Jennifer Carman, PT, DPT
For some women pregnancy is an amazing radiant time filled with expectation and hope.
But for others it is quite a different experience in which their bodies are no longer familiar to them. These women may experience 40 uncomfortable weeks of continual adaptation as they literally labor and struggle through the ever changing demands of an all consuming baby who takes over the woman’s body and body functions!
It is well known that the expectant mother may experience nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness; however, some women also experience an increase of non-pregnancy related pains. As the pregnancy progresses a hormone “relaxin” is gradually released in the woman’s body with the purpose of relaxing or loosening the joints and ligaments within the pelvis in preparation for a vaginal birth. Relaxin however is released throughout the systemic body. In other words a woman may experience recurrent pain from an old ankle sprain, rotator cuff injury, or flare up of her meniscus (knee). Previous unstable joints become even more unstable.
As the relaxin loosens the pelvis the expectant mother may experience instability of the sacroiliac joint or pubic symphysis. This may cause pain in the front or back of the pelvis. It also may cause the inability to stand on one leg as with dressing, walking or stairs. And of course the characteristic pregnancy waddle may cause hip or knee pain.
The onset of mid or low back pain is a common symptom as the pregnancy progresses the baby grows and the abdominal muscles that protect the back are lengthened to a disadvantageous position. The growing uterus may put pressure on the sciatic nerve causing shooting pain or tingling down the leg.
As the pregnancy continues to progress weight gain, water retention and increase of blood volume may contribute to swelling of hands and feet. Some women report onset of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms including numbness and tingling of hands and fingers.
Although these symptoms are considered within normal for a healthy and safe pregnancy; the expectant mother does not have to wait out her time suffering in silence.
At SouthOCPT we got you!!
The appropriate Physical Therapy treatment plan can provide safe reduction of pain, improve stability and even prepare the pelvis and abdominal muscles for labor. And following the birth of your beautiful baby Physical Therapy can help to restore your pelvis and bladder so that you can safely return to your previously enjoyed activities.
Jennifer Carman, M.S., PT
jennifer@southocpt.com
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