Pregnancy brings a wave of changes to the body, mind and soul. Pain is a common sensation in pregnancy but that doesn’t mean pain should be ignored.
The location, quality and occurrence of pain can be indicative, here are some examples:
Pain at the base of the abdomen, on one side or both- The round ligaments hold the uterus in position are quickly stretched in phases of pregnancy. Sometimes the pain can be constant, like a dull ache that doesn’t settle, or sharp and stingy when you stand up quickly from a chair. And it can be very debilitating for some people. Round ligament spasm can also change uterus alignment. Using alternate ways to move and specific stretches can help have a smoother ride through pregnancy and birth.
Low back pain: anywhere from the base of ribs to the buttocks. Low back pain in pregnancy can have many different culprits: from an overload in the spine because of the weight of the growing uterus and breasts, or in increase in movement in spine, sacroiliac and hip joints due to hormone changes in elasticity to make sure your pelvis can expand during birth. Joints may be overloaded by physical changes or muscle fatigue. A physiotherapy assessment to determine where the pain is coming from and what the tissues need – more flexibility, or strength, or movement – is essential to help decide the best way to manage pain and improve comfort.
Vaginal/deep pelvic pain: the same hormonal and physical changes that affect the spine and hips can cause nerve irritation that is felt in the vulva (external genitals) and/or vagina (internal genitals). Sometimes the Pelvic Floor Muscles – which hold wee, poo and wind in, and give support to your pelvic organs – can be overloaded by these changes and increased uterine weight. An overloaded Pelvic Floor can become stiff, fatigued and sore as well, possibly causing not only pain, but urinary or bowel incontinence (no being able to hold wee or poop/wind in) or prolapse (when your pelvic organs poke out of the vagina). Making sure a pelvic floor physiotherapist assesses these muscles and prescribes an appropriate treatment is essential to have more comfort and better function not only in pregnancy, but also for life.
In all cases, it’s important to keep a healthy lifestyle that includes movement and regular physical activity. That helps keep the body strong, flexible and resilient to the changes in pregnancy and prevents issues from dragging along for life.