Pelvic Pain during Pregnancy and Post-Partum
From Bump to Bliss: Cotlew St. Osteopathy – guiding you through pelvic wellness during pregnancy and beyond.
The miracle of pregnancy and the joys of motherhood bring profound changes to a woman’s body. For some, these transformative moments are accompanied by the challenges of pelvic pain.
Understanding pelvic pain during pregnancy
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is not uncommon, often arising from the body’s adaptations to the growing baby. Pelvic pain during pregnancy can manifest in several forms as:
Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction – discomfort at the front of the pelvis due to increased joint laxity.
Round Ligament pain – sharp or stabbing pain caused by the stretching of round ligaments that support the uterus.
Pelvic Girdle pain – pain around the pelvic joints, often radiating to the thighs or lower back.
Towards the end of pregnancy, your body releases a hormone called Relaxin, to loosen your ligaments and joints and relax the muscles for delivery. While this is natural, it can contribute to instability in some joints, including those in your pelvic region. This can be a cause of joint pain, along with a shift in the body’s center of gravity (your posture), and increased pressure on the pelvic area from the weight of baby.
Understanding pelvic pain post-partum
Post-partum pain affects 2-10% of women and usually presents as perineal discomfort, pelvic floor strain and pubic symphysis pain.
After childbirth, the pelvis has undergone significant changes to the muscles, ligaments and fascia. These changes can occur for a variety of reasons and may be caused by prolonged second stage labour, tearing during labour, the use of instruments such as forceps, having a high birth weight baby, episiotomy, and an emergency cesarian section.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can make normal activities feel difficult. For some women, lifting their baby, going to the toilet, or even walking, may induce pain or pressure in the pelvis. This is usually due to the pelvic floor muscles carrying excess weight during pregnancy and stretching, then undergoing trauma during the birthing process.
Cotlew St. Osteopathy
How Osteopathy Can Help
Cotlew St. Osteopathy takes a wholistic approach to pelvic pain during pregnancy and post-partum. A thorough case history and physical assessment is conducted to identify musculoskeletal imbalances contributing to pelvic pain. Other more serious or complicated conditions need to be considered during this process and referred on to your midwife, GP, or another health professional if required.
Osteopathic techniques aim to release tension, improve joint mobility, and optimise the alignment of the pelvis, hips and lower back, providing relief from discomfort. Some of the osteopathic techniques may address the pelvic floor muscles, to promote strength and flexibility. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, taking into account the prior pelvic health history of the woman and the specific challenges each woman faces during pregnancy and birth.
Victoria at Cotlew St. Osteopathy understands the significance of supporting mothers during this transformative time. Schedule an appointment today and feel the difference that osteopathy can make for your pelvic health.
Cotlew St. Osteopathy
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteopathic treatment can typically begin as soon as the mother feels comfortable. Early intervention supports a smoother recovery, but treatment can be initiated at any post-partum stage. Sometimes having a support person with you for your osteopathic session can help, particularly if you have brought your newborn or infant with you. They can help care for the infant, hold, or play with them in the dedicated play area in the Cotlew St. rooms, so you can focus on your treatment.
Pelvic floor pain and dysfunction can be considered tight or weak.
Pelvic floor tightness may include pain around the pelvic floor, pelvic area, and lower back. You may feel like there is a ball in the pelvic floor and core exercises make it feel worse. You may also feel painful urination, constipation and reduced vaginal sensations.
Pelvic floor weakness may include lower back pain, stress urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, bowel incontinence, prolapse and reduced vaginal sensations.
Pelvic floor physical therapy and exercises can help normalize function and relieve strains.
Cotlew St. Osteopathy
Cotlew St. Osteopathy is dedicated to supporting mothers through the transformative phases of pregnancy and post-partum.
Our wholistic approach to pelvic pain emphasizes personalised care, promoting physical comfort and enhancing the emotional well-being of mothers. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, during or after pregnancy, consider consulting with Cotlew St. Osteopathy for guidance and tailored care for your pelvic health.
Embark on a pain free pregnancy and post-partum – Schedule an appointment today.