If you are like most pregnant women, you are probably looking for ways to relieve pelvic pain. Pregnancy can be a challenging time due to all the emotional and physical changes you are going through. Pelvic pain can make it even more physically difficult. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and affects many pregnant people at some point. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to to achieve pelvic pain relief during pregnancy. We will also provide an explanation on why pelvic pain occurs during pregnancy and the symptoms to look out for.
If you are ever in severe pain, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not ignore pelvic pain during pregnancy as it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Your doctor should be able to come up with an appropriate treatment plan for you. Make sure you are honest about the symptoms and type of pain you are experiencing or else you cannot recieve the proper treatment to hopefully bring you some relief..
This article does not give medical advice. Please reach out to your doctor with any questions or concerns you may have.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Have Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
The most common cause of pain in the pelvic region during pregnancy is the growing uterus and baby. As your uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, it can put pressure on pelvic nerves or ligaments, causing pelvic pain. Round ligament pain is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain that women experience during pregnancy. This is caused by the stretching of the pelvic ligaments, which starts when your uterus begins to grow.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the pelvic joints to become more flexible and vulnerable to irritation. In some cases, pelvic pain may be caused by urinary tract infections, a pelvic infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease. The hormone relaxin, which is released during pregnancy, is one of these hormones that can cause issues.
During the later trimesters, you are carrying extra weight that can also change your center of gravity. This added weight can put extra strain on both the hip joints and abdominal muscles. These changes can lead to pelvic pain, as well as lower back pain.
Other causes of pelvic pain can include pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, muscle spasm, pelvic girdle pain, or even kidney stones. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a common cause of pelvic pain during pregnancy, where the pelvic joints become overly stretched and weakened.
As you can see, there are many different reasons for why you might be experiencing pelvic pain during your pregnancy. This is why it is important to talk to your doctor about pelvic pain and discuss potential treatments. There are different treatments that may be suggested based on the exact cause of your pain.
Can Pelvic Pain Be Caused By Pregnancy Loss?
Yes, pelvic pain during the first trimester can be caused by a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg implants itself somewhere outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube. This can lead to pelvic pain and cramping and should be investigated by your doctor immediately if there are any signs of an ectopic pregnancy. An early diagnosis of this type of pregnancy is extremely important to help prevent further complications.
It is important to speak to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing pelvic pain and think it could be related to a pregnancy loss. Though this could be one of many explanations, it does not necessarily mean that all pelvic pain is caused by a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
The most common pelvic pain symptom is a dull ache or discomfort in the pelvic region. You may also experience sharp or stabbing pains, or cramping that comes and goes. Other symptoms include soreness when you walk, difficulty shifting your weight from side to side, pelvic instability, or pain in the lower back, hips and thighs. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, since there are different causes and different locations for the pain to occur.
Where Can Pelvic Pain Occur?
Pain at the front of your pelvis is most likely due to pelvic girdle pain. This type of pelvic pain can occur in the lower abdomen, groin and buttocks area. Round ligament pain is often felt on one or both sides of your pelvic region.
Pain at the back of your pelvis is usually caused by SPD. You may also experience pelvic pain during certain activities, such as walking, rolling over in bed or climbing stairs.
Pelvic organ prolapse can cause pelvic pain in the rectum, vagina or bladder area. You may also experience pelvic pain during sexual intercourse.
If you ever experience chronic pain in any of these areas that does not go away with rest, make sure you reach out to your healthcare provider. Though the pelvic pain is a common complaint during pregnancy, the pain level should not be so bad you cannot function.
Are There Risk Factors For Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
Yes, there can be certain risk factors for pelvic pain during pregnancy. These include being overweight or obese, pelvic joint laxity (or instability), a history of pelvic girdle pain and pelvic organ prolapse, and having had a previous pelvic injury.
If you previously had a caesarean section, pelvic pain can be more likely and intense in later pregnancies. Having pelvic pain during a current pregnancy may also increase the chances of having pelvic pain in any future pregnancies.
Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Cause Pelvic Pain?
Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions leading up to labor. They are usually painless and do not cause pelvic discomfort, however some women do experience pelvic pressure during these contractions. They can potentially cause pelvic pain if they become too strong or last too long. Though these contractions are usually harmless, it is important to monitor them and make sure they do not become too close together or too frequent. This could mean they are actually true contractions as opposed to Braxton Hicks. Make sure to call your doctor right away if you experience any sharp pain or strong abdominal pain.
Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Pelvic Pain?
Ovarian cysts are relatively common during pregnancy, and can sometimes cause pelvic pain. This type of pelvic pain is usually dull and aching rather than sharp or intense. It is important to speak to your healthcare provider if you experience pelvic pain that lasts more than two weeks and could be related to an ovarian cyst. These cysts can be picked up on an ultrasound performed by your doctor.
Tips to Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
The good news is that there are some things you can do at home to help relieve any pelvic pain you may be experiencing during your pregnancy. Keep in mind that a woman’s body goes through so many changes during pregnancy. These changes can include a shift in gravity as your stomach grows due to weight gain (especially in the second trimester and third trimester). You may have to make small, or large, adjustments to some areas of your life. It may even take some trial and error to find what works best for you. Here are some tips you can try:
1. Exercise and stretch regularly to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and abdominal muscies. This will help support your pelvic structure and reduce pelvic pain. A physical therapist can provide ideas for specific stretches and exercises for pelvic pain relief during pregnancy.
2. Use a pregnancy support belt or pelvic brace to provide additional support to your pelvic area. You can find pregnancy support belts and pelvic support belts at most drugstores, as well as online. They provide extra support to the bones of the pelvis and the surrounding ligaments.
3. Apply a cold compress or heating pad to the pelvic area, depending on what feels more comfortable and relieving. Make sure you speak with your doctor to make sure this is an appropriate form of pain management during your pregnancy. You do not want to apply too much heat to the area, so ask them for guidelines on how and when to use a heating pad.
4. Practice relaxation techniques such as prenatal yoga, deep breathing, and meditation to help manage stress and reduce pelvic pain. You can look into getting a prenatal massage to help with the hip pain and pelvic discomfort.
5. Avoid activities that involve lifting heavy weights, twisting, or turning from side to side as this can increase pelvic pain.
6. It is a good idea to stay active and take regular walks throughout your pregnancy to keep your pelvic area strong and flexible. You can take walks with a friend, family member, or even your dog to help you stay motivated.
7. Make sure you get enough rest, especially during the third trimester of your pregnancy when pelvic pain is more likely to occur. If you are having a hard time getting comfortable, try using a pregnancy pillow to help you get in a more comfortable position or to support your pelvic area.
8. Choose comfortable shoes to wear. High heels or tight shoes can increase pelvic pressure and pelvic pain. Also, try to avoid standing for long periods of time. It can also lead to pain in other areas like low back pain.
9. Try to practice good posture. Slouching can add extra strain to the pelvic muscles and ligaments, leading to pelvic pain.
10 Talk to your doctor if pelvic pain is interfering with your daily activities or if it gets worse over time. Your health care provider may be able to recommend additional treatment options for pelvic pain relief during pregnancy, such as physical therapy, medication, or alternative therapies. There are many different ways to treat this type of pain, depending on the exact location and cause. Your doctor will also be able to rule out any serious conditions that could be causing the pain, such as a uterine rupture or placental abruption.
Pelvic pain during pregnancy can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience for many pregnant women. The pain can occur whether you are in early pregnancy or at the end of pregnancy. Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy, such as exercise, stretching, relaxation techniques, cold/hot compresses and pelvic support belts. Taking steps to manage pelvic pain can help make your pregnancy more comfortable and enjoyable. Be sure to speak with your doctor for additional pelvic pain relief options during pregnancy.
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