If you’re pregnant and in your second or third trimester, you’ve probably experienced some sort of pain. The most common pain we hear about is pelvic pain - which can range from a dull ache to a “I-cannot-walk-or-move” pain. There are also many types of pelvic pain, which can be confusing!
Here’s a short rundown of the most common types of pelvic pain and what you can do about them.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD): Caused by hormones that relax your ligaments and cause your pubic bone (that bone right above your vagina) to get out of whack. You might not walk easily or feel like your pelvis may split into two.
Go see a Pelvic Floor Therapist - for real. Don't wait. They're magic workers. You can get a referral to one through your provider or just find one local. I went to one and only had to go twice! The pain was mostly gone afterward (and she knew what to do if it came back).
Get a good belly support band - we love these!
Do the exercises your PFT prescribes
Round Ligament Pain: Caused by, you guessed it, HORMONES, that relax your ligaments near your belly or groin area. Usually a sharp/jabbing pain and super, super common in pregnancy.
Do some prenatal yoga to strengthen & stretch those areas
Get a belly band to take some weight off your ligaments
Avoid sudden movements
Lightning Crotch: LOL yes this is a thing. It happens usually after your baby has dropped and puts pressure on your pelvic floor. All that added pressure can cause some discomfort and shooting pains.
Get a belly band - FOR REAL. Just get one!⠀
Prenatal Yoga can help (I really like this YouTube channel)
Try to take it easy... and remember that your body is prepping for labor!
Sciatica: Caused by pressure put on your sciatic nerve which can cause lower back pain and shooting pain down your legs.
Get a belly band (no, for real. do it)
Prenatal yoga or other form of exercise
Chiropractor/physical therapist
Talk to your provider if you experience any of these along with contractions or intense pressure in your pelvic floor area. Usually aches and pains are very normal, but sometimes they can be something more serious, like preterm labor or other issues.