New patient information on Pelvic Girdle Pain

The RCOG has published a new patient information for those experiencing Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), which is a condition that affects one in five pregnant women and can severely affect a woman’s mobility and quality of life both during and after pregnancy.

The information reassures women that though the condition can be very painful it does not pose any risk to the baby and also does not need to lead to a complicated delivery.  In fact most women with PGP can have a normal vaginal birth and going into labour naturally is better for mothers and their babies and so most women with PGP do not need to be induced. There is also no evidence that a caesarean section will help women with PGP, and it may actually slow down recovery.

The new information also describes simple measures that can help and suggestions for treatment options if pain persists including advice on avoiding movements that may aggravate the pain, exercises to relieve pain, manual therapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture.  It urges women to seek help and advice early.

Cath Broderick, Chair of the RCOG Women’s Network said: “Being in severe pain and not being able to move around easily can be extremely distressing. Ask for help and support as early diagnosis and treatment can ease pain and enable you to carry out normal activities again.  Pelvic girdle pain is not something you should have to put up with until your baby is born, so please seek advice from your GP, midwife or obstetrician.”

Carmel Lloyd, RCM head of education, said: “This guidance lays out straightforward and sensible advice for women suffering from what can be a difficult and distressing condition….For most women, early diagnosis and treatment should stop symptoms from getting worse, relieve their pain and help them to continue with normal everyday activities.”

The new information can be viewed here

For a RCOG summary see here

For the RCM report see here