Which part of the body does pelvic pain occur in pregnant women?

The bitterness and sweetness during pregnancy are really two extremes. Welcoming the arrival of a new life is a very joyful thing, but pregnant women will experience physical problems such as morning sickness and pelvic pain. Generally speaking, pelvic pain occurs around 12 weeks, and pregnant women often feel body aches, especially abdominal discomfort. Sometimes the pelvic pain is so severe that pregnant women even have difficulty sleeping. So which part of the body does pelvic pain refer to?

The pelvic area refers to the pelvis and the nerves and ligaments surrounding it. Two hip bones, which connect to a wedge-shaped bone in the back called the sacrum. At the front of the body, the anterior pubic symphysis connects the two hip bones together, forming a basin-shaped structure called the pelvis.

What is pelvic pain during pregnancy

The pain often occurs on one side and may be concentrated in the hip area. The pain sometimes switches suddenly from one side to the other or may be accompanied by back pain. You may also feel a sharp pain in the buttocks or down the back of the leg. If there is tingling or numbness and the pain extends to the knee, it is most likely sciatica rather than pelvic pain. Sciatica may also cause pain in the buttocks, weakness in one or both legs, and even an inability to lift the leg, especially when sitting.

Causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy

1. Pubic symphysis separation. The pain caused by this reason is so severe that it may even be impossible to move. It usually occurs in late pregnancy. You should seek medical attention promptly.

2. Pain in bones and joints in the pelvic area. The pain caused by this reason is not very severe, usually just a feeling of back pain. It usually occurs during the second to third trimester. It is related to ligament relaxation after pregnancy and is a consequence of progesterone secretion. The pain can be relieved by calcium supplementation, sun exposure and proper exercise.

3. Pain caused by inflammation. This type of pain is uncommon and usually occurs in expectant mothers who suffer from chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or have a history of surgery. Pain occurs because the surgical wound is stretched and adheres after pregnancy. It usually occurs in the second and third trimesters.

4. Pain caused by abnormal pregnancy. If premature birth, miscarriage, or pregnancy complicated by digestive tract diseases, appendicitis, etc. occurs, there will be a feeling of falling in the abdomen, sometimes accompanied by pain. It can happen at any time during pregnancy. You need to go to the hospital immediately.

5. Sciatica. It is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve due to inflammation or spinal misalignment. The pain extends from the buttocks to the leg, sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation. It usually occurs in the second trimester and may improve in the third trimester. Studies show that approximately 1% of expectant mothers will experience sciatica during pregnancy.

How to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy

Do not squeeze any sore spots. If an area hurts, try not to touch it.

The amount of exercise should be small each time, but exercise should be done frequently. Maybe the pain doesn't subside immediately after activity, and you may feel the effects of the day's activities only in the evening or after you go to bed.

Maintaining a regular routine, lying on your side or sitting upright with your back well supported can help relieve pain.

Avoid lying on your back or sitting slumped, especially with your legs stretched out (e.g., sitting on a sofa with your legs lifted up and placed on a chair).

Don't lift or push objects (pushing a trolley in a supermarket can be particularly painful).

When putting on clothes (such as shorts or pants), do so while sitting down. First, pull the trouser legs over your feet, then stand up and put them on. Do not try to put on pants, shorts, or skirts while standing.

Sometimes it feels better to sleep on something softer. You can put a duvet under the mattress.

Change your posture frequently. Don't stay in one position for a long time, especially when sitting at a computer desk or watching TV. You should get up and move around every 45 minutes.

Perform regular pelvic floor muscle exercises and lower abdominal exercises.