Low back pain (LBP) and Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) (aka Pelvic Instability) are common during pregnancy. It is estimated that 50% of pregnant women will suffer from LBP and 25% of women experience PGP.
Mechanical factors, during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, including weight gain and the increased curvature in the lumbar spine cause increased stress on the lower back and posterior pelvic joints often resulting in pain.
However, a significant proportion of women first report pain during the 1st trimester, which cannot be explained by mechanical factors.
In this instance, it is thought that the release of Relaxin hormone (it is first released during the 1st trimester) softens the muscles and ligaments allowing more movement to occur at the normally stable weight-bearing joints of the pelvis. This extra movement as well as stretching of the core stabilising muscles causes joint instability, inflammation and pain.
Assessment and treatment by an experienced Physiotherapist is recommended. Management strategies often include stabilising the lower back and pelvic joints and supporting the baby weight minimising load. Solidea’s Pregnancy shorts, stockings and leggings provide medical grade compression and support helping pregnant women better manage pregnancy-related back and pelvic joint pain.