Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

Pelvic pain during pregnancy is one of the most common symptoms that occurs during pregnancy.  It is also known as the space between the pubic bone connection.

Although pelvic pain can occur at any time during pregnancy,  it typically occurs during a woman’s third trimester. At this stage, the body begins to prepare to give birth.

In today’s article, we will explain  why pelvic pain occurs during pregnancy. 

We will also give you some advice to prevent and alleviate the discomfort that this condition causes.

What causes pelvic pain during pregnancy?

While every woman’s body naturally prepares to give birth when the time comes, it’s not the only cause of pelvic pain.

Many factors can be responsible for causing pain and discomfort in the area around the pelvis. The intensity of these pains depends on several factors.

To understand how other factors can cause pelvic pain,  you must first know that the pelvis basically consists of two parts. These two parts are connected by a joint called the pubic bone joint.

As the due date approaches,  your body will release a specific hormone in the pelvic region, in your third trimester. This hormone, called relaxin, is responsible for relaxing the area’s ligaments.

Furthermore,  it is also the reason why the pubic joint becomes more elastic. Therefore, the pelvic bone can spread more, allowing the baby to pass through during birth.

If there is a large gap between the pelvic bones, this can create gaps between the pubic bone connection. 

Some typical factors that can intensify pelvic pain during pregnancy

The size of the abdomen

Whether it is due to a large baby, twins, or is simply a natural disposition,  some women get bigger bellies during pregnancy. 

The pelvis definitely feels the effect of a bigger belly than usual because it has to carry more weight. 

Depending on the size of the woman’s abdomen, she may get intensified pelvic pain.

Excess weight

If a woman is already carrying extra weight before she becomes pregnant, it  can also contribute to pain in the area around the pelvis.

Extra weight can highlight the burden that the pelvis has to carry. Even if the space between the pubic bone connection is not there, the weight itself will cause pubic hernia hernia. 

As you can probably imagine, this will give an increased pain in this region.

Daily exertion

The effort a woman’s muscles make on a daily basis can also cause pubic hernia. This can come on suddenly, and without warning. 

Disorders of the skeletal muscles

Conditions in the skeletal muscles can cause swelling in the pelvic region, which can cause pain during pregnancy.

Usually, pelvic pain during pregnancy does not always have just one cause. This is especially the case if the woman is in intense pain.

If the pain is very strong, then it may be due to excessive separation of the pelvic bones, combined with other factors.

Whether direct or indirect, these factors can create pressure or sensitivity in the pelvis.

Advice to relieve and prevent pelvic pain during pregnancy

• Elastic belly band:  The use of a belly band can help reduce the pressure on the pelvis. This reduces the pain, and make it easier to perform the daily activity. If a woman uses a tummy tuck from the beginning of her pregnancy, it can even prevent pelvic pain completely by removing the extra burden.

• Pelvic area training:  There are specific exercises that focus on preparing the pelvis to make the birth simpler and less painful. These exercises strengthen the ligaments in the pubic bone joint. As a result, there will be greater flexibility as the body stretches during pregnancy.
• Hydro-therapy:  Hydro-therapy makes it possible to strengthen the pelvic muscles during pregnancy. This relieves the pain in the joints of the back and in the pelvis. Furthermore, it  helps to strengthen the joints in these areas, thanks to the resistance that the muscles generate in the movements of the water. 
• Take extra care during pregnancy:  It goes without saying that you should avoid strenuous exercise during pregnancy – not only to avoid pelvic pain, but also for the safety of your baby. However, it is also important to maintain a good posture, and avoid walking in high-heeled shoes. And, of course,  pregnant women should also avoid tasks that involve lifting weights, bending forward, or squatting. 
• Pain relief: Painkillers are also a good emergency solution, or last resort,  to soothe your pelvic pain during pregnancy. They are most recommended when the pain is very strong, and has a significant impact on the daily activities.

General considerations

During the third trimester, it is especially important that women follow the instructions of a professional physiotherapist before beginning any kind of strengthening pelvic exercises.

This is to prevent any from from injury from overexertion, or from doing the exercises incorrectly. Injuries can make your current situation worse, or cause pain in the future.

At the same time,  it is important that you check with your doctor before taking any painkillers – or any medication at all. 

That way, your doctor can tell you what options are safe during pregnancy and in what doses.

Self-medication during pregnancy can be a major risk,  both for your baby’s development, as well as your own health.