Pelvic pain during pregnancy is common, but it doesn't have to be something you simply tolerate. Learn about common causes of pregnancy-related pelvic pain, including pubic symphysis pain, pelvic girdle pain, SI joint discomfort, hip pain, and pelvic floor muscle tension. Discover how pelvic floor physical therapy can help relieve discomfort, improve core and hip stability, support comfortable movement, and prepare your body for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Find pregnancy pelvic floor physical therapy in Forest Hills, Queens, NYC.
What Causes Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of great change in how we move and feel in our bodies. There is increased pressure and weight on our pelvis which affects how we walk. The growing baby can change our posture as well. Our center of gravity shifts and there is more demand on our pelvic floor, core and hip muscles. There are also many hormonal changes that can affect the connective tissue in our body such as tendons and ligaments.
As a result, many women will experience pelvic girdle pain or discomfort. While this condition is common, it is important to know that it is treatable. Pelvic floor therapists specialize in treating pregnant and postpartum populations. You do not have to be uncomfortable during pregnancy and pain should not be normalized. In fact, it is best to get treated sooner than later so that you can continue to be active during your pregnancy.
Common Types of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
The general term for pelvic pain is pelvic girdle pain which can include all parts of the pelvis and lower back. Pelvic Girdle Pain can include:
Pubic symphysis or pubic bone pain
Pain in the sacro-iliac joint (central low back pain where your hips meet your back)
Low back pain
Hip pain
Pain due to pelvic floor tension
Pubic bone pain is very common during pregnancy. Signs of pubic symphysis or pubic bone pain can include:
Pain with standing on one leg
Pain rolling in bed
Pain going up or down stairs
Pain getting into a car
Worsened pain with spreading legs further apart
Pain can be sharp or clicking in nature
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help pubic bone pain by strengthening and stabilizing the surrounding hip and core muscles. The pelvic floor should also be assessed and if there is excess tension this can be treated as well. Most importantly, please know that pain during pregnancy should never be normalized. We help patients eliminate their pain during pregnancy on a regular basis.
How Pregnancy Affects the Pelvic Floor
Pregnancy puts extra demand on the pelvic floor. The weight of the growing baby as well as the increased blood volume all contribute to increased pressure on the pelvic floor. This can lead to increased pelvic floor muscle tension. While muscle tension is not a bad thing, we want our muscles to contract and support us, too much tension in the pelvic floor can lead to increased symptoms. Signs of pelvic floor tension can include:
Increased urinary urgency or frequency
Leaking or incontinence
Radiating pain to the inner thighs or groin
Hip pain
Low back pain
Difficulty with bowel movements
Pain with intercourse
Ways to Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
The best way to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy is to see a pelvic floor therapist. The solution to your pelvic pain will be one tailored specifically to what is going on with you and your body. There is no cookie cutter solution. A pelvic floor therapist will build a specific treatment plan for you and will adjust it as needed based on your progress.
Exercises That May Help With Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
While many people believe that stretching will help relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy, it can sometimes make things temporarily worse. For example, if you are feeling pubic bone pain, stretches where your legs are placed further apart will feel irritating and may increase your pain. Passive stretching only temporarily changes how your muscles feel and does not have a lasting effect. The way to create lasting adaptation in your muscles is through strengthening and stabilizing exercises.
In pregnancy, these exercises should focus on improve core and hip stability. These exercises should always be tailored to you and your current capacity. For example, if strengthening exercises are increasing your pain, they need to be modified. Once you are out of pain, the exercises themselves can be progressed.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you eliminate pain and stay active during your pregnancy. It also helps you prepare for the demands of labor, delivery and parenting. Pelvic floor therapy includes:
A thorough assessment to isolate the driver of your pain or symptoms
Hands on treatment (can include internal work (only with you enthusiastic consent!) and external manual therapy)
Tailored strengthening and mobility exercises
Movement modifications for pregnancy for rolling and sit to stand
Supported sleep positions
Holistic approach to any bowel or sleep issues
It can also help with pelvic floor coordination and birth preparation by:
Teaching pelvic floor coordination and relaxation
Explaining the role of the pelvic floor during labor and delivery
Discussing birth team and support
Mobility during the last few weeks of pregnancy
Labor positions
Education around labor interventions
Discussion of birth injuries that may occur
Postpartum preparation, support and conditions that may address
Postpartum return to activity
Many patients are very happy that they decided to see a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy. The value of working with a pelvic floor therapist is very high, since there are so many important things to go over during pregnancy.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation for Pelvic Pain
If you are experiencing pelvic pain and any of the following symptoms, please reach out to your OBGYN or midwife immediately as these can indicate more serious medical concerns:
Fever
Sudden swelling
Severe calf pain
Sudden loss of bladder control
Dizziness
Loss of sensation
Vaginal Bleeding
Contractions or concerns for preterm labor
Decreased or absent fetal movement
Pregnancy and Pelvic Pain Treatment in Queens, NYC
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is not normal! Help is available.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, do not delay! Pelvic floor physical therapy is the gold standard treatment for this condition. If you are in the Forest Hills, Queens, NYC area and you are looking for help today, reach out to us! Give us a call or fill out our contact form today!
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