How to alleviate pregnancy annoyances
Being pregnant is a great adventure. During this journey, your body undergoes many physical changes as your child grows. These changes sometimes cause aching and soreness in the hips and lower back as your due date approaches. Here’s some information to help you better understand why you feel the way you do and how you can feel more comfortable during pregnancy.
Understanding pelvic and back pain during pregnancy
Three joints come together to create your pelvis, which is located at the bottom of your spine. Many changes happen to these joints when you’re pregnant , and this area can feel stiff, sore, and uncomfortable. Pelvic pain sometimes spreads to the thighs, lower back, and hips. Discomfort affects up to 70% of all pregnant women and often interferes with daily activities such as walking, standing and sitting. While the irritation usually goes away within the first six months after delivery, it is possible to relieve the pain much sooner if you seek treatment.
Causes of discomfort
You may be wondering why this pain occurs during pregnancy. It’s no shock that your body goes through so many changes during this experience. Some of the reasons why you may feel pelvic and back pain are:
- You have an increase in blood volume and constantly fluctuating hormones causing joints and ligaments to relax.
- As your baby grows and you gain weight, the pressure on your back and pelvis increases as you compensate for the shifting center of gravity.
- It is difficult to accommodate these changes because your core support is not as strong since the abdominal muscles are stretched.
- Rarely, women have pelvic occlusion, which occurs when the pelvic bones move so much that they overlap each other and lock into place.
All of these adjustments happen to prepare your body for childbirth. Although it is considered normal, this does not mean that you will suffer during this time.
There are many options for relief
There are many options when you’re looking for a pelvic solution to your pain. Some of the specialists who can help pregnant women are chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and osteopaths. Here is some additional information about each specialist and how they help manage pregnancy pain.
Chiropractors
A chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in resetting the spine and connected nerves to relieve pain. They use their hands to make small movements on your bones to reduce pain. Visiting a pregnant chiropractor is safe and effective regardless of the length of your pregnancy. Unique tables and changing the way you lie can ensure that you don’t put undue pressure on your stomach during a session. Treatment plans usually encourage multiple visits as changes are made slowly over time. Fortunately, these visits not only help reduce pain, but they also provide more space for your growing baby and encourage proper alignment for birth.
Physiotherapists
A physical therapist is a medically licensed professional who uses stretching and strengthening techniques to relieve pain in muscles , joints, and nerves. As muscles and ligaments move and elongate during pregnancy, they may become weaker and more susceptible to injury and discomfort. Pregnancy physical therapy can teach you ways to protect your muscles from harm and the right way to exercise and keep them strong for childbirth.
massage therapists
Getting a massage during pregnancy can be very relaxing. Licensed professionals use their hands to rub your sore muscles. You should visit a pregnancy specialist message because they must use modified techniques to make it safe for you. Some of the well-known benefits of massage are:
- low tension
- improved sleep
- Reduced swelling in your legs
- Relief of pain and discomfort
orthopedic doctors
Doctor of Orthopedics is a medical doctor who specializes in a wholesome approach to wellness. These doctors use techniques that combine holistic medicine, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and physical therapy to relieve pain and have a healthy pregnancy. They may use a variety of these practices to help ease your discomfort, focus on nutrition to prevent unnecessary weight gain, relaxation techniques to reduce stress, and proper posture to support your growing child’s weight.
The annoyances of pregnancy may overshadow the joy and excitement of your experience. If you suffer from back, hip, leg, or pelvic pain, there are many resources available to help relieve symptoms so you can enjoy your pregnancy.