 1 in 5 pregnant women and can range from a mild, nagging ache to sharp, debilitating discomfort.
If you’ve been feeling sore “down there” and can’t quite pinpoint where it’s coming from or why, you’re in the right place. This article breaks down exactly where pelvic pain shows up during pregnancy, why each area gets affected, and what actually helps – including advanced options like B-Pulse pelvic floor therapy that go far beyond just doing kegels.
In a Nutshell
- Pelvic pain in pregnancy most commonly affects the pubic bone (front), lower back and SI joints (back), hips, groin, and inner thighs.
- It’s usually caused by hormonal changes, your growing baby’s weight, and postural shifts – not something you did wrong.
- The umbrella term is Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP); when it’s specifically at the pubic bone, it’s called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).
- Certain everyday movements – like climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, or standing on one leg – can make it noticeably worse.
- Mild pain is common, but severe, constant, or worsening pain always deserves professional attention.
Where Exactly Does Pelvic Pain Show Up in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy pelvic pain rarely sticks to one spot. It tends to spread depending on which joints, ligaments, or muscles are under the most stress. Here’s a location-by-location breakdown:
Is That Pain Over the Pubic Bone Normal?
Yes – and it has a name. The pubic symphysis is the joint connecting the two halves of your pelvis at the very front. During pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin loosens the ligaments holding this joint together – which is helpful for childbirth but can make the joint unstable and sore much earlier.
When this joint gets irritated, you’ll feel:
- A deep, sharp ache directly above the groin
- Pain when spreading your legs (getting in and out of a car, turning over in bed)
- A grinding or clicking sensation in the front of the pelvis
This is called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), and it’s one of the most common causes of pelvic pain in pregnancy. It can feel like you’ve been kicked in the front of the pelvis – and it can make walking feel genuinely difficult.
What About Lower Back and Buttock Pain – Is That Pelvic?
Often, yes. The sacroiliac (SI) joints sit where your lower spine meets your pelvis – one on each side of your tailbone. These joints take a lot of load during pregnancy, and they’re prone to becoming inflamed or unstable.
SI joint pain typically feels like:
- A deep ache or sharp catch on one or both sides of the lower back
- Pain in the buttocks that can feel like sciatica
- Discomfort at the base of the spine that’s worse with standing, walking, or rolling over
Many women dismiss this as “just back pain,” but if it’s localized, one-sided, and triggered by movement, the SI joint is usually the culprit.
Why Do My Hips and Groin Hurt Too?
The pelvic girdle – the ring of bones connecting your spine to your legs – doesn’t work in isolation. When the joints at the front or back of the pelvis are stressed, the pain often radiates outward.
You might feel:
- Aching or pressure along the sides of the hips
- A pulling sensation deep in the groin
- Discomfort running down the inner thighs
This spreading pattern is one of the hallmarks of PGP and helps explain why it can feel so hard to pinpoint. The pain seems to move around because the whole pelvis is connected.
What Is That Pain Between the Vagina and Anus?
This area is called the perineum, and pelvic pain here usually builds as the baby grows and drops lower into the pelvis – particularly in the third trimester. It can feel like pressure, soreness, or a bruised sensation, and it’s often worse after standing or walking for a while.
This type of discomfort is related to the increased weight and pressure your baby places on the pelvic floor muscles. Understanding what pelvic floor pain feels like can help you tell the difference between normal pressure and something that needs more attention.
What Causes That Sharp Stabbing Pain in the Lower Belly?
If you feel a sudden, sharp stab on one or both sides of your lower abdomen or groin – especially when you change positions – it’s likely round ligament pain.
The round ligaments connect your uterus to your pelvic bones. As your uterus grows, these ligaments stretch. When you move suddenly, they pull and you feel a quick, jarring pain. It usually:
- Lasts only a few seconds
- Is triggered by rolling over, standing up quickly, sneezing, or laughing
- Is most common in the second trimester
It’s generally harmless, but it can be startling – especially the first time it happens.
What Does Pregnancy Pelvic Pain Actually Feel Like?
The sensation varies a lot from woman to woman and from one area to another. Common descriptions include:
- Deep aching – like a bruise inside the pelvis
- Grinding or clicking – especially when moving the hips or pelvis
- Sharp, stabbing pain – from round ligament stretching or SI joint strain
- Pressure or heaviness – low in the pelvis, especially in the third trimester
- Burning or pulling – in the groin or inner thighs
Pain can also change throughout the day – often worse in the evening after a lot of activity, and sometimes better after rest. For a deeper look at what pelvic floor-related pain feels like vs. other types of discomfort, this guide is worth a read.
Why Does Pelvic Pain Happen During Pregnancy?
