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Some pelvic discomfort is common in the weeks after having a baby. Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on the body, and it can take time for the muscles, joints and tissues around the pelvis to recover.

For many women, discomfort gradually improves as the body heals. However, pelvic pain after birth that persists, becomes more severe or begins to interfere with everyday activities may benefit from further assessment.

In this article, we explain when pelvic pain may be part of postpartum recovery, what can contribute to ongoing symptoms and when it is worth seeking professional advice.

Mother standing by a bright window holding her crying newborn baby

​Is Pelvic Pain Normal After Birth?

Pelvic pain can occur following both vaginal birth and Caesarean section. During pregnancy, hormonal and physical changes affect the muscles, ligaments and joints supporting the pelvis, while childbirth itself can place additional strain on the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues.

Some soreness, aching or discomfort can therefore be expected during the early stages of recovery. The location and type of pain can vary depending on factors such as the type of delivery, whether there was a perineal tear or episiotomy and how the pelvic floor has been affected.

There is no single timeline for postpartum recovery, and some women take longer to recover than others. However, discomfort should generally become less noticeable over time. Pain that is not improving, is becoming worse or is limiting your usual activities should not automatically be dismissed as a normal consequence of having a baby.​

​What Can Cause Pelvic Pain After Birth?

There are several possible reasons for pelvic pain after birth, and sometimes more than one factor contributes to ongoing symptoms. Understanding the source of the pain can help determine whether treatment or rehabilitation may be beneficial.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Changes

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. These muscles undergo considerable changes during pregnancy and can be stretched, weakened or injured during childbirth.

Weakness is not the only potential problem. In some women, the pelvic floor muscles can become overly tense or may not relax and contract effectively. These changes can contribute to pelvic discomfort, pain during sex and bladder or bowel symptoms.

Pelvic Girdle and Musculoskeletal Pain

Changes to posture, movement and the joints and ligaments around the pelvis during pregnancy can continue to cause symptoms after delivery.

Pelvic girdle pain may be felt around the front or back of the pelvis and can sometimes extend into the hips, buttocks or lower back. Certain movements, including walking, climbing stairs, turning in bed or carrying your baby, may make the discomfort more noticeable.

Perineal Tears and Episiotomy

Tenderness is common while a perineal tear or episiotomy heals following vaginal birth. For most women, this improves as the tissues recover.

Sometimes, however, pain can persist after the initial healing period. Scar sensitivity, changes in the surrounding tissues or pelvic floor muscle tension may contribute to ongoing discomfort, including pain when sitting, exercising or having sex. Healthcare providers can assess persistent symptoms to determine whether additional support may help.​

Overhead view of a curly-haired baby in a white bodysuit lying in its mother's arms on a bed, looking up at her

Caesarean Section Recovery and Scar-Related Pain

A Caesarean section involves surgery through the abdominal wall and uterus, so some abdominal and pelvic discomfort is expected during recovery.

Pain should gradually improve as the incision and deeper tissues heal. Persistent tenderness, unusual pain around the scar or pain that feels deeper within the abdomen or pelvis may warrant further assessment, particularly if symptoms are not improving as expected.

Other Gynaecological Causes

Not all pelvic pain after childbirth is necessarily caused by the delivery itself. In some cases, symptoms may be associated with another gynaecological condition.

Possible causes can include infection, pelvic organ prolapse or conditions such as endometriosis. An assessment can help distinguish between symptoms related to postpartum recovery and those that may require further investigation or specific treatment.

When Should You Seek Help for Pelvic Pain After Birth?

Postpartum recovery varies considerably, so there is not a specific point at which all pelvic discomfort should have disappeared. A useful indication is whether your symptoms are gradually improving and allowing you to return to your usual activities.

It may be worth seeking professional advice if:

  • your pelvic pain is not gradually improving
  • the pain persists beyond the expected postpartum recovery period
  • your symptoms are becoming more severe
  • pain makes it difficult to walk, sit, exercise or care for your baby
  • you experience persistent pain during sex
  • pelvic pain occurs alongside bladder or bowel symptoms
  • you notice vaginal pressure, heaviness or a sensation of bulging
  • pain is affecting your sleep, emotional wellbeing or overall quality of life

You do not need to wait until pelvic pain becomes severe before discussing it with a healthcare professional. If something does not feel right or your recovery appears to have stopped progressing, seeking advice can help establish whether further assessment or support would be useful.

What Symptoms Need More Urgent Medical Attention?

Although many causes of pelvic pain after birth are not an emergency, certain symptoms require more prompt medical assessment.

Seek urgent medical advice if pelvic pain is severe or rapidly worsening, particularly if it occurs alongside a fever, heavy vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, difficulty passing urine or feeling acutely unwell. These symptoms can sometimes indicate an infection or another postpartum complication that needs timely treatment.

If you are unsure about the severity of your symptoms, particularly during the early postpartum period, contact your maternity team, GP, or another healthcare professional for advice.

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Who Can Help With Ongoing Pelvic Pain After Birth?

The most appropriate healthcare professional will depend on the nature of your symptoms and their likely cause. Your GP may be a useful first point of contact, while a gynaecologist can investigate potential gynaecological causes of persistent pelvic pain. A pelvic health physiotherapist may be particularly helpful if your symptoms relate to pelvic floor or musculoskeletal changes.

An assessment may include discussing your pregnancy and birth, how your recovery has progressed and when your symptoms occur. Your doctor may also ask about associated bladder, bowel or sexual symptoms and, where appropriate, assess pelvic floor function.
If there is reason to suspect an underlying gynaecological condition or another cause of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend further examinations or investigations.

How Is Pelvic Pain After Birth Treated?

Treatment for pelvic pain after birth depends on what is causing the symptoms. For this reason, identifying the underlying problem is an important part of deciding on the most appropriate approach.

Depending on the cause, management may include pelvic health physiotherapy, targeted exercises and rehabilitation, pain management or support for sensitive or painful scar tissue. If an underlying gynaecological condition is identified, treatment can be tailored accordingly.

The aim is not simply to manage the pain, but to address contributing factors where possible and support a comfortable return to everyday activities.

When Pelvic Pain After Birth Is Affecting Your Recovery

Persistent pelvic pain does not have to be accepted as an inevitable part of life after childbirth. While recovery takes time, symptoms that continue to interfere with movement, intimacy, exercise, caring for your baby or other everyday activities deserve attention.

Seeking an assessment can help clarify why the pain is continuing and whether treatment, rehabilitation or further investigation could support your recovery.

When to Seek Support for Pelvic Pain After Birth at London Women’s Centre

Ongoing pelvic pain after birth can have several possible causes, and understanding what is contributing to your symptoms is important when deciding on the most appropriate next steps.

At London Women’s Centre, our specialists can assess persistent postpartum pelvic pain alongside any associated gynaecological symptoms. An individual assessment can help determine whether your symptoms are related to recovery from childbirth, changes affecting the pelvic floor or another gynaecological condition that may require further investigation or treatment.

If your pelvic pain is persistent, worsening or affecting your everyday life, you do not need to wait for it to become severe before seeking advice. Book a consultation with London Women’s Centre to discuss your symptoms and the support that may be appropriate for you.