Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy: causes, self-help and when to call
Why back and pelvic girdle pain are common in pregnancy, what the NHS suggests for self-care, and the symptoms that mean you should contact your midwife or GP.
Back and pelvic pain are very common in pregnancy. Hormonal changes loosen ligaments, the baby's weight changes how you load your spine and pelvis, and your posture shifts as your bump grows. Pelvic girdle pain comes from stiff or unevenly moving pelvic joints and is not harmful to the baby, although it can be very uncomfortable.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if back or pelvic pain in pregnancy comes with any of these.
- Loss of feeling in one or both legs, your bottom or your genitals
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, or a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina
- Regular tightenings or contractions with back pain before 37 weeks
What it can feel like
- Aching across the lower back, sometimes to one side
- Pain over the pubic bone, in the lower back, perineum, or spreading to the thighs, sometimes with clicking or grinding
- Pain that is worse when walking, using stairs, standing on one leg, or turning over in bed
- Pain moving the legs apart, for example getting out of a car
Common contributors
- Hormones that loosen ligaments and change how the pelvic joints move
- A growing bump and weight gain shifting posture and loading the lower back
- Previous back or pelvic problems
- Tiredness and long periods standing, walking or lifting
General self-care
These are general comfort measures many people find reasonable. They are not a treatment plan, and what suits one person may not suit another.
- Stay active but avoid movements that make the pain worse, and rest when you can
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting, and avoid heavy objects
- Wear flat, supportive shoes, and stand with your weight evenly on both legs
- Sit to get dressed and put a pillow between your legs when lying in bed
- Warmth, a supportive mattress and gentle exercise such as aquanatal classes can help. Paracetamol can ease pain unless your GP or midwife advises against it
When to see your GP
Contact your midwife or GP urgently, or call NHS 111, if you have any of the following:
- Back pain in your second or third trimester. It can sometimes signal early labour, so tell your midwife or GP urgently
- Back pain with a fever, vaginal bleeding, pain when peeing or pain under your ribs
- Pain that makes it hard to move around or is causing you considerable distress
Consider seeing your GP if:
- Back pain in your second or third trimester should be reported to your midwife or GP urgently, as it can signal early labour
- Back pain with fever, vaginal bleeding, pain when peeing, or pain under your ribs needs urgent advice
- Pelvic pain that makes it hard to move around, or is causing considerable distress, may need a referral to an obstetric physiotherapist
Where an osteopath fits in
There is limited good-quality research showing that hands-on treatment changes the course of back and pelvic pain in pregnancy, so I do not claim that osteopathy treats it.
What an osteopath can usefully do is assess how the lower back, pelvis and hips are moving, give practical advice on positions, sleep and daily activity, and suggest when to speak to your midwife or an obstetric physiotherapist about a support belt or other help. Please tell your midwife about your pain and let me know your stage of pregnancy and any medical concerns before we start. If the assessment suggests you need your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist instead, I will tell you.
If you would like your symptoms assessed, you are welcome to book an appointment. Osteopathic care is not right for everyone, and if something needs medical attention first, I will tell you.
Common questions
Is pelvic girdle pain harmful to my baby?
The NHS says pelvic girdle pain is not harmful to the baby. It is, however, worth telling your midwife or GP, as there are ways to ease it.
When should I call my midwife about back pain?
The NHS advises contacting your GP or midwife urgently if you have back pain in your second or third trimester, as it could signal early labour. Also call urgently if it comes with a fever, vaginal bleeding, pain when peeing or pain under the ribs. Call 999 or go to A&E if you lose feeling in one or both legs, your bottom or your genitals.
Sources and further reading
Links open in a new tab. Sources were checked in October 2026.
Related guides
This page is general information to help you understand common aches and pains. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose your problem. If you are worried about your symptoms, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111.