Pregnancy requires optimal reproductive function. However, some women experience pelvic pain South Charleston during pregnancy, which can make nine months of carrying a fetus unbearable. Pelvic pain is a condition also known as pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). Patients with PGP experience multiple uncomfortable symptoms due to stiffness in their pelvic joints. You may also experience instability and uneven joint motion.
What are the symptoms of PGP?
Pregnant women cannot live around easily due to their PGP. Fortunately, this condition cannot harm your unborn baby. PGP causes discomfort in the lower back, perineum, over the pubic bone, and when spreading your thighs. You may also experience a clicking or grind in the pelvic area.
PGP pain worsens when you walk, go uphill, climb up or down the stairs, move your legs apart, or turn over in bed. Although PGP does not impact your ability to have a vaginal birth, you may need emergency care of this condition limits your mobility.
Effective treatments for PGP
The only way to enhance treatment efficacy is to seek emergency intervention for your PGP. An early diagnosis will address your symptoms and eliminate the risk of chronic complications throughout your pregnancy. Physiotherapy is beneficial for relieving pain, enhancing muscle function, and correcting joint position and stability.
Specialists associated with obstetric pelvic joint problems will recommend various activities to address your PGP symptoms. For example, engaging in exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, stomach, back, and hip muscles can help restore your range of motion. Equipment like crutches or pelvic support belts can ease pain and enhance mobility.
The best way to cope with pelvic pain in pregnancy
Avoiding activities that cause you pain can manage your PGP symptoms. Your Pelvic, Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) team will also recommend the following:
- Remaining active within your pain limits.
- Taking more rests
- Asking for help from your loved ones to get things done.
- Avoiding high heels and wearing supportive shoes.
- Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs
- Keeping your knees together when turning in bed or getting in and out of a vehicle
- Take one step at a time when using the stairs.
- Carry objects in a backpack.
You may need to avoid the following activities:
- Standing on one leg
- Carrying a baby on one hip
- Crossing your legs
- Sitting on the floor
- Maintaining a standing or sitting position for extended periods
- Lifting heavy weights
- Vacuuming
- Pushing heavy objects
A certified physiotherapist appreciates the emotional impact of living with chronic pain and will recommend various coping mechanisms, including relaxation techniques.
Labor and birth with pelvic pain
You can have a normal vaginal birth with or without pelvic pain. However, prior planning with your birth partner or midwife is critical to determine the important decisions, like the most comfortable birth positions for you. Conduct comprehensive research to determine the best birth plans and eliminate complications due to your PGP. For example, water births eliminate joint pressure. Call the offices of Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc. to talk to your specialist about your pelvic pain concerns and develop a treatment plan that will work for you.
