Pelvic Girdle Pain / SI Joint Pain
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP), including sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, is one of the most common — and often most disruptive — pregnancy complaints we see. At Two Sparrows, we focus on restoring balanced pelvic function to help ease this kind of pain.
Pain in the low back, hips, or across the pelvis, often described as a deep ache
Pain with walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed
A feeling of instability or "looseness" in the pelvis
Pain that may radiate into the groin or down the back of the thigh
Symptoms We Commonly See
Understanding Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is actually an umbrella term covering pain in any of several pelvic joints, and understanding which joints are involved helps clarify your specific pattern.
Why It Happens
During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments supporting the pelvis, including the SI joints, in preparation for delivery. When one side of the pelvis moves differently than the other, it can create uneven stress on these joints, leading to pain and a sense of instability.
The Pelvic Joints Involved
Sacroiliac (SI) joints — located at the back of the pelvis, where the spine meets the pelvis on each side
Symphysis pubis — located at the front of the pelvis (see our dedicated Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction page for pain specifically centered here)
Hip joints — sometimes involved secondarily due to compensatory movement patterns
Common Contributing Factors
Relaxin-related ligament loosening, which affects all the pelvic joints to some degree
Asymmetric loosening, where one side loosens more than the other, creating imbalance
Postural changes as the growing belly shifts weight distribution
Previous pelvic injuries or asymmetries that predate pregnancy
Recognizing the Pattern
PGP is often described as pain that's worse with weight-bearing on one leg (like climbing stairs or getting dressed standing on one foot), turning over in bed, or walking for extended periods — patterns that point toward pelvic joint instability rather than general muscular strain.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Contact your OB or midwife for pelvic pain accompanied by fever, bleeding, or regular contractions, or if pain becomes severe enough to significantly limit your mobility, which may warrant additional support like a pelvic support belt in coordination with your care team.
Our Approach
We evaluate the alignment and motion of the pelvis and SI joints and use gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments to help restore balanced function. This is a core focus of prenatal chiropractic care and one of the most common reasons patients seek us out.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your OB or midwife about your specific pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not exactly — PGP specifically involves instability in the pelvic joints, whereas general back pain may involve muscle strain or postural changes. They often occur together.
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Many women find that addressing pelvic imbalance during pregnancy supports overall comfort as they approach labor, though every pregnancy is different.
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Often yes, with some modifications — we can talk through activity recommendations specific to your symptoms during your visit.
— not wincing with every step, stair, or roll over in bed as pelvic pain settles in.
And sometimes that means looking beyond what you've been told to simply expect, toward gentle, whole-body care that works with your body to restore balance through every stage of pregnancy. Holistic, non-invasive chiropractic care helps to provide a clear and hopeful path forward for you and your family, meeting you exactly where you are, whether you're in the earliest weeks of pregnancy or counting down the final days before you meet your baby. You don't have to have all the answers today — just a willingness to explore what's possible, one gentle step at a time.