Pregnancy related pain

Pain during pregnancy is very common and can vary in severity and location. Many women experience some degree of discomfort or pain at difference stages of their pregnancy. Here are some common types of pain that our Women’s Health Physiotherapist can treat during your pregnancy:

1.       Lower back pain: typically as the uterus expands, posture changes, hormones increase and shifting of our centre of gravity occurs, lower back pain can occur.

2.       Round ligament pain: as the utuerus expands, the ligaments that support it can stretch causing discomfort or a sharp pain in the lower abdominal or groin area.

3.       Pelvic pain: pelvic pain can be as a result of relaxation and stretching of the pelvic joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth or it can be from a hypertonic and overactive pelvic floor.

4.       Sciatica: pressure on the sciatic nerve can be caused by the growing uterus and lead to shotting pain, numbness or tingling down the back and into the legs.

5.       Rib pain: as the uterus expands it can push against the ribcage and cause pain around the ribs.

6.       Hip pain: as the uterus and belly grows and hormones increase, ligaments can become laxer and more put more load or strain through the hips and pelvis. This can be aggravated by single leg activity including walking up and down stairs or getting out of the car.

It is important to note that while mild to moderate discomfort is common during pregnancy, severe or persistent pain should be evaluated by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist who can assess the cause of the pain and provide a treatment plan for you to get on top of your pain and return to normal activities.