Unhelpful narratives about pelvic pain in pregnancy

There are lots of common and sometimes unhelpful narratives about pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy - including:

- pelvic pain is a normal part of pregnancy
- it will go away as soon as the baby is born
- relaxin makes the pelvis unstable 
- pelvic pain is worse because of poor posture
- the cause is unstable pelvic ligaments and joints
- moving less and keeping the legs together will reduce pelvic pain
- chest feeding will prolong pelvic pain and instability
-birthing vaginally will worsen it

Some researchers are instead suggesting that we need to reframe these beliefs and in-still facts related to the care of pelvic girdle pain. 

They suggest “creating more freedom, flexibility, strength and diversity of movement will allow for more comfort and resiliency.”

Pelvic girdle pain is now instead understood to be “a reflection of sensitivity of tissues and not tissue instability, injury of harm”. 

For more facts to help reframe these beliefs, check out this infographic.

If you are pregnant and want guidance on movement during your pregnancy, check out the Babes and Bellies Bootcamp; and online pregnancy fitness program.