Pregnancy Complications Linger for Months After Birth, Charity Warns

In November 2025, new mother Rebecca faced unexpected challenges after giving birth. Though her pain had subsided, she still struggled with basic tasks like walking, lifting her son, and pushing a pram. "I was disabled for seven months and had to have someone helping me all the time," she recalls.

Rebecca's experience is not uncommon. The condition, known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), affects many women during and after pregnancy. However, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Rebecca now volunteers for The Pelvic Partnership, a charity that helps raise awareness and support women with this treatable condition.

Experts say early intervention is key. "Without that early identification based on a really good understanding of the female body, we leave some of these women with negative effects for life," explains Dr. Nighat Arif, a women's health specialist. The charity advises seeking hands-on treatment, including physiotherapy, as soon as symptoms appear. They also recommend asking for a referral to maternal mental health support to manage the emotional impacts.

Despite the prevalence of PGP, the lack of research means it is often overlooked, particularly after childbirth. Gynaecologist Dr. Christine Ekechi notes, "We don't necessarily see them unless they then come back into a gynaecology clinic presenting with pain." With greater awareness and proactive care, women like Rebecca may avoid the long-term challenges she faced in those critical months after giving birth.