The purpose of this study was to compare three physical therapy programs. Each one was used to treat pelvic pain in pregnant women. One hundred and eighteen (118) pregnant women were put into one of three different exercise groups.

Group one was given information about the condition. This included anatomy, posture, and how to improve work habits. Each woman in the information group also got a nonelastic sacroiliac belt.

Group two got everything group one received plus three exercises to do at home. The exercises were designed to stabilize the muscles in the pelvic area. In the third group the same information and belt was given as in group one. This group also received four training exercises. The exercises were done in sets of three with 15 reps each.

Using pain and activity as measures, the researchers found no difference in outcomes among the three groups. Pain decreased and activity increased equally for all three groups. Every woman was followed after delivery for three, six, and 12 months. As expected, activity level went up after the baby was born for all three groups.

The authors conclude that pelvic pain during pregnancy is common and improves with time. Information and a stabilization belt may be all that's needed. Adding stabilization or training exercises doesn't seem to offer any extra help.

Lena Nilsson-Wikmar, RPT, PhD, et al. Effect of Three Different Physical Therapy Treatments on Pain and Activity in Pregnant Women with Pelvic Girdle Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial with 3, 6, and 12 Months Follow-up Postpartum. In Spine. April 15, 2005. Vol. 30. No. 8. Pp. 850-856.

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