7 Secrets to Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Growing a human being inside your body is no easy feat. Many women experience pelvic pain during pregnancy, which is a common symptom of pregnancy. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find relief from the discomfort.
The increasing size and weight of a growing fetus during pregnancy can put immense pressure on your pelvic floor. In addition, your body generates a hormone known as relaxin, which can cause the ligaments around your pelvis to relax and loosen. This means your pelvic floor loses support from those ligaments, which leads to discomfort.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to alleviate the pain and discomfort you feel in your pelvic area during pregnancy. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you’ve been pregnant before, learning to relieve pelvic pain is the key to a more comfortable pregnancy.
Pillar Physio – Georgetown, Texas, is known for assisting pregnant and postpartum women during their experiences growing and birthing babies. Learn more about what Pillar Physio can do for your comfort during pregnancy.
Related: What Happens to the Pelvic Floor During Childbirth?
How to Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
The following secrets to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy are easy to do and don’t require much time commitment. Use these tips to find comfort.
Body Mechanics
A simple change in body mechanics can go a long way to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy. Body mechanics means the way you move and go about your daily life. During pregnancy, your body is changing, therefore, your body mechanics will need to change temporarily as well.
While pregnant, consider changing body mechanics such as how you walk up the stairs, how you get in and out of your car, and how you get out of bed. For example, walking up and down the stairs typically involves placing one foot above the other on each step while facing forward. In pregnancy, consider going in a sideways motion with your back against the wall, leading with the less painful leg going up and the more painful side coming down.
Sleep with Support
Lying on your left side is generally recommended during pregnancy to help with digestion and blood flow. However, this can be uncomfortable in pregnancy. Therefore, you should sleep with a support between your legs, hips, and neck to help with pelvic pain.
There are a variety of pregnancy pillows available to assist with this challenge. Consider using a support pillow that keeps your spine in line with your body, keeps your top leg level with your hip, and offers support in your hips.
Related: The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Exercises During Pregnancy
Rest
Rest is essential in pregnancy. However, too much rest could lead to pelvic pain. This is especially true if you are in one position for an extended period. As long as it is comfortable to do so, try to maintain your regular routine with rest periods in between activities.
Pelvic Support Belt
Utilize a pelvic support belt to help relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy. This special belt is designed to lighten the load you are carrying (literally) by supporting your growing belly.
Additionally, this belt helps alleviate discomfort from misalignment of the hips and pelvis due to the relaxin hormone. While not meant to be worn all day, using a pelvic support belt at different intervals during your day can make your experience less painful.
Massage
Receiving a massage, either by a professional or from your spouse/partner, can help you find relief. Massages can help relax parts of your body that are under stress in pregnancy. In addition, a massage that focuses on the hips, legs, and other trigger points will assist with pelvic pain.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy. Engaging in exercises such as yoga can help alleviate discomfort. It can also be beneficial for labor preparation. Other exercises like walking, swimming, and Pilates can also be used in pregnancy to help with pelvic pain.
Remember to listen to your body; if you feel like you need to rest, then rest. Exercise is great, but overexertion is not. Allow your body time for movement and rest.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
The best way you can relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy is by working with a pelvic floor therapist. When you partner with a pelvic floor therapist, you can learn how your body works, what proper exercises to do, and how to help your body during this transitional time.
A pelvic floor therapist is someone who specializes in the pelvic floor. This person can guide you to having a healthy pelvic floor during and after pregnancy.
At Pillar Physio, we help women at all stages of life to have a healthy pelvic floor. Working with one of our pelvic floor therapists, you will receive hands-on experience, an individual treatment plan, and a whole-body approach. You are more than just your pelvis. Let Pillar Physio help you get on the path of comfort and healing because your family and your community need you.
You Can Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
As a pregnant woman, you don’t have to accept the pain and discomfort that come with a growing baby and belly. You can relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy by using the steps listed above. Your comfort is important, too.
Schedule an assessment with Pillar Physio today to start your journey to comfort. Pregnancy will push your body to many limits. Let a pelvic floor therapist help you find relief along the way. Join Pillar Physio for the ultimate pelvic floor therapy treatment during your pregnancy.
