Pregnancy and the Pelvis: Strategies for Sacroiliac Joint Pain Relief

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in pregnancy 

This is the joint between the sacrum (big triangle bone in the back of the pelvis) and the Ilium (part of the innominate). This joint is a shock absorber of the force to and from the lower back (lumbar spine) to the lower extremities (legs). During pregnancy, due to the Relaxin hormone and the sacroiliac joints can become hypermobile (too flexible) creatingpain. Equally they can become hypomobile (restricted).

General tips to avoid pelvic girdle pain

• Keep active

• Avoid/modify activities that cause pain

• Know your limits and rest when needed

• Sit down to get dressed

• Keep your knee’s max hip width apart

• Sleep with a pillow between your knee’s, ankles and a pillow wedged behind your lower back

• Wear proper, supportive shoes

• See a pelvic physio early in pregnancy for appropriate pelvic floor exercises

• Don’t suffer in pain and see a pregnancy Osteopath

• Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods

• Hourly ‘movement breaks’ at work to keep everything mobile

• Stretch the gluteal muscles

• Ask your osteo or physio about a pregnancy belt

• Exercises - articulate/movement the joint by placing one foot up on a table and rock forwards.

How Osteopathic treatment can help Sacroiliac joint pain in Pregnancy

Osteopathic treatment is a safe, effective form of hands-on, physical therapy that can help pregnant women suffering with pelvic girdle pain at any stage of pregnancy. Most women experience pelvic girdle pain in the third trimester but unfortunately (especially if this is not a first pregnancy) this pain can start much earlier. Osteopathic treatment checks the alignment of the pelvis, increases the mobility of the pubic and sacroiliac joints and their function with the lumbar spine and hips. Treatment also addresses any tight muscles and ligaments placing strain on those joints. Sarah specialises in pelvic pain in pregnancy and also addresses the entire body,  helping the body adapt to pregnancy and making women as comfortable as possible in pregnancy.