What causes Pelvic Instability?

The exact cause for Pelvic Instability is not fully understood.  It can occur when there is a combination of different factors in the pregnancy. These may include:

• Pregnancy hormone effects  on ligaments supporting the pelvis

• Changes in weight and posture in pregnancy

• The pelvis moving out of alignment or unevenly

• Changes occurring to muscles around the pelvis, such as the stomach, back, pelvic floor and hips making it difficult for them to hold  the pelvis in alignment

• On occasion the baby's position may produce symptoms related to the Pelvic Instability

Further risk factors,  which may play a part in Pelvic Instability in some women are:

• A previous injury to the pelvis area, or having had previous low back or pelvis pain

• Having had Pelvic Instability in a previous pregnancy

• Having a heavy physical job or workload, or working in awkward postures

• Being overweight before or during your pregnancy

• Having increased mobility in other joints (ie. hypermobility syndrome)

Research has shown that breastfeeding, time between pregnancies and contraception use

is not associated with Pelvic Instability.

Diagnosis

Unfortunately Pelvic Instability is sometimes misdiagnosed as “aches & pains of pregnancy” and women can miss out on the help they need. If you think that you may have Pelvic Instability, and the symptoms don't improve after a few days of rest, you should see your doctor and arrange an appointment with a physiotherapist.

Accurate diagnoses is usually made by symptoms and clinical tests. Physiotherapists who have experience treating this condition are usually able to assess whether you are experiencing Pelvic Instability. Imaging tests can be used in diagnosis, especially after the pregnancy. Unfortunately, imaging tests sometimes do not give a clear picture of the amount of pain or symptoms a woman may be experiencing.

Pelvic Instability has historically been known by many different names.  In Europe it is most commonly known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). It is also known by the medical profession as: Pregnancy-related pelvic joint pain; Posterior pelvic pain in pregnancy; Peri partum pelvic pain; Pelvic girdle relaxation; Pelvic girdle syndrome; Pelvic insufficiency; Pelvic dysfunction; Pelvic arthropathy; Pelvic osteoarthropathy; Pubic symphysis instability; Symphysiolysis; Sacroiliac joint syndrome or Sacroiliac joint dysfunction.           

Early assessment & intervention can improve the long-term outcome and reduce the pain.

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This site was last modified on 14/09/2008