Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can come with its fair share of discomforts, one of which is pelvic pain. For many expectant mothers, pelvic pain is a common issue that can impact their daily lives. Understanding the causes and exploring effective treatments can help manage this discomfort and ensure a smoother pregnancy experience. At Triangle Physiotherapy, our trained and experienced pelvic health physiotherapists are committed to helping you with your pelvic pain so that you can get back your quality of life and do the things you love.
Here’s a detailed look at the causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy and the available treatment options.
Causes of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
1. Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, particularly with the increase in relaxin—a hormone that helps the pelvis become more flexible in preparation for childbirth. While this is necessary for delivery, it can also lead to joint instability and pelvic pain as the ligaments and joints become looser and less stable.
2. Growing Uterus
As the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus exerts pressure on the pelvic region. This pressure can cause discomfort and pain, especially as the uterus expands and shifts its position. The added weight can also put strain on the pelvic joints and muscles.
3. Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
Pelvic Girdle Pain, also known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), is a condition where the pelvic joints become painful and unstable. This can occur when the ligaments that support the pelvic bones become too relaxed and unable to support the growing weight. PGP can cause pain in the pelvic region, hips, and lower back.
4. Round Ligament Pain
Round ligament pain is another common cause of pelvic discomfort during pregnancy. The round ligaments, which support the uterus, stretch as the uterus grows. This stretching can cause sharp or aching pain in the lower abdomen or groin area, especially with sudden movements.
5. Previous Injuries or Conditions
Women with a history of pelvic injuries or pre-existing conditions like endometriosis or fibroids may experience exacerbated pelvic pain during pregnancy. The added physical changes can aggravate these pre-existing issues.
Schedule an appointment with one of the pelvic health physiotherapists at Triangle Physiotherapy and get your recovery journey started.
Prevention
Preventing pelvic pain during pregnancy involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and self-care practices:
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga to strengthen the muscles around the pelvis and improve flexibility.
- Maintain Good Posture: Pay attention to your posture, especially when sitting or standing for extended periods. Proper posture can alleviate unnecessary strain on the pelvic region.
- Use Supportive Gear: Consider using a maternity support belt or pelvic support belt to help stabilize the pelvis and reduce pain.
- Avoid High-Risk Movements: Try to avoid activities that involve sudden movements or heavy lifting, which can exacerbate pelvic pain.
Progressive Resistance
Progressive resistance training involves gradually increasing the intensity of exercises to build strength and stability. For pregnant women experiencing pelvic pain, this approach can be adapted to:
- Strengthen Core Muscles: Exercises that target the core, such as modified planks or gentle pelvic tilts, can help support the pelvic region and reduce pain.
- Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles: Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, providing better support to the pelvic organs and reducing pain.
Neuromuscular Exercises
Neuromuscular exercises focus on improving coordination and muscle control, which can be beneficial for managing pelvic pain:
- Balance Training: Exercises that enhance balance and stability, such as gentle balance exercises on a stability ball, can help reduce the risk of falls and support the pelvic region.
- Proprioceptive Exercises: Activities that improve body awareness and spatial orientation can help in managing pelvic discomfort and improving overall function.
Mobility Exercises
Mobility exercises aim to enhance the range of motion and flexibility of the pelvic joints and surrounding muscles:
- Hip Flexor Stretches: Gentle stretching of the hip flexors can help alleviate tension and discomfort in the pelvic area.
- Pelvic Rocking: Performing gentle pelvic rocking exercises can help relieve pressure on the pelvis and improve comfort.
Safety Tips
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or treatment regimen to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid pushing through pain. Modify or stop activities that exacerbate discomfort.
- Seek Professional Help: If pelvic pain becomes severe or persistent, consider seeking help from a physiotherapist who specializes in prenatal care.
Pelvic pain during pregnancy can be challenging, but understanding its causes and exploring effective treatments can provide significant relief. By incorporating preventative measures, progressive resistance training, neuromuscular exercises, and mobility exercises, expectant mothers can manage pelvic pain more effectively. Always prioritize safety and consult with healthcare professionals to tailor an approach that suits your individual needs. With the right care and support, you can navigate the journey of pregnancy with greater comfort and ease.
