PELVIC PAIN DURING PREGNANCY

Some time between peeing on a stick and packing your hospital bag, pregnancy discomforts creep in. What can you do for relief?

Some time between peeing on a stick and packing your hospital bag, pregnancy discomforts creep in. Pregnant people say things like

"Oh, it hurts so bad when I get out of bed!"

"By the end of the day, I can hardly get out of the recliner. My partner has to help me."

"It feels like I'm getting kicked in the center of my pubic bone!"

We sometimes hear this pain referred to as SPD, symphysis pubis dysfunction. Our first suggestion is always, always pelvic floor physical therapy. (Click here for a list of Kansas City pelvic floor pts).

You're starting to notice your core is fatigued from supporting your pregnant belly all day. Core muscles give up, leaving pelvic floor, low back, and glute muscles scrambling for support and stability. That sharp kicked in the crotch feeling? It's your pubic bone and pelvic floor muscles trying to maintain balance. After that stability is compromised (while sitting, getting out of bed, etc.), your pelvic floor muscles freak out trying to keep everything together. OW.

What can you do for relief?

Dos:

• do keep knees together when sitting
• do use this log roll move to get out of bed.
• do bring knees together when getting out of the car, open the door, turn both knees toward the door, and then step out.
• do stack your hips when sleeping on your side, use a pillow or 10 between your knees to keep your top leg level with the hip.

Don'ts:

• don't sit cross-legged
• don't hang out with knees wider than shoulders width apart (including yoga, sex, exercise ball, etc.)
• don't suffer through! Pain or discomfort during pregnancy is your body's way of asking for something different.

Still need more ideas?

• take a bath and use all the Epsom salts (5-7 cups for a deep tub, 4-5 in a standard tub). The magnesium will increase your comfort and help you sleep.

• see a Kansas City chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy care

• ask your maternity care provider for a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist.

You'll be feeling more like yourself in no time!

Want more information and encouragement as you navigate pregnancy, birth, and parenthood? Please join our free online community, Welcome Baby KC Support, where we provide a steady stream of information relevant to your unique needs AND live, interactive help from our team of doulas and birth professionals.