Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy - An Insight

Introduction

Many women experience pelvic pain in the early stages of pregnancy. Pain in the lower abdomen region, known as the pelvis, is called pelvic pain. Abdominal pain refers to discomfort felt in the upper or middle region of the abdomen, specifically in the stomach and intestine regions. But occasionally, women struggle to distinguish between pains, mostly in the pelvis or abdomen. Pain in the pelvis during pregnancy could indicate a health issue or be a typical part of the changes. As the ligaments and bones flex and adjust to make room for the growing fetus, it may happen as expected. Period cramps or acute pain can be considered normal and can occur intermittently.

Pelvic discomfort that is not severe or chronically felt is usually not a reason for alarm. Complications during pregnancy can cause pain, but they can also produce other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding. If a woman has any bleeding during pregnancy, she should consult the doctor.

What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

During pregnancy, pain or discomfort in the lower back or pelvis is called pelvic girdle pain (PGP). The perineum and upper thighs may also be affected. The pelvic ligaments loosen up, and other joints become more supple during pregnancy. Pelvic pain may ensue from this. After giving birth, pelvic girdle pain normally goes away on its own. However, it may recur in subsequent pregnancies.

What Causes Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pelvic pain during pregnancy may be caused by conditions linked to

• The pregnancy.

• The reproductive system of women, but not pregnancy.

• Other organs include the urinary and digestive systems.

Pelvic pain in the early stages of pregnancy is most frequently caused by

• Typical pregnancy changes.

• An unplanned pregnancy (spontaneous abortion).

• Early pregnancy pelvic pain is most commonly caused by an ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy implanted outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube.

• A pregnancy that develops ectopically might be fatal. An extrauterine pregnancy will not progress properly. The ovary, cervix, or abdomen are additional body parts that may explode due to a pregnancy growing in those organs. Pregnant women who experience this may suffer significant harm or perhaps pass away due to excruciating pain and profuse bleeding.

The following digestive and urinary tract conditions are common causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy:

• Urinary tract infections are infections of the urinary tract.

• Urinary calculi (the calcified debris in the urinary system).

• The illness of the digestive system is known as gastroenteritis.

• Sensitive intestinal tract.

• Diseases of the intestines that cause inflammation.

What Are the Risk Factors for Pelvic Pain in Early Pregnancy?

Risk factors for miscarriage include the following:

• Age more than 35 years.

• Miscarriages in one or more prior pregnancies.

• Smoking cigarettes.

• Using illegal narcotics like cocaine or maybe other drugs like alcohol.

• Anomalies in the uterus include fibroids (typical uterine growths), scars, or an atypical uterine form.

The following are risk factors for ectopic pregnancy:

• Prior abdominal surgery, particularly a tubal ligation for permanent sterilization.

• Anomalies of the fallopian tube (for instance, a hydrosalpinx or enlarged fallopian tube).

• Utilizing an intrauterine device (IUD) at the moment.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Pelvic Pain in Early Pregnancy?

Pelvic girdle pain can cause pain and difficulty moving around, although it is not hazardous to the baby. PGP-affected women may experience pain:

• Around the hips on one or both sides of the lower back, approximately level with the pubic bone.

• Extending to the thighs in the perineum, the region between the vagina and the anus.

• Certain women may experience a clicking or grinding sound in their pelvis.

Pain may be more severe in women who are:

• Walking.

• Stair climbing.

• Standing on one leg (during the dressing process).

• Turning over in bed.

• Separating their legs.

Other symptoms include

• Abrupt, severe pain.

• Vomiting or feeling queasy

• Vaginally bleeding.

• Dull back pain.

• Having more frequent urination sensations.

• Feeling lightheaded or faint.

• High temperature.

How to Relieve Pelvic Girdle Pain at Home?

It is possible to use several pain-relieving methods at home. When a woman initially experiences an episode of pelvic pain, a physiotherapist must be consulted for advice on a home exercise regimen. If discomfort prevents one from performing typical tasks, women can take a pain reliever such as Paracetamol.

Women may feel better performing the exercises their physiotherapist recommends if they take pain medications. Pain management techniques include lying down or sitting with heat applied to the affected area. Consult a physician before using prolonged bed rest for any length of time while pregnant, as it is not advised to do so without medical supervision.

How To Treat Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy?

Prompt diagnosis is key to minimizing pain and preventing chronic discomfort. A physiotherapy service that focuses on pelvic joint issues related to pregnancy may be recommended to women. Optimizing muscle performance, reducing discomfort, and enhancing pelvic joint stability and posture are the goals of physical therapy.

This might consist of:

• Activities to build stronger muscles in the back, hips, stomach, and pelvic floor.

• Although therapy from a qualified professional can lessen the symptoms during pregnancy, these issues typically do not fully go away until after the baby is born.

To mitigate or prevent some types of pain during pregnancy, women could be recommended to

• Maintain a fitness regimen that includes pregnancy-safe exercises.

• Steer clear of pushing or heavy lifting.

• Retain a proper posture.

• Lie down with a cushion in between their knees.

• Take a nap when necessary.

• Put on elastic-backed clothes that bolster the abdomen and back.

• Seek the services of a physical therapist who specializes in pregnancy.

• Try acupuncture.

Conclusion

Pelvic pain is a possible pregnancy symptom for certain women. This is also referred to as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) or pregnancy-related pelvic girdle discomfort (PGP). A pelvic girdle discomfort is a group of painful symptoms brought on by either the front or back of the pelvis' joints shifting unevenly or the pelvic joints becoming tight. Pelvic girdle discomfort can cause pain, but it is not hazardous to the unborn child. Pregnancy-related pelvic pain may be a typical adjustment to the body's changing anatomy of the belly and pelvis. Women should always report it to their healthcare physician, though, as it may potentially indicate an ovarian cyst, an infection, or early labor.