Why do I have pelvic pain after giving birth?

Last reviewed July 23, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom linePelvic pain after giving birth is common and usually comes from a stretched, weakened pelvic floor, healing perineal tears or bruising, pelvic girdle pain from loosened joints, afterpains as the uterus shrinks, or constipation; most improves over the first weeks. Rest, gentle movement, pelvic floor exercises, suitable pain relief, and physiotherapy for joint or muscle pain all help. Seek care for severe or worsening pain, fever or foul-smelling discharge, heavy bleeding, or a feeling of something coming down.

Pelvic pain after birth is common and usually reflects the stretching, pressure, and healing of the pelvic area - the pelvic floor muscles, the pelvic joints loosened by pregnancy hormones, and any perineal tear or bruising. Most cases improve over the first weeks, but persistent or severe pain deserves assessment.

Common causes

• Pelvic floor strain - muscles stretched and weakened by pregnancy and birth.
• Perineal healing - soreness from a tear, stitches, or bruising after a vaginal birth. See how to relieve perineal pain.
• Pelvic girdle pain / SPD - pain at the front or back of the pelvis from loosened, uneven pelvic joints; it often started in pregnancy and settles postpartum.
• Afterpains - cramping as the uterus shrinks back, stronger while breastfeeding, mostly in the first days.
• Constipation - a full bowel adds pressure; see easing your first bowel movement.

What helps

• Rest and gentle movement, avoiding activities that widen or strain the pelvis
• Pelvic floor exercises once comfortable, and a women's health physiotherapist for pelvic girdle pain
• Suitable pain relief, warm baths, and supported positions for feeding and sleeping
• Support garments if pelvic girdle pain is significant

When to see a doctor

• Severe or worsening pain, or pain with fever or foul-smelling discharge (possible infection)
• Pain with heavy bleeding, or a feeling of something coming down (possible prolapse)
• Pain that doesn't improve over several weeks

Most postpartum pelvic pain eases as you heal, and physiotherapy is very effective for the muscle and joint causes.

Femora helps you log recovery symptoms so you can tell your clinician what's improving and what isn't.