Introduction
For many women, pregnancy is an exciting and joyful time. But for some women, especially those who already suffer from chronic pelvic pain, it can be a stressful and highly uncomfortable experience. During pregnancy, the body goes through so many changes that the bladder, uterus and surrounding pelvic muscles are constantly shifting. This puts extra strain on the nerves in that area and can cause intense pelvic pain. Thankfully, there are a variety of strategies you can do to help relieve this discomfort.
In this post, I want to share my own experiences with pelvic pain during pregnancy and what I did (and continue to do) to manage my discomfort. I hope that by sharing my story and tips others may be able to find relief too!
Explanation – Explain the symptoms of pelvic pain often experienced during pregnancy
Pelvic pain during pregnancy can present itself in different ways depending on its severity. Some women may experience mild discomfort or tightness in their lower abdomen or inner thighs, while others may feel more severe cramping or sharp pangs in their abdomen or back areas. Pelvic pain can range from feeling like period cramps (but much stronger) to shooting or stabbing pains that come out of nowhere and make standing up or moving difficult. It can also become worse when lying down for extended periods of time due to increased pressure on the nerves in your pelvis.
Advice – Give advice and provide tips on how to manage pelvic pain during pregnancy
If you’re experiencing painful sensations in your pelvis area during your pregnancy, try these suggestions:
Soak in a warm bath– This can help relax the muscles in your pelvis which will reduce the intensity of any cramps or aches you’re feeling
Exercise regularly– Regular exercise (such as walking or swimming) not only helps strengthen muscles but promotes proper circulation which is important when dealing with pelvic pain issues
Wear comfortable clothing– If possible avoid anything constricting like pantyhose or jeans that have a tight waistband as they increase irritation on delicate pelvic muscles
Use hot/cold therapy– When applied correctly heat pads, ice packs and other hot/cold therapies can be extremely effective at relieving contractions and reducing inflammation around affected areas
What is Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is an uncomfortable condition that occurs when there is pressure and strain on the ligaments surrounding the uterus or pelvic area. Pregnancy hormones can cause the ligaments to stretch, resulting in pain in the lower abdomen, back and hips.
Pregnancy pelvic pain can range from dull soreness to intense discomfort that may last for several days. Visual representation of this experience could include illustrations such as a pregnant woman holding her stomach while seated or lying down in bed, showing pain on her face. There could also be visuals of a colorful illustrated diagram showing how stretching of pelvic ligaments can cause pressure and strain in this area of the body.
Treatment Options – expand
There are various treatment options available for women dealing with pelvic pain during pregnancy. Depending on the severity of discomfort, non-medicinal remedies such as hot water bottles, massage tools and supportive maternity clothing are recommended by many doctors and midwives to reduce symptoms associated with pain. Physical therapy is also beneficial because it helps strengthen pelvic muscles which reduce chances of further complications or experiencing more severe bouts of discomfort related to this condition. Other treatments such as chiropractic adjustments or acupuncture may provide relief for some women suffering from pelvic pain due to stressors during pregnancy.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
There are multiple studies and research articles which have investigated and identified causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy. According to one study, the most common cause of pelvic pain during pregnancy is the ligamentous laxity due to increased levels of hormones like relaxin. Pregnant women also experience modification of posture, which can contribute to an increased potential for extra strain on the joints and ligaments. This can in turn cause spinal structural changes leading to peripartum lumbopelvic pain syndromes. One review from 2017 suggests that triggers for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy include alteration in posture and biomechanics, maladaptation of muscles surrounding the pelvis as well as ligamentous laxity due to hormonal changes. Other common causes may include previous pelvic and low back injuries, dysfunction in the sacroiliac joints (located between your spine and hips), or a combination of all three factors. Moreover, degenerative joint pathology has been shown to be a rare but possible cause of pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Preventative Measures to Take To Reduce Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
1. Make sure you are staying active during your pregnancy, by keeping a consistent exercise routine that includes stretching exercises and walks.
2. Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects or items.
3. Incorporate pregnancy-safe yoga poses into your daily routine to help relax the muscles around the pelvic area.
4. Consider investing in a maternity support belt to provide extra support and comfort while walking, sleeping, exercising, or just standing up for long periods of time.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to reduce muscle tension and strain around the pelvis area.
6. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises throughout each day to reduce stress and fatigue as well as pelvic pain and cramping.
7. Take frequent breaks when sitting for long periods of time which helps with circulation, muscle soreness and stiffness in the pelvic area which can lead to pain during pregnancy.
8. Talk to your doctor about taking ibuprofen in moderation if necessary for managing very intense episodes of pelvic pain during pregnancy (always be sure to stay closely monitored by a doctor).
Treating Existing Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
If you are experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation and a treatment plan. Your doctor will likely suggest some lifestyle modifications in order to improve your comfort. These may include avoiding activities that strain your lower abdominal muscles, regularly taking short walks, taking frequent breaks from standing or sitting for extended periods of time, changing the type of shoes you wear, and wearing abdominal supports or maternity bands.
Your doctor may also offer additional treatments to help manage the pain. For example, physical therapy can be useful for pelvic floor exercises and strengthening measures. Medication in the form of acetaminophen is usually safe to take while pregnant as another option to help ease discomfort. Other non-pharmaceutical products such as heating pads may also provide some relief if used cautiously with supervision.
Most women can also benefit from home remedies to successfully reduce their symptoms of pelvic discomfort during pregnancy. Using a support pillow when sleeping on one side can prevent your hips from becoming overly stretched in one position. Additionally, hot baths with Epsom salts and breathing exercises have been known to increase relaxation and reduce muscle tension throughout the body; two important components in relieving pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Conclusion
It is important for pregnant women who experience pelvic pain to communicate with their doctor to ensure their health and the health of their baby. Although there are no proven treatments for pelvic pain during pregnancy, there are steps that can be taken to help manage the symptoms.
One of the first steps a woman can take is to practice stretching and strengthening exercises specific to the lower back, hips, and pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, wearing support garments or a maternity belt can provide both comfort and physical relief by decreasing excessive movement at the joints in these areas.
Heat therapy can also be beneficial; heated blankets and wheat bags are helpful methods of providing warmth without surpassing safe temperature levels. Gently massaging sore muscles, taking warm baths in Epsom salts or using heat packs while lying down can help relax muscle tension. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, practicing good posture and avoiding heavy lifting will also help reduce pain dramatically.
Finally it is recommended that pregnant women do not take medications for pelvic pain until they have consulted with a doctor for advice on its safety during pregnancy. If someone does decide to use medications, it is important to always read labels carefully and follow directions properly.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider about your concerns. It’s important that the cause of your discomfort is identified at an early stage so further treatment can begin if required. The measures mentioned above should assist you in relieving some of the pressure felt in this area but if symptoms persist or worsen do not hesitate to contact your doctor right away.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
