Many women experience pelvic pain during pregnancy, which isn’t such a surprise considering how much extra weight your very strong pelvis is getting used to supporting! Most pelvic pain is normal and will resolve with minor treatments, though if you are concerned about pelvic pain, contact your doctor right away.
You can relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy in the following ways:
- Wear a pelvic support garment or belly band
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Get some safe and healthy exercise
- Do pelvic floor exercises
- Take acetaminophen if your doctor advises it
- Wear supportive shoes
- Use ice on pelvic joints
You may notice pelvic pain one day, and then it is gone the next. Read on for everything you need to know about what causes pelvic pain, how to alleviate it, and when to worry.
What Is Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain?
You may experience pelvic pain as sharp or dull. It can last all day or just be a stabbing pain when you move. Plus, it can affect not only your pelvis but your lower back, groin, belly, and hips.
Pelvic pain is caused by a wide range of factors, all of which may feel a little different, but none is very pleasant!
What Causes Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain?
Your pelvis is now having to support a great deal more weight than it is used to, and your body and organs have to stretch to accommodate your new shape. This causes strain on the muscles and ligaments in your pelvis.
Softening of Ligaments
Your body produces the hormone Relaxin during pregnancy, which loosens your ligaments. For some women, this adjustment can cause pain as your body adjusts to its stretched-out ligaments.
Round Ligament Pain
This occurs when the round ligament that connects the uterus to the groin gets stretched too far and irritated. You may notice this when walking or moving, but not when sedentary. It usually resolves by the 24th week. You can use ice or lay on the side of the painful ligament for a few minutes.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
SPD may occur even in early pregnancy, when the joint at the front of the pelvis is loosening due to hormonal changes (this aids in delivery). This may get worse during pregnancy as your pelvis gets heavier, but it can be treated with ice packs a few times a day.
Diastasis Recti
You may notice Diastasis Recti more postpartum, when your body is returning to normal, but it is a separation of the abdominal muscles that is common during pregnancy. Some women may experience belly or pelvic pain along with a bulging in the abdomen.
Ovarian Cysts
Pregnancy may affect the growth of ovarian cysts, and cysts may cause pain if your uterus is putting pressure on them. If you are prone to ovarian cysts, your doctor can confirm whether this is the cause of your pain with a quick ultrasound.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Some people experience abdominal pain with UTIs, and pregnancy might make this pain even worse. Your doctor will screen your urine for bacteria at your regular prenatal visits, but if you think you have a UTI, make sure you contact your doctor right away.
Constipation
Constipation is very common during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes as well as those prenatal vitamins. You may need to drink even more water, and make sure you eat fiber-rich foods. Light or moderate exercise can help, or talk to your doctor about choosing a vitamin with lower iron, which can cause constipation.
How Should I Prevent or Treat Pelvic Pain in Early Pregnancy?
- If you are experiencing SPD pain or other dull pain, you can treat minor pain with ice packs on the affected areas.
- Many doctors recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week to reduce minor pains associated with pregnancy.
- Do pelvic floor exercises.
- You can take acetaminophen if your doctor clears it first.
- Make sure to stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
What are the Best Ways to Relieve Pelvic Pain After Early Pregnancy?
You may begin to feel round ligament pain or diastasis pain as your belly stretches. A few good ways to treat pain are:
- Wear a belly band or pelvic support device. Some women even find that athletic tape can provide support for your growing belly.
- Take a warm shower or bath to relax the muscles.
- Continue to get some exercise even as it becomes uncomfortable.
- Exercise in water if it feels good.
- Wear flat shoes with good support. Ask your doctor or a PT what they recommend if you are experiencing a lot of pain.
When Do I Worry About Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
If you are worried about pain, call your doctor. Pelvic pain may be an indication of miscarriage, placental abruption, preterm labor, and ectopic pregnancy. Call your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms along with your abdominal pain:
- Fever or chills
- Dizziness, faintness, nausea
- Burning during urination
- Pain does not subside with rest
- Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
Can I Exercise My Pelvic Floor While Pregnant?
Yes, you can do pelvic floor exercises while pregnant and beyond! It’s a great idea to start doing pelvic floor exercises even when trying to get pregnant, and continue them postpartum.
A strong pelvic floor will help prevent some causes of pelvic pain, such as diastasis, and may prevent urinary incontinence that may occur postpartum. Pelvic floor exercises have also been linked to easier deliveries.
You can start with kegels: squeeze the vaginal muscles (like holding pee), and hold for 10 seconds before releasing as slowly as possible. Do five sets of twenty throughout the day.
You can also strengthen your pelvic floor by doing squats with a straight back, sitting and doing big belly breaths, or doing belly breaths on your hands and knees. Do three sets of 10 if you can, then increase to 20.
Pelvic floor exercises are good for everyone, so if you can get yourself in the habit of doing them, you can reap the benefits for life.
FAQ’s
Can You Be Put On Bed Rest For Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, pelvic pain is a common and often normal symptom that many women experience. However, when the pain becomes severe, it may be necessary to put mom on bed rest for her own health and safety.
Bed rest is defined as restricted activity with minimal movement in order to reduce stress on the body and provide relief from symptoms. During pregnancy, it can help reduce pelvic pain caused by a variety of conditions such as uterine contractions or ligament stretching due to baby’s growth.
The decision for bed rest should be taken seriously and discussed with a doctor or midwife before any restrictions are made. Each case will be different depending on the severity of the pain and other factors such as age of the mother or medical history.
Does Walking Help With Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
Pelvic pain is a common symptom during pregnancy, however, it can be hard to manage and treat.
Walking can be an effective way to relieve some of the pressure caused by pelvic pain, as it helps to keep the muscles strong and flexible while increasing blood flow. Additionally, walking can also help improve posture and balance, making it easier for expecting mothers to move throughout their day with less discomfort.
And as an added bonus, regular walks may provide a mental health boost by helping pregnant women find moments of peace and relaxation amidst their daily routines.
Overall, walking may be an effective way for pregnant women to reduce the severity of their pelvic pain in a safe and natural way.
Can I Give Birth With Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain is a common complaint for pregnant women, and can range from mild to severe in intensity. This pain may be caused by the physical changes that take place during pregnancy, such as an increase in hormones, weight gain, or pressure on the pelvic area due to a growing baby. If you are experiencing pelvic pain during your pregnancy, you may be wondering if it is safe to give birth with this discomfort.
The short answer is yes—it is possible to give birth while experiencing pelvic pain. However, it’s important that you talk with your doctor beforehand so they can assess your specific situation and provide guidance on how best to manage your symptoms during labor and delivery. Your doctor may suggest certain measures such as taking medications or using other methods of pain relief like massage therapy or heat therapy to help ease the discomfort associated with pelvic pain prior to delivery.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time for many women, but it can also bring about several uncomfortable aches and pains. One of the most common pregnancy discomforts is pelvic pain. Pregnant women often find themselves dealing with intense discomfort and tenderness in the region around their hips, which can make everyday activities difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are several ways that women can relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy, the best ways are:
- Wear a pelvic support garment or belly band
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Get some safe and healthy exercise
- Do pelvic floor exercises
- Take acetaminophen if your doctor advises it
- Wear supportive shoes
- Use ice on pelvic joints