Pelvic pain is common in pregnancy, as the baby grows. The pelvis joint expands throughout the third trimester as the body prepares for child birth. This expansion combined with the weight of the baby is responsible for pelvic pain during pregnancy.
This is one of the discomforts in pregnancy that won’t completely go away until after the baby is born. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to deal with the pain and get some relief. Try one or a combination of these methods to relieve pelvic pain.
Pregnant women often find pelvic pain increases when they spend a lot of time on their feet. If you are on your feet for work or at home, take breaks throughout the day and rest. Lie down, if possible, or sit with your feet elevated to take the pressure off the pelvis.
Regular exercise can offer relief from pelvic pain. Exercise helps control weight gain and reduces swelling, which can help with pressure and pain in the pelvis. In addition, regular exercise can increase flexibility, muscle tone and oxygen in the muscles. Some women find exercise helps encourage the baby to change positions, which may reduce pressure and offer relief.
Take note of when the pain is most severe. If you notice pain at the end of the day or when you are tired, you may need more rest. Napping in the afternoon, resting for a half hour before making dinner or getting to bed an hour earlier at night are effective ways for dealing with fatigue.
In addition to rest, lying down may offer an additional benefit. When you change position and lie down, it may encourage the baby to shift position. The change in the baby’s position may take pressure off the pelvis and give you some relief, even if only temporarily.
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