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You can download the POGP leaflet Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain for
mothers-to-be and new mothers.

Labour and birth with pelvic pain

Many women with pelvic pain in pregnancy can have a normal vaginal birth. Plan ahead
and talk about your birth plan with your birth partner and midwife.
Write in your birth plan that you have PPGP, so the people supporting you during labour

and birth will be aware of your condition.
Think about birth positions that are the most comfortable for you, and write them in your
birth plan. Being in water can take the weight off your joints and allow you to move more
easily, so you might want to think about having a water birth. You can discuss this with your
midwife.
Your 'pain-free range of movement'

If you have pain when you open your legs, find out your pain-free range of movement.
To do this, lie on your back or sit on the edge of a chair and open your legs as far as you
can without pain – your partner or midwife can measure the distance between your knees
with a tape measure. This is your pain-free range.
To protect your joints, try not to open your legs wider than this during labour and birth. This
is particularly important if you have an epidural for pain relief in labour, as you will not be
feeling the pain that warns you that you are separating your legs too far.
If you have an epidural, make sure your midwife and birth partner are aware of your pain-

free range of movement of your legs.
When pushing in the second stage of labour, you may find it beneficial to lie on one side.
This prevents your legs from being separated too much. You can stay in this position for
the birth of your baby, if you wish.
Sometimes, it might be necessary to open your legs wider than your pain-free range to

deliver your baby safely, particularly if you have an assisted delivery (for example, with the
ventouse delivery ) Even in this case, it is possible to limit the separation of your legs.
Make sure your midwife and doctor are aware that you have PPGP.
If you go beyond your pain-free range, your physiotherapist should assess you after the
birth. Take extra care until they have assessed and advised you.

Round ligament pain
Round ligament pain is a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a longer-lasting dull ache that you
may feel in your lower belly or groin, starting in the second trimester. It's generally
harmless and goes away after resting or changing position. Call your provider if you have
abdominal pain that doesn't go away or gets worse.