Pelvic girdle pain (pregnancy-related pelvic pain, sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction) is pain in the joints of the pelvis, most often at the back by the sacral joints on one or both sides, at the front by the pubic bone, or in the groin, buttocks and thighs. It is caused by hormones making the pelvic joints more mobile while weight and load increase, so that muscles and ligaments have to work harder than they are used to. Around one in five pregnant people get symptoms, usually from mid-pregnancy, and most recover within weeks to months after the birth. It is harmless for the baby but can make daily life very hard. What helps is finding ways of moving that do not provoke the joints, adapted exercise, a pelvic belt, side-lying with pillows and sometimes physiotherapy. Cupping does not belong here during pregnancy: we advise against all cupping on the lower back, pelvis and abdomen until after the birth, and explain why below. Here is how to recognise pelvic girdle pain, what helps, what to avoid and when to seek care.
What is pelvic girdle pain, and what does it feel like?
The pelvis consists of three bones held together by strong ligaments in two joints at the back (the sacroiliac joints) and one at the front (the symphysis). During pregnancy, hormones soften the ligaments so that the pelvis can give way at the birth, while the belly grows, the centre of gravity shifts forward and the trunk muscles are stretched. This makes the joints more mobile and more loaded, and in some people they become painful. Typically: pain deep in one or both buttocks, in the small of the back, over the pubic bone or in the groin; worst when turning in bed, climbing stairs, standing on one leg (putting on trousers), walking far or getting up from sitting; sometimes a feeling of "clicking" or giving way in the pelvis. The pain comes with loading and eases with rest, unlike contractions, which come in waves whatever you do. Pelvic girdle pain says nothing about how the birth will go and does not harm the baby.
When to seek care
Contact the maternity unit or call emergency services if the pain comes together with bleeding, your waters breaking, regular contractions before week 37, fever, or if the baby is moving less than usual. Seek care the same day if you have difficulty passing urine or emptying your bladder, numbness in the groin or legs, sudden weakness in one leg, or if you cannot bear weight on the leg at all. Contact your midwife or doctor if the pain stops you walking, sleeping or working, if it is getting worse quickly, or if self-care is not enough; you can be referred to a physiotherapist, get a pelvic belt, crutches and in some cases sick leave. Back pain during pregnancy that sits higher up, in the upper back, or radiates down the leg below the knee should also be assessed.
What helps
- Move within the pain limit, but avoid what provokes it. Walk shorter distances more often instead of one long walk. Avoid standing on one leg: sit down to put on trousers and socks. Take small steps, avoid walking sideways and carrying heavy things on one side. Roll instead of lifting.
- Turn with the knees together. In bed: bend the knees, press them together (ideally with a pillow between) and roll the whole body in one piece. The same when getting out of the car: legs together, swivel on the seat, put both feet down at the same time.
- Sleep on your side with support. A pillow between the knees and ankles, one under the belly and ideally one behind the back, so the pelvis lies level.
- A pelvic belt. A belt worn low, under the belly and over the hips, stabilises the joints and relieves many people when walking and standing. Fitted by a midwife or physiotherapist and used during loading, not around the clock.
- Adapted exercise. Pelvic floor training, light exercises for the deep abdominal and gluteal muscles (hip bridges with the knees together, knee squeezes against a pillow lying on your back), aqua aerobics for pregnancy and swimming (avoid breaststroke if it hurts). The physiotherapist adapts the programme.
- Heat on the buttocks and lower back, a warm shower, and relaxation. Cold on the pubic bone if it is tender there.
- Pain relief as advised by your midwife or doctor; paracetamol is usually the first choice during pregnancy, anti-inflammatory tablets are generally avoided.
- Offload in daily life. Raise work surfaces, sit with support and feet on the floor, avoid soft low sofas, ask for help with heavy chores, and plan the day so you are not standing and walking for hours at a stretch. Part-time or full-time sick leave is a common and reasonable measure.
Why we do not cup the lower back and pelvis during pregnancy
Cupping strongly increases local circulation, affects connective tissue and ligaments and can cause a reaction in the whole body. The ligaments around a pregnant pelvis are already softened, and the lower back and pelvic area lie close to the uterus. There are no studies showing that cupping there is safe during pregnancy, and there is no reason to take the risk: what helps with pelvic girdle pain is stability, not more mobility. We therefore advise against all cupping on the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, pelvis and inner thighs until after the birth, the same line as in our guide Cupping during pregnancy and breastfeeding. What is fine, in consultation with your midwife, is face cupping and light static cupping on the shoulders and calves for tension and heavy legs, see Swollen legs and feet. Always talk to your midwife before cupping anything at all during pregnancy.
After the birth pelvic pain usually subsides within weeks to months. Once you have recovered from the birth (and after breastfeeding if you want to be cautious, see the guide above), light cupping of the buttocks and lower back can help the muscles that worked hard during pregnancy to let go; then the same routine applies as in Back and lower back pain and Piriformis syndrome. If you still have pelvic pain more than three months after the birth, ask for a physiotherapist specialising in the pelvis.
What to avoid
Standing on one leg, walking sideways or backwards, carrying heavy things on one side, sitting with crossed legs or on the edge of the chair, deep squats and lunges, heavy lifting, breaststroke if it hurts, hard stretches of the pelvis and hips, long walks on hard ground when it aches, and cupping on the abdomen, lower back, buttocks and pelvis. Also avoid "testing" whether it hurts; every provocation makes the joints more tender for a while.
Frequently asked questions
When does pelvic girdle pain start, and when does it go away?
Most commonly from mid-pregnancy, sometimes earlier. Most people recover within weeks to months after the birth; a smaller proportion have symptoms for longer and should then get physiotherapy.
Is pelvic girdle pain dangerous for the baby?
No. Pelvic girdle pain affects the joints and muscles of the pelvis, not the baby, and says nothing about how the birth will go. Pain together with bleeding, waters breaking, fever or reduced movements is, however, always a reason to contact the maternity unit.
Can I use cupping for pelvic girdle pain?
No, not on the lower back, buttocks, pelvis or abdomen during pregnancy; we advise against it. Light static cupping on the shoulders and calves and face cupping are fine in consultation with your midwife. After the birth, cupping of the buttocks and lower back can help the muscles let go.
Does a pelvic belt help?
Many get clear relief when walking and standing. The belt should sit low, under the belly and over the hips, be fitted by a midwife or physiotherapist and be used during loading, not all the time.
Can I exercise with pelvic girdle pain?
Yes, adapted: pelvic floor, deep abdominal muscles, gluteal muscles with the knees together, aqua aerobics and swimming without leg kicks that hurt. Avoid single-leg exercises, lunges, deep squats and anything that provokes it. A physiotherapist helps you find the right level.
Sources
- 1177 Vårdguiden (Swedish national health guide), search for "foglossning" for medical information and when to seek care.
- Curam's FAQ and cupping programmes, developed together with trained massage therapists.
Related guides
- Pelvic floor training – how to do it right, step by step
- Groin pain – causes and what helps
- Diastasis recti and training after childbirth – exercises
- Back pain – where does it hurt and what can it be?
- Swollen feet and legs in pregnancy – what helps
- Buttock pain – where does it hurt and what it can be
- Back pain in pregnancy – lower back, pelvis, sciatica and what helps
- Pelvic pain – where does it hurt and what it can be
Written by Curam. Last updated 17 October 2026. This is general self-care information and does not replace medical care. For sudden, severe or unusual symptoms, contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor before cupping if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have a condition affecting skin, blood vessels or blood.
