Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain after childbirth: Pelvic girdle recovery

Pelvic pain that may have bothered you during pregnancy does not always disappear immediately after delivery. Sometimes it can even appear for the first time during the postpartum period. This is related to the fact that the joints and ligaments of the pelvis underwent maximum load and stretching as the baby passed through the birth canal.

Causes of postpartum pelvic pain

• Joint instability. The hormone relaxin is still present in your body for several months after delivery, so the joints (especially the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints) remain hypermobile.
• Trauma during delivery. The passage of a large baby, rapid or, conversely, prolonged labor can lead to excessive separation of the pubic symphysis or ligament injuries.
• Muscle imbalance. Weakened abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles cannot effectively stabilize the pelvis, shifting load to the joints and causing pain.
• Coccyx pain (coccydynia). The coccyx may have shifted during the baby's passage, causing pain when sitting.

What to do for recovery?

Restoring pelvic girdle stability is a gradual process. It is very important to avoid asymmetric loads: try not to sit with one leg crossed over the other, ascend stairs by placing both feet on each step before taking the next step. Sleeping with a pillow between the knees also helps align the pelvis.

The foundation of recovery is specific exercises to strengthen the deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. If the pain is severe and does not subside, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist who specializes in postpartum recovery.