Pelvic pain during pregnancy is a general discomfort that most pregnant women experience as their body adjusts to the fast physical and hormonal changes. Pelvic pressure and pain can be experienced when the uterus is enlarging, the ligaments are weakening, and the joints are loosening in preparation for the birth of a child. It is said that pain in the pelvis is a normal experience during pregnancy; however, some pain may be a symptom of a complication that a doctor should take into account. The awareness of the factors that cause pelvic pain, how they vary in each trimester, and their safe ways of alleviation can make you assured and at ease during pregnancy.
When Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy Is Normal
Pelvic pains in pregnancy are usually brought about by hormonal and structural changes that are involved in your preparation to give birth. The relaxin hormone loosens the ligament that keeps the bones of the pelvis unified and makes the joints less stable and more flexible. Extra load on these loosened joints and the muscles around them is exerted as your baby becomes heavier.
A lot of expecting mothers discover that stability of the pelvis can be achieved through the use of supportive tools like the Momcozy pregnancy belly band, which could take away the pain that expectant mothers are going through as they perform their daily chores. A belly band helps make walking and standing easier, as well as rolling over in bed, because it makes the joints of the pelvis less strained.
Normal pelvic pain typically:
- Sharp pains that feel achy, tender, or sharp and brief.
- Comes when walking, climbing the stairs, or rolling over in bed.
- Improves with rest and supportive positioning
- Does not come with bleeding, fever, or contractions.
Most women complain of pelvic pain starting in the second trimester and increasing in the third trimester as the baby descends into the pelvis. Conditions such as round ligament pain or pelvic girdle pain (PGP) are painful, but not necessarily dangerous and common.
Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy by Trimester
First Trimester:
The early uterine growth and implantation are known to induce mild pelvic pains in the early stages of pregnancy. As your uterus begins to grow, you may experience a high level of stretching, cramping or pulling pains in your abdomen or pelvis. They are normally temporary and restorative.
Second Trimester:
This is the period when pelvic pains become more pronounced for many women. The pain of the round ligaments can be sharp or stabbing, on either side of the belly or both sides, and will show up when rising quickly, coughing, or bending over in bed. Hormonal changes also persist in increasing strains in movement by loosening pelvic joints.
Third Trimester:
The further the baby gets, and the lower it is in anticipation of birth, the more pressure there is on the bones of the pelvis. You may also have some aches in painful sharp or may not be able to walk comfortably. During this phase, the probability of pain (PGP) or dysfunction of the symphysis pubis (SPD) that may make day-to-day life more complex is high.
How to Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy Safely
Although pain in the pelvic area cannot always be prevented, the majority of the pain can be avoided with the assistance of various safe measures, which will also help to make sure that the joints are safe during pregnancy. Even the slightest change in posture, movement, and support can help:
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees: Side lying can help the hips, too, balancing the pressure on the joints of the pelvis. A pillow between your knees will also help in keeping the pelvis in position, and will also help in minimizing the pressure on the lower back.
- Avoid standing on one leg when dressing—sit down instead: The act of putting on pants or shoes can result in unnecessary pressure on the pelvis when standing. It is advised to sit when it comes to dressing; it equally shares the load, and the joints are not subjected to unwarranted exertion.
- Move slowly and evenly when changing positions: Quick shifts in position may result in acute twinges at the pelvis. Do not swing your hips around; swing your whole body and rise slowly out of sitting or lying down.
- Use a maternity support belt to stabilize your pelvis: A pregnancy or maternity support belt can be used to squeeze the belly a little around the bottom of the belly and the hips in order to stabilize the pelvis and soothe the overstretched ligaments.
- Wear supportive shoes with low heels: High heels can lead to imbalance and extra weight on your pelvis. The flat and supportive types of shoes will keep the weight at a level and will also make sure that the pelvis does not become sore.
- Apply warm compresses to sore areas (not directly on your belly): Warm compresses can be used to loosen up tightened muscles and increase blood supply, therefore, diminishing pain (low-grade heat). In case, do not put direct heat on your belly.
- Take frequent breaks and avoid heavy lifting: Prolonged standing or carrying heavy things can make the pains in the pelvis worse. Take short naps, take a rest where possible and seek assistance in lifting.
- Practice gentle prenatal stretching and pelvic floor exercises: Prenatal stretching, yoga, and light pelvic floor exercises may act to strengthen the muscles that support childbirth, increase the flexibility and make the childbirth experience less painful. Never ignore the recommendation of a healthcare practitioner or prenatal instructor.
- Maintain good posture while sitting and standing: Sitting and standing should be straight. Do not lean or bend so much to one side because it may put a lot of strain on the pelvic joints.
- Consult your healthcare provider before new exercises or devices: Before you attempt to do new stretches, exercise or a support belt, make sure your doctor or midwife says it is safe during your particular pregnancy.
When to Call a Doctor for Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Most of the pelvic pain is not dangerous, but some symptoms have to be treated by a doctor.
Call your doctor or midwife if pelvic pain during pregnancy is:
- Severe, sudden, or worsening
- With vaginal bleeding/spotting.
- Together with fever, chills or burning during urination.
- Producing great difficulty in walking or standing.
- Regular contractions that take place before 37 weeks.
- It is accompanied by abnormal vaginal discharge or pelvic pressure.
These signs may indicate an infection, preterm labor, or another condition that needs prompt evaluation.
Conclusion
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is not a rare occurrence, and most of the time, it is a normal occurrence in your body as it is preparing your child to be born. Hormonal changes, gaining of baby weight and loose joints are also causes of pelvic discomfort, especially during the late trimesters. Being aware of what is normal and taking precautions that are safe in relieving you and when you should seek medical care are some of the ways in which you can be assured that you are safe and secure during your pregnancy. Once the pains in the pelvis interfere with daily life or raise any concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider, who will assist you and at least offer some form of assurance.
