Health

Is Pelvic Pain Normal in Pregnancy?

When you feel discomfort in your lower abdomen and between your hip bones, you may have pelvic pain (pelvis). Acute or cramping (similar to menstruation cramps) discomfort comes and goes. It might be abrupt and terrible; in others, it can be dull and chronic. Many females experience pelvic pain in pregnancy. Is pelvic pain normal in pregnancy? What are the consequences, how to treat them? Read more to know about it.

Is Pelvic Pain Normal in Pregnancy?


Pregnancy-related discomfort, especially in the pelvic area, can be scary. According to various studies, as many as 78% of pregnant women report experiencing some form of pelvic pain. Multiple things might be the reason, many of which are pretty typical and harmless. There are occasions when pelvic discomfort might indicate that something is wrong. In such cases, consultation with an expert is essential. Although pelvic pain is normal in pregnancy, you should report to your doctor if you are experiencing severe pain. 

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is a professional term used when there is pelvic pain in pregnancy. Health care providers now refer to it as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) since it affects all of the joints in the pelvis, not just one.

Symptoms


Even though PGP is safe for your child, it might cause discomfort and make it difficult for them to get around. Pregnancy can cause stiffness or instability in the pelvic joints for certain women. There is a wide range of intensity of inflammation and discomfort associated with this. Some people feel mild discomfort while others are in excruciating pain. 

The vast majority of patients fall into the mild to moderate range. PGP is typically treatable, but the sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Painful conditions can make it challenging to carry out their daily routines. Pain can also disrupt your sleep, which can harm your mental well-being.

Pregnant women may feel that it is not essential to deal with it because PGP does not affect the fetus. You should get help from your doctor if you’re experiencing this.  A woman with PGP can experience pain:

  • Over one or both sides of the lower back
  • In the area between the vagina and anus (perineum) 
  • Extending to your thighs 
  • At the front in the center, over the pubic bone, nearly level with your hips.
  • Some females will notice a clicking or grinding sound in the pelvic region.

When you’re in pain, it might be much worse while

  • Strolling up and down the stairs
  • Standing with just using one leg (like while getting ready)
  • Pulling your legs apart (for example, when you get out of a car)
  • When you roll over in bed 

It is possible to have a vaginal birth for most females with PGP. Immediately consult with your gynecologist If you have any of the above symptoms and pelvic discomfort.

Causes


A significant, most common obstetric cause of pelvic pain is:

  • Ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy that doesn’t occur in the uterus but rather in a fallopian tube) can rupture.
  • One of the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy rupture is a decrease in blood pressure that might last for many hours. In some instances, you may need surgery right away.
  • When an ovary wraps around its supporting ligaments and tissues, there could be pelvic pain. This way, it cuts off the ovary’s blood supply causing pain. Pregnancy does not cause such a condition as adnexal torsion, but it is more frequent during pregnancy. The ovaries expand during pregnancy, increasing the risk of ovarian twisting.

Digestive and urinary tract problems, typical causes of pelvic discomfort, are also principal reasons. It consists of the following conditions:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Gastroenteritis (infection of the digestive tract)
  • Kidney stones
  • Appendicitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Treatment


Get a diagnosis to avoid long-term pain and discomfort as soon as possible.

Your gynecologist might recommend a physiotherapist specializing in obstetric pelvic joint disorders.

The purpose is to:

  • Relieve or lessen discomfort
  • Increase muscular function
  • Stabilize your pelvic joints with physiotherapy.

This might include things like:

  • Pelvic floor and back exercises to strengthen the muscles of your spine, pelvis, and hips
  • Exercises in the water
  • Guidance and ideas include postures for labor and birth, taking care of your baby, and postures for sex.
  • Pain alleviation like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

Pregnancy-related health issues often don’t improve until the baby is born, although therapy from an expert practitioner can help alleviate discomfort.

Risk Factors

  • Over the age of 35
  • Previous miscarriage
  • Inhaling secondhand smoke
  • Using cocaine, drinking alcohol, or getting a lot of caffeine
  • Abnormalities in the reproductive system like Fibroids or an irregular uterine shape
  • Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid illness, or lupus, are not adequately managed.

You should consult an expert gynecologist if you experience severe pelvic pain. You can book an appointment with the Best Gynecologist through Marham.

FAQs

1. What does it feel like to have pelvic pain when pregnant?


Pelvic pain is typical throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. It is a pain in your lower abdomen and between your hip bones. It is Acute or cramping (similar to menstruation cramps) discomfort that comes and goes.

2. Can pelvic girdle pain begin at any time?


This can occur at any moment:

  • Throughout pregnancy
  • During labor
  • In the weeks following childbirth

3. Is pelvic pain normal?


Pelvic pain may be normal, indicating:

  • Irregularities in your bowel movements
  • That you’re pregnant
  • That you’ve got an illness that requires immediate medical attention.

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