Pelvic Girdle Pain and Lower Left Aches: Relief Strategies for Pregnant Moms

Experiencing pain in lower left abdomen during pregnancy can be uncomfortable—and sometimes worrying. The good news is that most lower abdominal and pelvic pain in pregnancy is related to normal body changes. As your baby grows, your muscles, ligaments, and joints stretch and shift to make room.

Two common causes of discomfort are pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and round ligament pain. Understanding the difference—and knowing when to seek help—can make a big difference in how you manage symptoms.

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Why You May Feel Pain in the Lower Left Abdomen During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body releases hormones such as relaxin. These hormones loosen the ligaments that hold your pelvic bones together. At the same time:

• Your uterus expands
• Your center of gravity shifts
• Your posture changes
• Your abdominal muscles stretch

All of these factors can contribute to pain in the lower left abdomen, especially as pregnancy progresses.

Let's look at the most common causes.

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Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

Pelvic girdle pain affects the joints that connect your pelvis—especially the sacroiliac joints (back of pelvis) and the pubic symphysis (front of pelvis).

What It Feels Like

Pelvic girdle pain may cause:

• Pain low in the abdomen or groin
• Pain on one side (often worse on the left or right)
• Pain in the hips, lower back, buttocks, or thighs
• Clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvis
• Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or turning in bed

Some women describe it as a deep, aching pain. Others feel sharp discomfort with certain movements.

Why It Happens

PGP occurs because the pelvic joints move unevenly due to ligament loosening. This creates strain and inflammation. It is common, affecting up to 1 in 5 pregnant women.

The key point: while painful, PGP is not usually harmful to your baby.

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Round Ligament Pain

Another frequent cause of pain in lower left abdomen is round ligament pain.

The round ligaments support your uterus. As the uterus grows, these ligaments stretch. Sudden movements can cause sharp pain.

What It Feels Like

• Sudden sharp or stabbing pain
• Usually on one side (often right, but left is common too)
• Triggered by coughing, standing up quickly, rolling over, or laughing
• Brief and improves with rest

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to understand whether your discomfort might be related to this common pregnancy condition, try Ubie's free Round Ligament Pain symptom checker for personalized insights in just a few minutes.

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Other Possible Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy

Not all pain in lower left abdomen during pregnancy is pelvic-related. Other possibilities include:

• Gas and bloating (very common)
• Constipation
• Muscle strain
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Kidney stones
• Ovarian cysts

Rare but serious causes may include:

• Ectopic pregnancy (early pregnancy)
• Placental problems
• Preterm labor

Most of the time, pain linked to normal pregnancy changes improves with rest and positioning. However, knowing warning signs is important (covered below).

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Relief Strategies for Pelvic Girdle Pain and Lower Left Aches

The goal is not just to "push through" the pain. Proper management can significantly improve comfort and mobility.

1. Modify Movement

Small changes in how you move can reduce strain on the pelvis.

• Keep knees together when getting in/out of bed or car
• Avoid standing on one leg (sit down to put on pants)
• Take smaller steps when walking
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Sit down when dressing

When turning in bed:

• Keep knees together
• Engage your core gently
• Move shoulders and hips at the same time

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2. Use Support

External support can stabilize the pelvis.

• Maternity support belts
• Pelvic support garments
• Firm mattress or mattress topper
• Pillow between knees when sleeping

Many women notice significant improvement with a properly fitted pelvic support belt.

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3. Gentle Exercise

While rest helps short-term, too much inactivity can worsen stiffness.

Safe exercises may include:

• Prenatal yoga
• Swimming
• Pelvic tilts
• Gentle core strengthening
• Physical therapy designed for pregnancy

A physical therapist trained in prenatal care can teach stabilization exercises tailored to your symptoms.

Avoid:

• High-impact workouts
• Deep lunges
• Uneven weight-bearing movements
• Heavy squats

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4. Heat Therapy

Applying warm compresses to the lower back or pelvic area can:

• Relax tight muscles
• Improve circulation
• Reduce discomfort

Use moderate warmth—not hot—and limit sessions to 15–20 minutes.

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5. Pain Relief Options

Always speak with your doctor before taking medication.

In many cases:

• Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is considered safe when used appropriately
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally avoided in later pregnancy

Never self-medicate without professional guidance.

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6. Improve Posture

As your belly grows, you may naturally lean backward. This increases pelvic strain.

Focus on:

• Standing tall
• Keeping shoulders back and relaxed
• Engaging lower abdominal muscles gently
• Avoiding prolonged standing

Supportive shoes (no high heels) are important.

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7. Manage Constipation and Gas

If your pain in lower left abdomen feels crampy or bloated, digestive causes may be contributing.

Helpful steps:

• Drink plenty of water
• Increase fiber gradually
• Stay physically active
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Constipation is extremely common in pregnancy and can worsen pelvic discomfort.

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When to Call a Doctor Immediately

While most pelvic pain is not dangerous, some symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Seek medical care right away if you have:

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Fever
• Burning during urination
• Vaginal bleeding
• Fluid leakage
• Regular contractions before 37 weeks
• Dizziness or fainting
• Sudden swelling with headache or vision changes

If something feels "not right," trust your instincts.

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What to Expect After Pregnancy

The encouraging news: pelvic girdle pain usually improves after delivery.

For some women:

• Pain resolves within weeks
• Others may need postpartum physical therapy
• Rarely, symptoms persist and require longer treatment

Early management during pregnancy often leads to better outcomes postpartum.

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Emotional Impact of Ongoing Pain

Chronic discomfort can be draining. It may affect:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Ability to exercise
• Daily tasks

If pain is interfering with your quality of life, speak openly with your healthcare provider. You do not have to simply tolerate it.

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Key Takeaways

• Pain in lower left abdomen during pregnancy is common and often linked to pelvic girdle pain or round ligament stretching.
• Pelvic girdle pain causes deeper, movement-related discomfort.
• Round ligament pain causes sharp, brief pain with sudden movements.
• Most cases improve with posture adjustments, support belts, gentle exercise, and movement modifications.
• Severe or persistent symptoms should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Most importantly, if your pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, speak to a doctor immediately. Some causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy can be serious or life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Pregnancy brings many physical changes. While discomfort is common, support and treatment options are available. You deserve to feel as comfortable and safe as possible during this important time.