Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy: Is a Belt right for me?

Pregnancy is an amazing journey that brings profound changes to a woman’s body. Alongside the joy and anticipation, many expecting mothers also experience discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region. Sacroiliac (SI) belts are a tool in managing pelvic pain during pregnancy, offering support and relief due to increased stress on the pelvis and surrounding joints. 

 Pelvic pain during pregnancy is common, affecting around 20% of expectant mothers. It typically arises due to hormonal changes, which soften the ligaments in the pelvic joints. This hormonal softening, along with the shifting center of gravity due to a growing baby and uterus, can strain the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints, leading to decreased stability and pain. 

 The pain can be described as a dull ache to sharp and stabbing. Activities like walking, transitioning from sit to stand, and rolling over in bed can increase the symptoms, making daily activities challenging for many pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters. 

 Sacroiliac belts are designed to provide support to the pelvic joints and can be quite helpful for improved stability during pregnancy. The belt wraps around the hips and lower abdomen, giving gentle compression for improved stability of the pelvic joints, particularly the sacroiliac joints. This compression reduces the strain on the ligaments, muscles, and joints, relieving pressure and decreasing pain.  Sacroiliac belts are adjustable, allowing women to customize the fit as their bodies change throughout pregnancy.   

While sacroiliac belts are safe and effective, it’s essential for pregnant women to be fitted for the belt by a physical therapist who is trained in treating women during pregnancy. A pelvic floor PT can assess the cause of the pelvic pain and if an SI belt is the best option.  Usually, an SI belt by itself will not resolve the pelvic pain by itself.  It is important to work with a pelvic floor PT during pregnancy to address muscle imbalances from a changing center of gravity and growing baby along with changes in posture and walking.  

Pelvic floor PT will also help preparing the woman for labor and delivery, perineal stretching to decrease the risk of tearing, and developing an exercise program to take from pregnancy into the early postpartum phase.  This also sets you up for rehabilitation after baby so that you have the most optimal recovery and return to activities you love. If you are having pain during pregnancy, pelvic floor PT is an excellent resource to help manage pain and to prepare for the changes that occur during pregnancy. 

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