Pain in pregnancy - Common does not mean normal

Yesterday, I evaluated a new patient who has been experiencing intermittent pain since early March 2019. She was in first trimester of pregnancy and went for a run. The next day she felt excruciating pain. She could not run, had difficulty walking and sitting comfortably, and had pain lying on her side without a pillow between her knees for the remainder of her pregnancy, At the time, her physician incorrectly told her that it would get better once her baby was born. She is now seven weeks postpartum and still experiencing her pain.

Let’s review some statistics:

• 56-72% of women experience low back pain or pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy

• Up to 25% of these women continue to experience pain after pregnancy

Now for my rant time:

• We need to stop spreading the rumor that women somehow deserve to suffer, or should expect to suffer, in pregnancy.

• We need to stop propagating the rumor that pain in pregnancy will get better after delivery. Some women get better without treatment, and that is great, but many women do not

• We need to give women real solutions that help them feel stronger, more supported, and more capable.

Now for what can you do about pain. These are some simple tips that account for many diagnoses and are given without evaluation or examination or your body or current circumstances. These are self care techniques to manage your pain until you start care with a qualified physical therapist. These recommendations are not meant to replace medical or physical therapist examination, testing, or care.

• Use a pillow between your knees when lying on your side. Make sure this pillow is wide enough to keep your knees hip distance apart.

• Roll like a log, Your hips and shoulders should roll together, not one then the other

• Keep your legs pointed straight ahead and in a symmetrical positions. Too wide (spread eagle) or too narrow (cross legged) positions can cause pain, lunges positions should be avoided.

• Walk upstairs sideways if you have to

• Walk with small steps

• Consider getting a sacroiliac support belt. These can provide compression to the sacroiliac joints in the back and the pubic symphysis in the front.

• Ice is your friend

• Last, but not least, make yourself a priority. You are worth spending time, effort, and money to take care of, and taking care of you will benefit your family and your baby. Get treatment to address your symptoms fully so that you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and be pain-free postpartum.