Most women with pelvic girdle pain (PGP) can have a normal vaginal birth. There is no evidence that having a caesarean birth helps women with pelvic girdle pain.
Some birthing positions may be more comfortable than others. Moving around during labour can help.
Practise different birthing positions during your pregnancy. If some are more comfortable than others, record them in your birth wishes or birth plan.
Many women with pelvic girdle pain find it uncomfortable to give birth on their backs. Standing, kneeling, going on all fours or lying on your side may be more comfortable.
First stage of labour
The first stage of labour is from when labour begins until your cervix is fully dilated.
There are benefits to keeping upright in labour. This means standing, walking or sitting. Being upright can help your baby's head to engage into the pelvis, using gravity.
If walking is too painful, you could try sitting on a gym or birthing ball, or using the comfortable upright birth (CUB). CUB is a horseshoe-shaped support. It is more stable than a ball. You could also sit on a chair or lean forward while resting on a bed.
You can keep your pelvis moving by walking, rocking on a gym or birthing ball, or swaying your hips while standing.
If you have a lot of lower back or tailbone pain, try kneeling on all fours. This can take your baby’s weight away from your back. It may also help if you have severe pubic pain and find keeping your legs apart uncomfortable.
You may find it comfortable to use a peanut ball to support you in certain positions during labour. This is a double birth ball, connected in the middle and shaped like a peanut. This can also help progress labour if you have an epidural.
Second stage of labour
The second stage of labour is the time from when your cervix is fully dilated until your baby is born.
Kneeling on all fours or in a forward lean position can be comfortable for birth. The back of the bed can be positioned upright so you can lean against it.
You might also find lying on your side comfortable. Support your least painful leg with pillows, a foot rest or peanut ball. This is particularly useful if you have an epidural.
After the birth
After the birth, move around as much as possible. Ask for regular pain relief if you feel you need it.
Ask if a bed close to the toilet is available to reduce the distances you have to walk.
If you have had an epidural, it is best to get up with your midwife for the first time.
Be aware of your posture when you are feeding your baby. Make sure your back is well supported.
Future pregnancies
You may have pelvic girdle pain again in future pregnancies. It may be a similar type of pain or it may be less severe.
If you plan another pregnancy, continue to do the exercises your physiotherapist showed you.
Early in your next pregnancy, ask your GP, midwife or obstetrician to refer you to a physiotherapist.
