Sacroiliac joint pain during pregnancy: why your pelvis hurts and what can help
Pregnancy is one of the most extraordinary things the human body can do, and your pelvis knows it better than anyone. As a women’s health chiropractor, one of the most common conversations I have with my pregnant patients is “I didn’t expect my hips and pelvis to hurt this much.” So let’s talk about the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), hormones, and why so many pregnant women experience pelvic pain — and what we can do about it! What is the sacroiliac joint? The sacroiliac joint connects your sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) to your ilium (the large wing-shaped bones of your pelvis). It’s a stable joint by design. In its normal, non-pregnant state, the SIJ relies on a combination of bony compression and strong surrounding ligaments to keep it steady under the significant forces we place on it every day, such as walking, lifting, bending, and everything in between. This stability comes from two mechanisms: Both are essential. And during pregnancy, both can be challenged by several factors. How relaxin and progesterone affect the pregnancy ligaments Here’s where it gets fascinating, and for many women, where the discomfort starts. During pregnancy the body is releasing two key hormones: relaxin and progesterone. These hormones serve a powerful role, they soften and increase the extensibility of collagen-rich tissues throughout the body, particularly ligaments and smooth muscle. The goal is to allow the pelvis to gradually expand and accommodate growing bub, and ultimately, to open more readily during birth. But here’s the trade-off: those same ligaments that are becoming more lax are also the ones responsible for maintaining force closure at the SIJ. As the ligaments around the joint become lax, they lose their ability to generate sufficient tension to hold the joint securely — particularly during dynamic movement like walking, climbing stairs, or rolling over in bed (something my patients often tell me has become surprisingly painful). Research consistently links elevated relaxin levels to hypermobility at the SIJ during pregnancy, and this reduced force closure is a significant contributor to pelvic instability. How pregnancy changes your pelvic mechanics Alongside the hormonal changes, the physical demands of pregnancy also alter the mechanics of the pelvis, that place additional strain on the SIJ ligaments. As pregnancy progresses and the belly grows, the lumbar spine typically increases its curve (lordosis), which causes the sacrum to tip forward into what we call nutation. This is a normal and necessary adaptation — but it increases tension on the posterior SIJ ligaments, which are the primary structures resisting that forward sacral movement. Over time, sustained or excessive loading of these ligaments can lead to instability or sprain. It’s a compounding effect: hormones soften the ligaments, posture loads them more heavily, and the cumulative result is a joint that’s struggling to do its job. Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PrPGP): Causes Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PrPGP) affects somewhere between 14 and 33% of pregnant women. What’s becoming increasingly clear is that SIJ instability during pregnancy is rarely caused by one single factor. It’s multifactorial, with contributions from: How chiropractic may help pregnancy-related SIJ pain Understanding the “why” behind pelvic pain in pregnancy changes the conversation from “this is just part of being pregnant” to “this is something we can work with.”As a women’s health chiropractor, my approach to SIJ-related pain during pregnancy focuses on several key areas: Your body is doing something extraordinary during pregnancy. The hormonal and structural changes that make pregnancy-related pelvic pain possible are the same ones that make birth possible. That doesn’t mean you have to simply endure the discomfort. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or would like to book an assessment.
Supporting Women’s Health Through Chiropractic
Women’s bodies undergo incredible changes throughout life — from adolescence to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause. These shifts come with physical demands that can affect your mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. At Pittwater Chiro, we understand how hormonal cycles, pregnancy, birth, and the demands of motherhood can impact your body. Whether you’re dealing with monthly back pain, hip tightness during pregnancy, or struggling to get out of bed after a C-section, we’ve helped women just like you feel stronger, move better, and recover faster. Hormonal influences on your body Each month, hormonal changes affect how your joints and muscles feel. Many women experience back pain, headaches, or pelvic discomfort around their cycle. Through gentle adjustments and soft tissue therapy, we help ease this monthly tension and support your body’s natural rhythm. One of our patients shared: Pregnancy care that helps Pregnancy is an exciting time, but let’s be real, it can be tough on your body. Back and pelvic pain, round ligament tension, and postural changes from your growing belly are incredibly common. The hormones that prepare your body for labour also create instability in other joints, often leading to pain in the hips, back, or shoulders. We use pregnancy-safe techniques to reduce discomfort, improve pelvic alignment, and help you stay active and confident throughout your pregnancy. As one mum told us: “Seeing someone experienced in pregnancy chiropractic gave me peace of mind. It really eased my pain and helped me stay active through the final trimester.” Postpartum recovery — with real results After birth, whether it’s vaginal or via C-section, your body starts to rebuild. But lifting, feeding, and sleepless nights can bring a whole new wave of strain. We’re here to support your return to comfort, whether you’re recovering from birth or dealing with postural strain from breastfeeding and baby-carrying. One postpartum mum shared: “After two C-sections I was having the worst time with my lower back. My goal was just to get in and out of bed pain-free. Within 6 weeks, we achieved that!” Another added: “After my third baby, my swelling was next level. Lisa gave me the most incredible lymphatic drainage massage — I finally got my ankles back!” Common conditions we support: When to reach out: Consider booking in if you’re experiencing: Why women trust Pittwater Chiro Whether it’s your first baby, your third C-section, or you’re navigating perimenopause, we take time to understand what’s happening in your body and tailor treatment to your needs. As one patient put it:
