Aches and pains in the back, pelvis and hands are very common in pregnancy, and many women also notice changes in their tummy muscles and fitness after birth. These problems are common, but you do not have to simply put up with them, and there is usually plenty that can help. Your midwife, GP or maternity team should always be your first contact for anything that might affect you or your baby.
Common pregnancy & postnatal conditions
Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy (PGP, symphysis pubis dysfunction)
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is pain in the joints of the pelvis during or after pregnancy, felt at the front over the pubic bone, at the back near the sacroiliac joints, or both.
Read more→Low back pain in pregnancy (pregnancy back pain, backache in pregnancy)
Low back pain in pregnancy is aching or stiffness in the lower back that starts or gets worse while you are pregnant.
Read more→Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy (pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome, CTS in pregnancy)
Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy is tingling, numbness or pain in the hand caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.
Read more→Tummy gap after pregnancy (diastasis recti) (diastasis recti abdominis, DRA)
Diastasis recti is a widening of the gap between the two long tummy muscles that run down the front of the abdomen.
Read more→Returning to exercise and running after birth (postnatal exercise, postpartum return to running)
Returning to exercise after birth means rebuilding activity step by step, starting with walking and pelvic floor exercises and progressing to strength work and, if you wish, running.
Read more→
Getting the right help
Not sure which of these fits? Our team can assess what is going on, explain it clearly and point you to the right care, including referral back to your GP where that is the better route.
Other areas
- Head and jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Wrist and hand pain
- Upper back and chest wall pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip, groin and pelvic pain
- Knee pain
- Shin and calf pain
- Ankle and foot pain
- Aches and pains in children and young people
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
