Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy – Causes, and Symptoms

5 min read

Written by Gayathri Lakshminarayanan

Gayathri Lakshminarayanan

CA, B.Com

Gayathri’s passion for writing had its foundation at the very early stages of her life when she was on her college editorial board and also won several awards for writing events and book review competitions. She combines her corporate experience with her writing skills and her experience as a homemaker makes her an empathetic contributor in the parenting domain . Her shift from full-time accounting professional to a homemaker gave her career a new direction.

Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

Pelvis is the area between the hip bones and below the abdomen. During the early weeks of pregnancy, many women experience pelvic pain. Pelvic pain during pregnancy is caused due to the expansion of ligaments and bones to accommodate the new entrant. Usually, pelvic pain resembles cramps during menstruation. The intensity and the frequency of pain vary drastically but last only for a few days.

Sometimes, there may be some disorders associated with pelvic pain, and in that case, you will also witness vaginal bleeding and pain. In this article, let us discuss more what causes pelvic pain and the symptoms, and we shall also discuss the difference between pelvic pressure and pelvic pain. Let us get started.

In This Article

Pelvic Pressure or Pain-Know The Difference
Causes of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Treatment For Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
Precautions For Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Groin Pain During Pregnancy-What You Must Know
FAQ’s

Pelvic Pressure or Pain-Know The Difference

You may experience different kinds of pain or pressure during pregnancy. There is a thin silver line that differentiates the pressure and pain. The Pelvic pressure is usually called Braxton Hicks Contractions. There is a slight pressure or tightening in the pelvis, which comes and goes like contractions. They are not painful but will resemble labor contractions.

The contractions happen for a few minutes and then disappear after a few minutes. If they persist for more than an hour or two, then it is time for you to call the doctor. Pelvic pain usually occurs when the body expands to accommodate the growing fetus. They are generally not severe and last for a few seconds. But, they come and go now and then.

Causes of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

There are several causes of Pelvic Pain during pregnancy, and most of them are less severe and prevalent.

1. Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

Symphysis Pubis is a joint in front of the pelvis. During pregnancy, Estrogen, Progesterone, and relaxin levels vary drastically. When these hormones rise, the pelvic ligaments become soft and relaxed. This makes the joints to be more flexible and mobile.

The Symphysis Pubis also becomes unstable and stretchy, causing pain in the pelvic area. The pain can start as early as the time of conception. But it may worsen towards the end of the pregnancy. Some women also use pelvic belts to support the pain in the area. The Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is also known as Pelvic Girdle Pain.

2. Accommodation Pain

Our uterus expands drastically during the eighth to twelfth week of pregnancy to support the new life. During this period, you might experience cramps similar to period cramps but without bleeding. You are more likely to experience this pain in the subsequent pregnancy and not in the first pregnancy.

3. Round Ligament Pain

The ligament moves from the top of the uterus to the bottom near the groin during the second trimester. This may cause pain, and women could feel them when waking up from the chair as the uterus puts and pulls pressure on the ligament. The pain may disappear by 24 weeks.

4. Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti usually happens when the muscles in the abdomen separate during pregnancy, and the abdomen muscles attach themselves from the breastbone to the pelvic bone. When this separates, you may experience pain in the pelvic area, similar to Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Your doctor may suggest simple workouts at home after delivery. In sporadic cases, women may require surgery.

5. Pressure From Baby`s weight

When you are in your third trimester, the growing fetus may start placing pressure in the pelvic region by pressing down the nerves from the vagina to the legs. You might experience pain when you move as the baby bounces when you move. To relieve the pain, lie down on one side and rest a bit.

6. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts, which form when there is a change in how the ovaries release eggs, are harmless and non-cancerous. They may become more prominent during pregnancy, and the pressure that the uterus puts on the ovary may cause pelvic pain.

7. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

UTI is a condition in which pregnant moms have a sudden urge to urinate, pain or burning sensation while urinating and abdominal pain.

8. Constipation

Constipation is prevalent during pregnancy, and it can give you some discomfort and pelvic pain during pregnancy. It would be best to drink plenty of water and fluids to eat raw vegetables and dietary fruits to keep you healthy and hydrated.

Treatment For Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy

Pelvic pain during pregnancy can be quite uncomfortable. Here are a few things you can do to ease that pain.

Exercise in water
Undergo pelvic physiotherapy
Take proper rest
Use pelvic belts
Place ice packs over pelvic joints
Use flat shoes
Do not move too much
Do not push yourself too much during pain

Precautions For Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

While pelvic pain is normal during pregnancy, sometimes, it can also happen due to reasons which may need immediate medical intervention. If you are pregnant, here is what you need to keep in mind for your pelvic pain.

1. Never hesitate to take a second opinion once you meet a doctor but still feel you are not OK with the treatment.

2. The pain can spread to several other body parts, including the centre of the pubic bone, lower back, perineum, thighs, and the round ligament.

3. The pelvic pain is usually not severe. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Fever or chills along with the pain
Inconsistent pain and does not subside with rest
Burning sensation during urination
Nausea, vomiting sensation, or dizziness
Greenish, bloody, or watery discharge
Bleeding

Groin Pain During Pregnancy – What You Must Know

Groin pain is yet another common pregnancy pain, and it becomes more intense as the pregnancy progresses. Even though the pain is intense, it does not mean there is any problem with the pregnancy. You can try out any of the following tips to ease the groin pain.

Do pelvic exercises, including pelvic tilts, and relax the hips elevated.
Take a warm shower.
Use a Belly sling. It is a unique sling made of elastic fabric to support your belly.
Go for a prenatal massage.
Acupuncture works effectively to remove all kinds of pain, including pelvic pain.
If you have severe pain, discuss it with your doctor and get pregnancy-safe pain relievers.

Pelvic pain during pregnancy, by itself, is normal and happens due to the pressure of the expanding uterus on the pelvis and the surrounding areas. You needn’t worry as long as the pain is not accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and chills.

Pain in the pelvis area is common during pregnancy, and there are ways to reduce the pain and discomfort. The intensity of the pain varies and should not be worrying you much. If you find it worrying accompanied by any other abnormal symptoms, make sure you contact your OB-GYN immediately for timely care and attention.