Every pregnant woman might have gone through pelvic pain. As your body makes room for the developing baby, it is natural for you to feel discomfort. The severity of the pain may vary from woman to woman. If you have a history of lower back pain or pelvic girdle pain, then you are more prone to pelvic pain. Any previous injury to the pelvis also raises the risk for pelvic pain. Many factors contribute to pelvic pain during pregnancy. However, taking care of a few things will help you ease the pain. Here is a lowdown about the causes and treatment of pelvic pain.
Reasons For Pelvic Pain
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD): The pregnancy hormone, relaxin, produced by your body softens your ligaments. This is a part of your body’s preparation to help your baby pass through the pelvis. Thus, the joints in your pelvis become relaxed. However, if the pelvic floor does not respond well to the new changes, it may lead to SPD. If the joints in your pelvis move unevenly or one of the pelvic joints does not work properly, you will experience the pain.
Urinary Tract Infection or UTI: The bacterial inflammation in the urinary tract may also result in abdominal or pelvic pain. The weight of the expanding uterus may block the drainage of urine from the bladder. This will engender an infection. For some pregnant women, the signs of UTI might be different. They may not experience pelvic pain, but they will have pain during urination or a sudden urge to urinate.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: Also known as practice contractions, it causes the muscles of your uterus to tighten. When it happens toward the end of the third trimester, many women consider it real contractions. However, they are referred to as false labor.
Ovarian Cysts: Pelvic pain during pregnancy can be because of ovarian cysts. You may also experience cramps or bloating because of cysts. In normal cases, it will not cause any harm to you or your baby. But pregnant women with ovarian cysts will have to suffer sharp pain as the expanding uterus puts pressure on the ovaries. An ultrasound scan can confirm the presence of cysts.
Apart from these, there are other serious causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy. Miscarriage, uterine fibroid, or ectopic pregnancy may also engender pelvic pain. However, don’t panic unnecessarily. Your doctor is the best person to give you an explanation about your pelvic pain. If it is accompanied by bleeding or fever, you should immediately consult your doctor.
Symptoms Of Pelvic Pain
Even though pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is not harmful to your developing fetus, it may cause severe pain to you. The sharp pain around the pelvic area may make it tough for you to move around. You may experience pain over the pubic bone at the front in the center. Sometimes, you will have pain in the area between your vagina and perineum. The pain across one or both sides of your lower back is another sign of pelvic pain. For some women, the pain may radiate to their thighs.
Treatment For Pelvic Pain
If you have severe pain, physiotherapy can ease the pain. It is effective in treating SPD. Your physiotherapist may also help you in managing daily activities to lessen the pain. Using a pelvic support belt can help you. Do exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, back, and hip muscles. This will help you make the pelvis more stable. Even manual therapies, such as osteopathy may work in favor of you. However, talk to your doctor before you begin your exercises or therapies.
It is best to avoid activities that trigger the pain. It is important to avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Staying active is a good move. But, make sure that you don’t exceed your limits. Seek help from your family for household chores. Get rest whenever you can. Always wear comfortable shoes. Flat, supportive shoes may avoid any strain to your legs.
