What causes Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?
We are still learning about the exact causes of pelvic pain but it is thought that this softening, along with postural changes, muscle weakness and differences in the movement occurring between the left and right pelvic joints can cause too much stress on the joints, ligaments and muscles of the pelvis. Normally when you lie down, stand up or walk, your pelvis is in a 'locked' or stable position. Women who suffer from PGP are thought to perform these activities with a less stable or 'unlocked' pelvis. The result is inflammation or pain.
If you experience pain on or around your pubic bone at the front, you may be suffering from a condition known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).
Pain at the back of the pelvis is known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or sometimes referred to as Sacro-Iliac Joint (SIJ) pain. PGP is often confused with or misdiagnosed as sciatica. Sciatica is caused by inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve as it leaves the spine. This may be caused by a damaged disc or by pressure from surrounding joints or ligaments. Research shows that only one per cent of women, on average, suffer from this during pregnancy. It is certainly not more likely to occur as a result of pregnancy. We now know that the majority of women who suffer from significant lower back or leg pain in pregnancy suffer from PGP.
What are the symptoms of PGP?
The pain is often one sided and may be concentrated in the buttock area. It may appear to jump from side to side or be accompanied by a general back pain or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). It can send shooting pains into your buttocks or down the back of your legs. If the pain is accompanied by pins and needles or numbness and extends further than your knee, it may be sciatica rather than PGP. You may also have pain in your hips. One or both of your legs may feel very weak and you may not be able to lift your legs, particularly when lying down.
What makes the pain worse?
The pain is usually made worse by lying on your back, turning over in bed, walking and standing from a sitting position. It is often worse at night and the degree of night pain you may experience will probably be related to how active you are during the day. Separating your legs, especially when sitting in a slumped position or lying down can be painful.
Taken from http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnanc...vicgirdlepain/ 
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