Back pain and pelvic pain are common during pregnancy. Early intervention and attempts to resolve your pain as soon as possible can have a significant bearing on the latter stages of pregnancy.
First of all, it is quite common for women to experience pelvic and groin pain at some point during their pregnancy. As your baby grows there is in increase in weight on the structures to the front of the pelvis, an area known as the pubic symphysis. The pubic symphysis is where the pelvic bones meet and are connected by a series of strong ligaments. Increases in baby weight, cause an increase in mechanical pressure on these ligaments and can give rise to a condition known as symphysis pubis disorder, more commonly known as SPD. The stretching and pulling of these ligaments and muscle attachments can cause discomfort and pain in the pubic and groin areas.
Chemical factors also have an influence on back pain while pregnant. During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin to help relax the pelvic ligaments in preparation for childbirth. This hormone can also cause the spinal ligaments to relax putting increased pressure on the spine and its joints. Irritation can be commonly felt in the lower back where the spine meets the pelvis. Postural changes due to a shift in the center of gravity may also increase the load on the spine, as well as weight gain from the growth of your baby.
There are fortunately some steps that can help reduce the load on the spinal column and the pelvic areas. The correction of any muscle imbalances can help even the workload between the back and pelvic areas. In many cases the muscles of the lower back will be working harder to compensate for an under active core or gluteal region. Correction of these muscle imbalances from an early stage in your pregnancy can go a long way to decreasing the aches and pains felt later on. Correction of imbalances through a physiotherapy assessment can also improve posture and help reduce the possibility of altered pelvic alignment. The implementation of a gentle Pilates routine can also be very beneficial once muscle imbalances have been addressed.
Should you have any queries or questions regarding the above information please feel free to contact us in Dunboyne to discuss more.
Bryan Henry
Senior Physiotherapist/Director
Dunboyne Physiotherapy Clinic
