Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy A Common Experience
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 1 in every 5 women may be affected by pelvic pain during pregnancy, making this one of the most common complaints of pregnant women. A combination of factors contribute to pelvic pain, and as pregnancy progresses it is likely that the pain may become more significant.
What Symptoms Occur with Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
With pregnancy-related pelvic pain, it is common to experience pain over the pubic bone, across one or both sides of the lower back, or around the perineum. Frequently this pain may radiate into the thighs and may be accompanied by clicking.
Pelvic pain may increase while walking, going up or down stairs, turning in bed, and when getting out of a car. Many women report disturbed sleep due to pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Potential Causes Of Pelvic Pain?
During pregnancy the body produces a hormone called relaxin which causes ligaments to loosen to allow for greater pelvic mobility. This plays an important role in the facilitation of childbirth and vaginal delivery. Sometimes this increased joint mobility can lead to instability and pain if the movement becomes excessive.
As pregnancy progresses, the body must adapt to increased weight gain and shifting distribution of this weight. As the baby grows, the mother’s centre of gravity shifts anteriorly which increases the stress on the pelvic girdle. These shifts in weight distribution also cause postural changes increasing the strain of pelvic joints and muscles.
Are Some Women More Prone Pelvis Issues?
Women who have a history of lower back pain, pelvic pain or previous injury to this area are more likely to develop pain during pregnancy. Additionally, women who have a physically demanding job, and women who are overweight are at a higher risk of pelvic pain in pregnancy.
Managing Pelvic Pain
The good news is, there are many ways that you can manage pregnancy-related pelvic pain. A combination of activity modification, specific exercises and assistive devices are usually very helpful in pelvic pain management.
- Avoiding sitting or standing for long periods at a time, changing position frequently throughout the day, as well as avoiding heavy lifting can help to manage symptoms.
- Pelvic floor, Gluteal and core exercises to strengthen the muscles around the pelvic girdle can also help to provide stability for the joints and subsequently decrease pain. Seek advice from a physiotherapist who can provide guidance on exercises that are safe and effective for each stage of pregnancy.
- Supportive devices such as functionally designed pillows are highly beneficial during pregnancy. The Contoured Heart Shaped Memory Foam Leg Pillow is a comfortable, ergonomic pillow, perfect for providing support for the knees and thighs in bed to help maintain alignment of the spine. These pillows are great for easing discomfort in bed during pregnancy and encouraging a good night’s sleep.
- Devices such as TENS machines can also be useful for pain management during pregnancy. A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine is a portable electronic device which delivers electrical impulses to reduce pain signals. These machines can often be clipped onto your clothes so that you can move around freely while wearing them. As pain management with TENS is non-invasive and does not involve medication, it is considered low risk and has proven to be safe for both the mother and the foetus throughout pregnancy.
- Wheat bags which can be heated or frozen are also an effective, non-invasive way of managing pain during pregnancy.
When to Seek Further Medical Attention
While pelvic pain is a common part of pregnancy, there are times when it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
You should seek medical attention if;
- Your pain is severe or constant and if you experience extreme difficulty walking or with daily activities.
- You should also seek urgent medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms such as sudden onset of numbness, swelling, bleeding, or fever.
Although symptoms of pelvic pain may not fully resolve until after childbirth, treatment can provide a significant improvement in symptoms and better quality of life during pregnancy.
Citations:
Waller-Wise R. (2022). Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation: An Overview. The Journal of perinatal education, 31(1), 49–57. https: //doi.org/10.1891/J-PE-D-20-00035