Pregnancy comes with a lot of physical change, and some discomfort is expected. But there’s a real difference between the routine aches of a shifting body and pain that limits how you walk, sleep, or get through your day. Many pregnant patients across Southlake and the Dallas–Fort Worth area come to us after months of pushing through that second kind — because they assumed it was just part of the process. It doesn’t have to be.
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is extremely common — but it isn’t always something to simply endure. In many cases, it can be significantly reduced or resolved with pelvic floor physical therapy, even during pregnancy. You don’t have to wait until after delivery to get help.
What Causes Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
Several things contribute to pelvic pain during pregnancy, and they often overlap:
Hormonal changes. Relaxin and other pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments and connective tissue of the pelvis, allowing the joints to move more than usual. This is necessary to accommodate birth — but it can also create instability and pain, particularly around the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac (SI) joints.
Pelvic girdle pain. Pain in the joints of the pelvis — the SI joints at the back and the pubic symphysis at the front — is one of the most common sources of pregnancy-related pelvic pain. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, limiting pain with walking or turning over in bed.
Pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD). Specifically affects the joint at the front of the pelvis. Pain with walking, stairs, getting in or out of a car, and separating the legs is characteristic.
Round ligament pain. Brief, sharp pain in the lower abdomen or groin, usually triggered by sudden movement. Common in the second trimester as the ligaments supporting the uterus stretch.
Pelvic floor muscle tension. As the body adapts to pregnancy, the pelvic floor can become overloaded or develop protective tension. This can contribute to pain at the perineum, tailbone, or inner thighs.
What’s Normal vs. What’s Worth Treating?
Some discomfort during pregnancy is expected. Brief round ligament twinges, mild heaviness in the pelvis as the baby grows, or low-level aching after a long day — these are common and generally don’t require treatment beyond rest and appropriate support.
Pain is worth addressing when it:
- Limits how far you can walk or how long you can stand
- Makes it painful to get up from a chair, climb stairs, or get in or out of a car
- Wakes you up at night or prevents you from changing positions in bed
- Is accompanied by a clicking, grinding, or catching sensation in the pelvis
- Has progressively worsened rather than staying stable or improving
These patterns indicate that the musculoskeletal system needs support — not just patience and time.
Can Pelvic Floor PT Help During Pregnancy?
Yes. Pelvic floor PT is safe throughout pregnancy when provided by a trained specialist, and it’s often highly effective for managing pain, maintaining mobility, and preparing the pelvic floor for birth. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it’s worth checking with your OB before starting any new care.
Your therapist at The Pelvic Lab can assess where tension or instability is coming from, provide hands-on treatment to reduce pain, teach you exercises to support the pelvic joints, and give you practical guidance on movement strategies for daily life. Many patients find that even one or two sessions make a significant difference.
Treatment during pregnancy also supports postpartum recovery. Patients who work with a pelvic floor PT before delivery often return to function more smoothly after birth.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic pain during pregnancy doesn’t have to be something you push through until delivery. An evaluation with a pelvic floor PT gives you a clear picture of what’s driving your pain — and a plan for actually addressing it.
Many patients come in proactively during the second trimester, before pain becomes significant, to stay comfortable and build readiness for birth. Others come in with pain that has already been limiting them for weeks. Both are exactly the right time.
If you’re new to pelvic floor PT and want to understand what an appointment looks like before booking, what pelvic floor physical therapy is and what to expect is a helpful overview. When you’re ready, learn more about pregnancy pelvic floor therapy in Southlake at The Pelvic Lab.
