Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Okay, so you’re pregnant and your hips feel like they might crack open when you roll over in bed or walk more than, say, ten feet. And what does everyone say?

“Oh, that’s just part of pregnancy! Everything hurts!”

Cool cool cool. Helpful. Thanks.

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is so common during pregnancy that it’s often brushed off as “just how it is.” But let’s be really clear: common ≠ normal. And you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it with heating pads and tears.

Let’s break it down and talk about what’s really going on down there—and how a pelvic health physical therapist can help you actually enjoy your pregnancy again .

So, What Even Is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

It’s not just “hip pain.” It’s a whole constellation of discomfort anywhere in the pelvic region—pubic bone, tailbone, lower back, hips, or even radiating down your legs.

That grinding feeling when you walk? The searing bolt through your pelvis when you turn in bed? That’s pelvic girdle pain.

It’s caused by a mix of:

• Hormonal changes (hello, relaxin)

• Shifting posture and center of gravity

• Weakened or imbalanced core and pelvic muscles

• Scar tissue, joint instability, or even previous injuries

And while your body is doing an amazing thing—growing a human—it doesn’t mean you have to suffer through dysfunction to get there.

“But My Doctor Said It’s Normal…”

Yep. They probably did.

And listen—we love OBs. But just because something is common doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.

Imagine if someone said, “Oh, you can’t walk without limping? That’s just part of aging!” You’d go find someone to help, right?

Pelvic girdle pain can interfere with your sleep, your movement, your ability to care for your other kids, your relationship, and your mental health. You deserve better than “deal with it.”

What Does a Physical Therapist Actually Do for Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Glad you asked. At Body Works Women’s Health & Wellness, our PTs specialize in exactly this kind of thing.

Here’s what we look at:

• How your pelvis and spine are aligned and moving

• How strong (or overworked!) your core and glutes are

• Whether your pelvic floor is holding too much tension or too little

• Your daily movement patterns—like how you sit, lift, sleep, and walk

Then we build a treatment plan. That might include:

• Manual therapy to release tension and improve alignment

• Targeted exercises to support your pelvis without overloading it

• Breathwork and core coordination (yep, breathing right matters!)

• Posture tips and movement hacks to feel better doing your real-life mom stuff

All of this happens in a safe, supportive, you-can-cry-if-you-need-to kind of space. Because we get it. We’ve been there.

“I Thought I Was Just Weak…”

Let’s bust that myth right now.

Pregnancy doesn’t make you weak—it makes your body adjust in ways that require support, not shame. That clicking, popping, aching pelvis isn’t a sign you’re fragile. It’s a sign your body needs realignment and care.

You wouldn’t run a marathon in the wrong shoes. So why go through pregnancy without the physical prep your body actually needs?

When Should I Get Help?

Honestly? Yesterday. But since we can’t time-travel, the next best time is now.

Whether you’re 12 weeks or 38 weeks, pelvic floor PT can make a difference in your comfort and confidence. You can reduce pain and prep your body for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.

And yes, even if you’re planning a C-section, this still matters. Your core and pelvis will be doing plenty of work regardless of your birth plan.

The Bottom Line

Pelvic girdle pain is not a motherhood rite of passage. You don’t earn extra “mom points” by suffering silently. And you’re not weak, lazy, or dramatic for wanting help.

You’re smart for listening to your body—and strong for taking care of it.

We’re here to help at our Greer SC physical therapy clinic—no shame, no fluff, just evidence-based support from women who get it. If you’re pregnant and feeling like your body is falling apart before baby even arrives, it’s time to come see us.

👉 Want to learn more or schedule a visit? Click here to connect with us at Body Works Physical Therapy Greer SC.

You deserve to move, rest, and parent pain-free. Let’s make it happen.