Common Pregnancy aches & pains
SPD/Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, Pelvic Girdle pain in pregnancy
This refers to the pain relating to the bony joint at the front of your pelvis. During pregnancy the joint naturally separates as you grow but can cause pain in some expectant mothers. There are a number of factors that influence SPD including; pelvic floor muscles, tight inner thigh (Adductor) muscles, joint separation, sacroiliac joint and so on. Osteopathic treatment helps to relieve the pain by releasing all the muscle tension around the joint, increasing the mobility of the surrounding joints and tightening appropriate muscles the support the pubic joint.
Rib pain in pregnancy
As your baby grows during pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the developing life within. One such change involves the expansion of your rib cage. As your belly enlarges, your ribs naturally widen to make room for the growing uterus. This adjustment is essential for both your comfort and the healthy development of your baby. However, this expansion can lead to discomfort and pain in the rib area. Additionally, as your baby continues to grow, they may compress the ribs and diaphragm, the muscle responsible for your breathing, further contributing to rib pain and difficulty breathing deeply.
Hip pain in pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is generally recommended to sleep on your sides, particularly the left side. This sleeping position helps ensure optimal blood circulation, as the weight of your growing baby can compress blood vessels if you lie on your back. Additionally, as your belly expands, sleeping on your stomach becomes increasingly uncomfortable and impractical. However, many women experience hip pain during the night while sleeping on their sides, which can disrupt sleep and lead to discomfort.
To help alleviate this hip pain, consider using a pillow under your hip or between your knees. This simple adjustment can provide extra support and relieve pressure on your hips, helping to maintain proper alignment throughout the night.
Lower Back pain in pregnancy
Lower back pain refers to your lumbar spine, in your lower back. Lower back pain in pregnancy can be caused by; the curve in your lower back (lordosis) flattening, your centre of gravity changes, the weight of your growing belly pulls from the front and the hormonal (relaxin) changes. A variety of symptoms are associated with LBP. There can be; sharp, dull, achey, stabbing, radiating pain. The easiest way to self relieve LBP is gentle movement. Osteopathic treatment can help by; improving the lumbar and thoracic spine mechanics, reducing muscle tension, improving lymphatic drainage and increasing the local blood supply.
Headaches & Migraines in pregnancy
Headaches & migraines are particularly common in the first and third trimester. This is largely due to change in your hormones. There are a variety of types of headaches; tension, cluster, cervicogenic and migraines (others too). Always tell your health professional if you are suffering from a headaches. Osteopathic treatment can help relieve headaches by improving your neck (cervical spine) mechanics, reducing muscle tension, tailored advice including; diet, exercises, stress, hydration, sleep and so on.
Sciatica in pregnancy
Sciatica refers to pain arising from the compression/squeezing of your sciatic nerve. The nerve arises in your lower back and passes through your buttocks region and into the back/posterior leg. The most common cause of sciatica is disc (little ‘pillows’ between your spinal bones) herniation (disc slips or prolapses). Luckily in pregnancy disc injuries are not common. In pregnancy Sciatica is mostly due to unstable or tight joints and muscle tension. Osteopathic treatment helps relieve Sciatica by improving the lower back (lumbar spine) mechanics, reducing muscle tension and giving tailored stretches.
CTS/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are many symptoms related to CTS, including; numbness, pins and needles, weakness, pain, tingling, throbbing sensation, swollen fingers, difficulty picking up small objects. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the palm of your hand. CTS is caused by compression on the median nerve through the carpal tunnel. Risk factors for developing CTS include; being over-weight, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension (high blood pressure) and high bloods sugars. These all can cause fluid retention which can compress the nerve.
Round ligament pain
Often described as a sharp, stabbing pain, felt on one or both sides of the lower belly. The round ligament runs from the uterus to the pubic bone and naturally during pregnancy it expands in length and diameter. Some women experience this pain, typically in the second trimester when the ligament grows. It is considered a normal part of pregnancy as it is a growing pain. To help relieve the pain you can apply heat to the area, rest, avoid sudden movements, avoid heavy lifting and try stretching your hip. Osteopathic treatment helps relieve round ligament pain by improving the hip, pelvic and lumbar spine mechanics.
Restless leg syndrome ‘Willis-Ekbom disease’
This is a sensory motor disorder, creating an uncomfortable, strong, irresistible urge to move your legs’ and an unpleasant sensation in the legs. It mostly commonly occurring during periods of rest, especially at night, when sleeping and is relieved by movement. There are potential links to low levels of iron and folate with restless legs syndrome and additional supplementation may be recommended. Please ask your health professional if this would suit you. To relieve the sensation a walk in the evening, followed by gentle stretching can help.
Tailbone pain
Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, refers to discomfort originating from the coccyx, or tailbone, located at the very base of your spine. During pregnancy, this pain can become particularly pronounced due to the physical changes your body undergoes as your baby grows. Increased pressure on the tailbone from the expanding uterus, along with hormonal changes that affect the ligaments and joints, can contribute to this discomfort. Many women experience sharp or aching pain that can be exacerbated by prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces, and certain movements.
Reflux
Unfortunately with the rise in progesterone hormone and the growing baby compressing your insides, reflux is very common in pregnancy. Progesterone is thought to relax the sphincter at the top of the stomach which allows the stomach/gastric acid to travel up the oesophagus creating the burning sensation. Whilst treatment can’t fix the hormone influence, treatment can help make as much room as possible, relieving the pressure. This means releasing the diaphragm, intercostal (breathing) muscles, thoracic spine and so on.
Constipation
Constipation during pregnancy is a common issue that many women experience due to hormonal changes, increased pressure on the intestines from the growing uterus, and dietary changes. The hormone progesterone can slow down the digestive system, leading to difficulty passing stools and discomfort. Additionally, dehydration and a lack of fiber in the diet can exacerbate the problem. It’s important for pregnant women to stay hydrated, consume a balanced diet rich in fiber, and engage in regular physical activity to help alleviate constipation. Osteopathic treatment can help relieve constipation in pregnancy.
Sacroiliac joint pain
This is the joint between the sacrum (big triangle bone in the back of the pelvis) and the Ilium (part of the innominate). This joint is a shock absorber of the force to and from the lower back (lumbar spine) to the lower extremities (legs). During pregnancy, due to the Relaxin hormone and the sacroiliac joints can become hypermobile (too flexible) creatingpain. Equally they can become hypomobile (restricted).
Sleeping issues
Sleep is a vital part of our day. Whether you are pregnant, a new mum or not, sleep is essential. Quality sleep is our time overnight for our parasympathetic nervous system to do its job of ‘rest and repair’. Yet for many of us, a solid 8hours of uninterrupted, quality sleep in not happening. Whether its struggling to fall asleep, waking up wide awake at 1am, going to the bathroom multiple times, or you are uncomfortable during sleep, all these factors effect the quality of your sleep.
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain during pregnancy is a common complaint that can arise due to various factors, including hormonal changes, postural adjustments, and the increased weight of the growing baby. To help manage shoulder pain, it's essential to maintain good posture, practice gentle stretching, and incorporate regular movement throughout the day. If shoulder pain persists or becomes severe, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide valuable insight and effective treatment options to enhance your comfort during pregnancy.