Pelvic pain is a common condition faced by many women during their pregnancy. You can experience it during any stage of pregnancy. Your body produces a substance called relaxin when you are pregnant which softens the ligaments connecting your joints. This pain experienced in the back and front of your pelvis is also termed as Pelvic Girdle Pain. Pelvic Girdle Pain is not harmful for babies.
Causes of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
The causes of pelvic pain may vary according to the stages of pregnancy. Some of the common causes can be:
- PGP is usually caused when the joints in the pelvis move unevenly.
- Cysts in the Ovary
- Overweight
- Hormonal change
- History of Lower Back Pain
- Constipation
- Weight of the baby
Symptoms of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Different women experience different symptoms of pelvic pain. Some common symptoms are:
- Back Ache
- Worsening pain in legs, thighs or knees while walking, standing or during any day to day activities
- Pain in Pubic Area
- (Pressure or Stress) Clicking or Grinding in the Pelvic Area
- Difficulty in Turning Sides while Sleeping.
- Difficulty in Getting Up Suddenly.
Share with your midwife, doctor or physiotherapist and get proper advice to control the pain. The discomfort feeling vary from person to person and you should take proper measures to treat the pain.
How to Control Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
- Keep yourself active
- Change in daily lifestyle
- Avoid activities that makes pain
- Have comfortable sleep
- Take proper rest
- Avoid standing for a long time
- Avoid bending
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Wear flat shoes
How to Treat Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
It is good if you consult your doctor or physiotherapist to treat pelvic pain and follow the treatment options provided by them. Some of the ways it can be treated are:
- Try Pelvic Exercises
- Exercises to Strengthen the Muscles
- Other Manual Therapies
- Use Equipments for relief as suggested by the doctor or physiotherapist
- Wear Maternity Support Belt
- Medication if needed
Women are very likely to recover pelvic pain within a few week or months after pregnancy. It is good continuing the exercises or therapies after birth as suggested by the physiotherapist.
