Pelvic Girdle Pain and Mummy's Wrist

Jun 17

Written By

Reviewed by Cheryl Long, AHPC-registered physiotherapist, Goji Physio

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and de Quervain's tenosynovitis — colloquially called "mummy's wrist" — are two of the most common but undertreated musculoskeletal conditions associated with pregnancy and early parenthood. Both respond well to physiotherapy. Neither needs to be waited out.

What is pelvic girdle pain?

Pelvic girdle pain is pain originating from the sacroiliac (SI) joints, the pubic symphysis, or the surrounding structures of the pelvis. It affects an estimated 1 in 5 pregnant women, and can present during pregnancy or in the postnatal period. PGP is distinct from non-specific lower back pain, though the two often coexist.

Common symptoms include:

Pain at the front of the pelvis (pubic bone), the tailbone, or one or both sides of the lower back/buttock
Pain that worsens with walking, going up stairs, standing on one leg, or rolling over in bed
A clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvis
Pain that eases with rest but returns quickly with activity

The underlying driver is altered load transfer through the pelvis — often related to physical changes such as muscle activation and posture during pregnancy. PGP is not a normal or inevitable part of pregnancy, and early physiotherapy input is associated with better outcomes.

What is mummy's wrist (de Quervain's tenosynovitis)?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist — specifically the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. It causes pain and sometimes swelling at the base of the thumb and wrist, often aggravated by gripping, lifting, or the repetitive motions of holding and feeding a newborn.

Despite the nickname, it can begin during pregnancy (particularly in the third trimester) and is not limited to breastfeeding mothers. Physiotherapy includes load management, splinting where appropriate, and a graded return to full wrist and thumb function.

What does a session at Goji involve?

Our Physiotherapists will take a clinical history first — when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what impact they are having on your daily activities. For pelvic girdle pain, the assessment typically includes:

Provocation testing: standardised clinical tests to identify which structures are involved and how severe the load-transfer impairment is
Musculoskeletal assessment: how well the muscles that stabilise the pelvis (gluteals, deep abdominals, pelvic floor) are functioning, and whether they are contributing to the problem
Gait and load analysis: how you are moving and compensating, particularly with walking or going up stairs

For de Quervain's, the assessment covers grip strength, tendon loading capacity, and whether a splint would be helpful in the short term. Treatment focuses on reducing load, restoring movement, and graded strengthening — not passive rest indefinitely.

You will leave with a clear diagnosis, a plan to manage pain in the short term, and a progressive programme that accommodates your pregnancy or postnatal stage.

Can PGP be prevented?

There is no single intervention that prevents PGP. However, early physiotherapy — before symptoms become severe — is associated with less disability, a faster recovery, and a reduced risk of persistent pain beyond the postnatal period. If you had PGP in a previous pregnancy, it is worth seeking assessment early in your next pregnancy rather than waiting for pain to return.

Frequently asked questions

Is pelvic girdle pain the same as sciatica?

No. Sciatica involves irritation of the sciatic nerve, which causes pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the lower back down the leg, often below the knee. PGP is a joint and soft tissue problem localised to the pelvis. Both can occur in pregnancy and both are addressable with physiotherapy, but the assessment and management differ.

Will PGP resolve on its own after birth?

For most women, symptoms improve in the weeks following birth. However, a proportion of women experience persistent PGP postnatally — particularly those whose symptoms were more severe during pregnancy or who did not receive physiotherapy input. Postnatal assessment is recommended if symptoms have not resolved by 8–12 weeks postpartum.

Is a support belt or brace helpful for PGP?

For some women, a pelvic support belt can reduce pain during activity by providing additional support to the sacroiliac joints. It is most useful as a short-term aid alongside targeted exercise, not as a long-term solution. Our physiotherapist will advise whether a belt is appropriate for your presentation.

Can I still exercise with PGP?

Often yes, with modifications. The goal is not to stop moving but to identify which movements are provocative and find alternatives that maintain your fitness and function. Symmetric activities (cycling, swimming) are often better tolerated than asymmetric loading (lunges, single-leg exercises) during an acute flare.

How long does mummy's wrist take to resolve?

Most presentations of de Quervain's tenosynovitis improve within 4–8 weeks with appropriate management. In some cases — particularly where symptoms are severe or have been present for several months — a corticosteroid injection (administered by a specialist) may be considered alongside physiotherapy. Our physiotherapist will discuss your options according to your presentation.

Does the feeding position affect mummy's wrist?

Yes. Sustained awkward wrist and thumb positions during breastfeeding are a common aggravating factor. Our physiotherapist can advise on ergonomic adjustments — including feeding pillow positioning and grip adaptations — that reduce load on the tendons while you continue to feed.

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Reviewed by Cheryl Long, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, AHPC-registered
Clinical Director, Goji Physio — Women's and Family Physiotherapy, Lentor, Singapore