Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
As your pregnancy continues towards childbirth, your pelvic joints may begin to cause aches and pains as your body naturally prepares for the baby to be born. Some pelvic pain is severe, making it extremely difficult to walk and move around. However, in most cases your pelvic pain is a good indication that your baby is close to birth, and your body is naturally preparing for the arrival. Unfortunately, if you have pelvic pain during one pregnancy, chances are you’re going to have the same type of pain in other pregnancies too.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
When it comes to your pelvic area, the many bones and joints are connected in such a way that doesn’t usually allow movement. Therefore, when your body begins to naturally prepare for childbirth and these bones and joints begin to move, pain is usually felt. Your hormones are provoking your joints to soften, allowing the bones to move around. This tends to happen either at the end of your first trimester, before birth or after delivery, however, most women feel the symptoms and pain in the middle of their pregnancy.
Symptoms of pelvic pain include:
- Grinding or Clicking in Pubic Area
- Pain in the Pubic and Groin Areas
- Pain Gets Worse With Movements such as Walking, Changing Positions in Bed, etc.
Treating Pelvic Pain
When it comes to treating pain in your pelvic area, there are many things you can do in your day-to-day life, at-home or in your habits to help. These things include:
- Getting Enough Rest
- Avoiding Heavy Lifting or Pushing
- Get Dressed Sitting Down
- Climb Stairs One at a Time
- Keep Back Supported
- Move Little and Often
- Sleep With Pillow in Between Legs
- Apply Heat to Painful Areas
- Stabilize Your Hips by way of a Girdle or Prenatal Belt
Of course, if the pain is severe, you should always contact your doctor or seek medical attention. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you pregnancy-safe medications such as Tylenol. Never take medications (especially over-the-counter) without consulting with your doctor first. There are numerous disadvantages to doing this. Also, let your doctor know what you’re doing in order to prevent and treat the pelvic pain at home. You may be doing things wrong, or not enough and your doctor will be able to help you get on track and have more of a pain-free pregnancy.