Several things work together to create the conditions for pelvic pain:
Relaxin and hormonal changes: Relaxin is a hormone that loosens the ligaments in your pelvis to prepare for delivery. But it starts working well before your due date, which can make joints unstable and sore much earlier than expected.
Your growing baby: As your uterus expands, your center of gravity shifts forward. This puts extra load on the pelvic joints, lower back, and hips – especially in the second and third trimesters.
Postural changes: Your body automatically adjusts how you stand and walk as your belly grows. These shifts can strain muscles and joints that aren’t used to carrying weight in a new way.
Weak or uncoordinated pelvic floor muscles: When the muscles that support the pelvis can’t do their job properly, the joints take on more stress. This is one of the main reasons pelvic floor strengthening is such an important part of both prevention and treatment.
What Activities Make Pelvic Pain Worse?
Movements that require shifting your weight to one leg at a time put the most strain on unstable pelvic joints. Common triggers include:
- Walking long distances or on uneven ground
- Going up and down stairs
- Rolling over in bed
- Getting in and out of a car or bathtub
- Standing on one leg (like when putting on pants or shoes)
- Moving from sitting to standing quickly
- Prolonged sitting or standing in one position
- High-impact activity like running or jumping
If you’ve been active during pregnancy and notice pelvic pain flaring after workouts, these tips for managing pelvic pain after exercise can help you stay moving without making things worse.
Is All Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy Normal?
Mild pelvic discomfort is extremely common. But not every type of pelvic pain is something to push through. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Likely normal:
- Mild round ligament twinges when changing position
- General achiness in the hips or pubic area that comes and goes
- Low pelvic pressure in the third trimester as your baby drops
See your doctor or midwife if:
- Pain is severe, constant, or getting worse quickly
- You have pelvic pain along with vaginal bleeding
- You have a fever with pelvic pain
- You feel a change in your baby’s movements
- You’re under 37 weeks and experiencing rhythmic tightening or cramping
These symptoms may signal something more serious – like preterm labor, a placental issue, or an infection – and need medical evaluation right away.
What Can Actually Help Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy?
The good news: there’s a lot you can do, and most of it doesn’t require medication.
Practical daily adjustments:
- Take smaller, shorter steps when walking
- Keep your knees together when rolling over in bed or getting in and out of a car
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and another under your bump
- Sit with back support, avoid sitting cross-legged or twisted
- Wear supportive, flat shoes with good cushioning
- Break big tasks into smaller ones with rest in between
Supportive tools:
- A pelvic support belt (your physiotherapist can recommend the right fit)
- A pregnancy body pillow for more comfortable sleep positions
Professional support:
- A pelvic physiotherapist can assess your specific pain pattern and create a targeted exercise plan
- Strengthening the pelvic floor, deep core, and hip muscles is one of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms
- Early treatment consistently leads to better outcomes – don’t wait until the pain is unbearable
When Should You Actually See Someone?
Many women underestimate how much pelvic pain can be helped – or wait until things get really bad before seeking care. Consider seeing a specialist if pelvic pain is:
- Stopping you from doing everyday tasks (walking, sleeping, caring for other kids)
- Getting worse as your pregnancy progresses
- Affecting your mood, energy, or ability to rest
- Still present weeks after your baby is born
That last point matters more than many people realize. Understanding when to see a pelvic floor physio after birth can help you decide when it’s time to get targeted postpartum support – and many of the same signs apply during pregnancy too.
What Happens to Pelvic Pain After Birth?
For most women, PGP symptoms improve within a few weeks to a few months after delivery. But for about 1 in 10 women, pain and pelvic floor dysfunction linger well beyond the postpartum period.
Weakened or uncoordinated pelvic floor muscles don’t always recover on their own. Left unaddressed, they can lead to:
- Bladder leaks (stress or urge incontinence)
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Ongoing pelvic pain or discomfort during sex
Final Thoughts
Pelvic pain in pregnancy can strike in a lot of places: the pubic bone, the lower back and SI joints, the hips, groin, inner thighs, and perineum. It’s usually driven by hormonal changes, your baby’s growing weight, and the physical demands placed on joints and muscles that are already working overtime.
Mild discomfort is common. But severe, constant, or worsening pain is a signal to get proper support – not something to push through. Whether you’re dealing with a sharp stab in the lower belly or a deep grind in the pelvis, understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step toward feeling better.
At The Mom Loft, our team of Medical Doctors specializes in pelvic health for every stage of pregnancy and motherhood. We offer a complimentary 10-minute demo of the B-Pulse Chair – no commitment, no pressure – so you can experience the technology before making any decisions.
📍 The Mom Loft | North York, Toronto 📞 844-666-5638 📧 info@themomloft.com 🕐 Mon–Fri: 10 AM–6:30 PM | Sat: 10 AM–4 PM