Pregnancy Pain: Is Your Discomfort Unnecessary?

Pregnancy is often associated with a variety of aches and pains, and many women expect to experience discomfort as part of the journey. In fact, it’s so common that some women may not seek treatment for pain, assuming it’s just a normal part of pregnancy.

However, not all discomfort during pregnancy is something you just have to "deal with." If pain is preventing you from doing everyday activities, such as rolling over in bed or getting up from a chair, it might be time to explore solutions.

Common Pregnancy Pains: SPD and Round Ligament Pain

Two common sources of pain during pregnancy are Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) and round ligament pain. These conditions can affect your quality of life, but they don’t have to be accepted as inevitable.

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

SPD occurs when there’s increased stress on the pubic symphysis, the joint at the front of the pelvis. This joint plays a crucial role in pelvic stability, walking, and, of course, childbirth. As your pregnancy progresses, the body undergoes various changes, and the pubic symphysis absorbs more strain. This increased pressure can lead to irritation, inflammation, and pain around the pubic joint, making movements like walking, rolling over in bed, or standing up from a seated position uncomfortable.

Round Ligament Pain

The round ligaments are responsible for stabilizing the uterus and connecting it to the pelvis. These ligaments stretch and lengthen as the uterus grows, and the tension can lead to sharp pain in the lower abdomen or groin area. The pain is usually felt in the corners of the belly or in the groin, often triggered by sudden movements like standing up too quickly or shifting positions.

The Changes Your Body Goes Through

Pregnancy brings significant changes to the body’s mechanics. The pelvis, abdomen, and legs all adapt to accommodate the growing baby. As the spine curve changes to support the weight of the uterus, your stance becomes wider and more stable. The uterus grows upwards and forwards, altering the balance and dynamics of the body.

While the female body is marvellously designed to handle these changes, it’s easy to see how imbalances or dysfunctional mechanics can lead to pain. SPD and round ligament pain often result from tension imbalances in the pelvic area and the body as a whole.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathy offers a gentle, non-invasive treatment option during pregnancy. It focuses on releasing restrictions in the pelvic joints, decompressing the abdomen, and improving the functional mechanics of the hips and legs. This approach helps the body adapt to the physical changes of pregnancy while maintaining balance and reducing discomfort. Osteopathic treatments aim to support a woman’s body throughout the pregnancy and prepare it for labour.

Osteopathic care during pregnancy is all about improving adaptability and ensuring the body remains dynamically balanced, helping reduce pain and discomfort as the pregnancy progresses.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to remember that while some discomfort during pregnancy is normal, certain symptoms should not be ignored. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor or midwife immediately:

• Severe, constant, or cramping pain

• Fever and chills

• Pain when passing urine

• Bleeding

• A feeling of faintness or dizziness

These could be signs of complications that require immediate medical attention.