Pelvic joints pain in pregnancy: If during or after your pregnancy you have pain in your pelvic joints when walking, climbing stairs or turning in bed, you could have pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). This is a slight misalignment or stiffness of your pelvic joints, at either the back or front. It affects up to one in four pregnant women to a lesser or greater extent. Some women have minor discomfort; others may have much greater immobility.
Pelvic joints pain treatment
Getting diagnosed as early as possible can help to minimize the pain and avoid long-term discomfort. Treatment usually involves gently pressing on or moving the affected joint so that it works normally again.
Ask a member of your maternity team for a referral to a manual physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor who is experienced in treating pelvic joint problems.
They tend not to get better completely without treatment from an experienced practitioner.
Contact the Pelvic Partnership for support and advice.
Piles and pregnancy
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins around your anus (back passage) which may itch, ache or feel sore. You can usually feel the lumpiness of the piles around your anus. Piles may also bleed a little and they can make going to the toilet uncomfortable or even painful.
They occur in pregnancy because certain hormones make your veins relax. Piles usually resolve within weeks after birth.
How to ease piles in pregnancy
• Eat plenty of food that is high in fiber, like whole meal bread, fruit and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. This will prevent constipation, which can make piles worse.
• Avoid standing for long periods.
• Take regular exercise to improve your circulation.
• You may find it helpful to use a cloth wrung out in ice water.
• Push any piles that stick out gently back inside using a lubricating jelly.
• Ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if they can suggest a suitable ointment.
Varicose veins in pregnancy
Varicose veins are veins which have become swollen. The veins in the legs are most commonly affected. You can also get varicose veins in other areas. They usually get better after delivery.
How to prevent varicose veins getting worse in pregnancy
• Try to avoid standing for long periods of time.
• Try not to sit with your legs crossed.
• Try not to put on too much weight, as this increases the pressure.
• Sit with your legs up as often as you can to ease the discomfort.
• Try support tights, which may also help to support the muscles of your legs.
• Try sleeping with your legs higher than the rest of your body – use pillows under your ankles or put books under the foot of your bed.
• Do foot exercises and other antenatal exercises such as walking and swimming, which will help your circulation.
Help and support
Contact Netmums, a unique local network and source of discussion
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