If you are pregnant, you must know by now that the experience is both exciting and tiring. At the same time, you could be looking forward to finally cuddling your new baby in your arms while finally growing out of the side effects of expecting. Women can experience a variety of symptoms including, pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Many women come to our practice wondering how to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy. Furthermore, up to 72% of women experience pelvic floor pain in pregnancy. The discomfort is characterized by aches along the top of your pubic bone, extending all the way to the hip points and sometimes as far as across the lower back too. The discomfort typically does not affect your baby, but it can make pregnancy feel intolerable.
At Women’s Care of Bradenton, we often treat expectant mothers who experience pelvic pain during pregnancy. Our team of professionals can help you achieve pelvic pain relief. In the meantime, our blog post will cover how to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy at home and in between your appointments. Pregnancy is a joyful and beautiful experience, don’t let discomfort get in the way.
Why Does Pelvic Floor Pain in Early Pregnancy Occur?
Often, women will experience pelvic pain or hip pain reasonably early in their pregnancy. This pain catches most mothers off guard because they figured they wouldn’t experience it until they started showing more. However, it is most likely the hormones and not the baby’s weight that causes pelvic pain during early pregnancy.
The moment you conceive, your body will start creating the hormone relaxin and release it throughout your body. Relaxin allows your tendons and ligaments throughout the pelvic region to become more flexible, thus preparing your body for childbirth.
The hormone alone is not causing your pelvic pain, but the more loosened ligaments and tendons could cause your weight distribution to fluctuate. This is why pregnancy and hip pain are pretty common, especially near the end of the first trimester since your body is new to the experience.
Even though you may begin to experience discomfort around your pelvis and hips early on, the pain often continues throughout the rest of your term because relaxin is released until birth. Unfortunately, the aches can become worse, leaving many women uncomfortable.
How to Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Treatment options are generally very limited during pregnancy to protect your developing child. So, many mothers stop their search there. However, there are many natural methods you can use to mitigate pain and soothe your aches.
It is always imperative to be transparent with your doctor about your pain level. Not opening up on how you truly feel can affect your daily life. Be clear about how you’re feeling and the level of discomfort you can tolerate. Establishing communication with your doctor can make the entire pregnancy smoother for everyone. Also, always check with your doctor before trying natural remedies at home.
Here are some steps for pelvic pain relief expectant mothers can try with their doctor’s permission.
1. Prenatal Massage
Sleep can do wonders for you and your baby’s health, and oftentimes discomfort gets in the way. Receiving a professional prenatal massage can lower cortisol levels, soothe aches, and encourage blood circulation. This increase in blood flow will help you get a better good night’s sleep while also easing pelvic pain. This added benefit is definitely welcome.
You’ll find that most masseuses offer some type of prenatal massage. However, we recommend finding a masseuse expert in maternal care and one who has worked on many pregnant women. A professional like this will be well aware of the correct type of pressure and which positions to avoid. As always, expert care can help ensure you and your baby are the safest.
2. Seeing a Chiropractor
Chiropractic care may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of pregnancy pain care. However, the practice is considered safe for expectant mothers. Moreover, all chiropractors must complete specialized training to care for pregnant patients. So, you can rest knowing you will be in good hands.
Adjustments and spinal manipulation can help relieve hip and pelvic pain. Your chiropractor can help you achieve ideal alignment for standing and sitting. This way, your body can correctly hold itself up without adding strain or tension to the pelvic region. Chiropractic care also helps encourage proper weight distribution as your belly grows.
3. Light Exercise
Your doctor must first clear you to engage in stretching or light exercises. Once you have the stamp of approval, you may find that staying active is one of the best ways to stop pelvic or hip pain during pregnancy. There are many stretches for your pelvic floor, back, belly, and hips that your doctor can show you. You can practice these stretches at home and even ask a partner, loved one, or friend to participate with you.
If you want to strengthen your pelvic floor and further prepare your body for giving birth, you may want to check out some pelvic tilt exercises. They will help you better your posture and strengthen your muscles.
If you prefer the help of a professional, you can attend workout classes like water aerobics, swimming, pilates, or yoga. Some studios will even offer specialized classes for expectant mothers like prenatal yoga. You’ll want to check out all the options offered in your community. A simple google search can help. Overall, you’ll want to stick to a low-impact exercise routine. You could even ask your doctor for recommendations.
Keeping up a workout routine during pregnancy is essential to stay limber and experience the numerous benefits. Exercise can alleviate pain, help you sleep better, improve your appetite, boost your mood, and encourage easier labor and delivery. Also, mothers who stay active during pregnancy find it easier to get back into shape after delivery and recovery.
4. Pillows
Sleep is crucial for a healthy life, pregnant or not. Women may fall asleep less comfortably as they grow and gain baby weight. Also, pregnant women can put pressure or strain parts of their bodies without proper sleep positioning. This can cause pelvic floor and hip pain during pregnancy. Specialized pillows exist to help expectant mothers find comfortable positions while they sleep.
Body pillows or pregnancy pillows come in various shapes and sizes. The ones specifically created for pelvic floor discomfort fit in between your knees. This position supports your hips and keeps them stable to minimize pressure.
Speak With a Professional
It is important to remember that you should ask your doctor before participating in any at-home pain-relieving measures. However, if you find that these pelvic pain relief steps don’t work well enough or you continue to experience intolerable pain, you must call us immediately. Schedule an appointment today to get to the bottom of your pelvic pain. We can help you, and your baby find a safe solution.