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Resolving pregnancy pain

The body goes through dramatic changes during pregnancy.

The pelvis widens to accommodate the growing baby and to prepare for childbirth. The low back deepens its curve as the belly and breasts increase in size. Subsequently, the muscles and connective tissues that attach to these structures also have to stretch and work harder to maintain balance and support. The muscles can over-activate to support this increasing load and go into spasm causing pain. At the same time, the nerves that are embedded in the fascia under the skin also get stretched out, causing irritation.

Thus, a pregnant person can experience sharp stabbing pain.

This usually occurs in the low back, the sacroiliac joint (one or both sides of the back of the hip), in front of the thighs and groin (the round ligament), and in the pubic symphysis (crotch area).

Pregnancy pain can get triggered with movement such as turning in bed, getting in and out of bed, excessive walking, lying on the side, lifting, and bending. These symptoms usually arise in the second and third trimester and typically will decrease shortly after delivery. However, they can also persist or worsen if there is a birth injury.

Having described biomechanical reasons for pregnancy pain, it is also important to note that stressors to the nervous system also play a critical role in the experience of pain during pregnancy.

Since pregnancy itself is a tremendous stressor to the body, any other stressors such as strenuous work, commuting, renovation, house moving, and getting married can also put further strain on the body and the nervous system. These additional strains can make the pain feel much worse.

To address pregnancy pain, it is important not only to address the biomechanical causes of pain but also to consider the nervous system. Therefore, the physiotherapy treatments for pregnancy pain usually include manual therapy techniques, specific movement strategies, and a therapeutic exercise program that includes strengthening as well as nerve calming exercises.