Pregnancy can be a time of extreme discomfort. From aching feet to lower back pain, the pregnant woman’s body feels the effects of being pregnant. In addition to carrying the weight of baby, the changing hormone levels and changing shape and size of the uterus cause all sorts of stresses on the body. One of the most common types of discomfort that a pregnant woman can experience is pelvic pressure and pain.

There are two major causes of pelvic pain & pressure during pregnancy. The expanding uterus presses on your pelvis, causing pain and pressure. As pregnancy moves on, your baby will become larger and move deeper and deeper into your pelvic area. At times, this can almost feel like someone is pushing from the inside on your pelvis. You may be actually able to feel your uterus at this time.

The second major cause of pelvic pain & pressure during pregnancy is the stretching of ligaments. As the ligaments that support your uterus thin and stretch, they can cause sharp, almost stabbing pains on the side of your pelvis. This pain can stretch all the way down to the thighs. The sciatic nerve may also be crowded, causing a painful or sometimes a numb feeling in this area as well.

There are a variety of things that you can do to help relieve pelvic pressure & pain during pregnancy. You might find that you can use heat, such as with a heat pack or a warm bath, to help relax your pelvic area. Some women have had success with pelvic massage. Sometimes, just changing your position can get your baby into a different spot, and thereby putting less pressure on your pelvis. Knee lifts can sometimes help with stretching ligaments, although you should always take care to do these in such a way that you maintain your balance and avoid the risk of falling. Pelvic rocking or hip squeeze exercises may provide some relief. If the pain and pressure are unbearable, or if they are frequent, you should speak with your health care provider.

Posted in Pregnancy

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